Seven Rila Lakes

Depart Sofia in the morning and travel by shuttle bus with a friendly English-speaking driver. Journey in air-conditioned comfort to Panichishte in the beautiful Rila National Park. Get briefed on arrival by your driver, who will tell you the different options and routes you can take up the mountain. Ride the chairlift to the 7 Rila Lakes, where you will get 5 hours of free time to go on some amazing nature walks independently to experience the glacial lakes from different perspectives. Board the shuttle bus at the agreed meeting point and relax on the 2-hour drive to Rila Monastery in a deep valley of the Rilska River. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery complex is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural and historical monuments. Get 1.5 hours to explore the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria at your own pace. Then, return to Sofia in the evening and get dropped off at the meeting point.

Enjoy a full-day trek into the Rila Mountains to explore the most picturesque area near Sofia and one of Bulgaria's most beautiful natural sites, the Seven Rila Lakes. Take your chance to explore the Blue Pearls of the Rila Mountains, and the Seven Rila Lakes the local tour operator, Traventuria, which was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative. IMPORTANT: The Rila Lakes are a ski area between December-May. Snow, mud, and puddles will cover the area until mid-June at least and all routes are very slippery. → The tour requires high level of fitness → The lakes are currently covered in snow and will NOT be experienced → Varied terrain and demanding conditions → Adequate equipment is a MUST: • Waterproof, warm, and non-slipping trekking shoes are required • Waterproof clothing • Warm layers beneath the jacket • Hat and gloves → Previous trekking experience along snow paths is an advantage → People vary a lot in their judgement of physical form. Some people will find the tempo slow, others nearly impossible to follow. IMPORTANT: Traventuria will carry out the tour 99.99% of the cases, regardless of the weather. However bad weather (Strong winds, heavy rainfall) may affect the availability of the lift. Without the lift the total walking distance will exceed 17 km. (~7 hours) and the altitude gain is 1000+m/3300ft in each direction. In result (depending on the overall fitness level of the group) the number of lakes visited will be cut short. About the lakes: This group of glacial lakes lies between 6,900 and 8,200 feet (2,100 and 2,500 meters) above sea level, surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys. Leaving Sofia, you will drive for 90 minutes to reach the Panichishte resort area, where you board the chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut. From here, continue on foot to explore the landscape and its majestic blue pearls – the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake, and the Lower Lake.

This full-day tour is designed for active people wishing to combine a trek to natural wonders, with a tour of the most visited tourist attraction in Bulgaria, the magnificent Rila Monastery (when available/the option is selected). Departing Sofia, you will head for the Rila Mountains, where you will enjoy a moderate hike through what is arguably the most distinguished area in the mountains, the 7 Rila Lakes. After a transfer of approximately 90 minutes, you will reach the region of Panichishte, where you will board a chair lift to the Rila Lakes hut. Consisting of a group of glacial lakes, the 7 Rila Lakes are located at an altitude of between 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) and 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level. Surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys, you will see spectacular views as you walk through its pearls, such as The Eye, The Tear, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, The Fish Lake, and The Lower Lake. The route can be adjusted on the spot, following more gentle or steeper paths, depending on your fitness levels. Having visited all of the lakes, continue by car for approximately 90 minutes to Rila Monastery, the biggest and most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Behind the 65-foot (20-meter) walls lie impressive monastery buildings, including a church and a chapel with valuable murals. The monastery's most treasured historic and artistic monuments include the 14th-Century Hrelyo Tower, the 5th-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church, and the original monastery kitchen from the 19th century. You will also explore the monastery’s rich museum, containing a valuable collection of old manuscripts and documents, charters and icons, an ethnographic exhibition of fabrics, jewelry, carpets, and wrought iron objects, and a library containing more than 16,000 books. The tour is offered as well with an ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages - English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, and English. INTERNET required to download and use. The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.

Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the Rila Monastery. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The driver will pick you up, take you to the Monastery, and show you around. Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. After that, he will take you to the elevator to the 7 Rila Lakes. You will be able to go up to the lakes; the driver will stay down and wait for you there. It's good to prepare 30 leva for the elevator. Spend some time exploring the lake on your own. When you come back, he will pick you up from the elevator and bring you back to Sofia.

This is a self-guided group tour, organized to the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia. The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1 hour 30 minutes away from the capital Sofia, which makes them a great day trip in the nature. Relax en route as a comfortable minivan/bus takes you to the Panichishte Resort Cable Car which goes us to the Seven Rila Lakes. See a different side to Bulgaria as you enjoy the hike around the lakes.  Discover all seven of the lakes  and how they have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. Gaze at the stunning emerald green of the water as you relax in the peaceful countryside. The hiking is with medium difficulty and it is about 2 hours walking in each direction. You will also have about 1 hour time for a lunch break next to the lakes. Please bring your own food. In the morning, the van will stop at a gas station where you will be able to buy snacks and sandwiches as well. Tour schedule: Departure Travel time to the chair lift: 1.5 – 2 hours Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes Time for hiking: 5 hours Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes Travel time back to Sofia: 1.5 – 2 hours Please note that we offer this tour as either transport-only service, or as a transport service with access to our Smart Guide application. There is NO tour guide included in either options.

After a transfer of 1.5 -2 hours, you reach the Panichishte resort area, where you will board the chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut.  You will reach the foot of the Seven Rila Lakes cirque, housing the famous blue pearls: Babreka (The Kidney), Salzata (The Tear), Okoto (The Eye), Trilistnika (The Trefoil), Bliznaka (The Twin), Ribnoto (The Fish) and Dolnoto (The Lower). You will be able to complete a full trek around all lakes, or you can skip the 2 highest ones and only walk among the remaining 5 lakes. The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.

Dramatic landscapes and breathtaking alpine sceneries, centuries old pine forests and rugged mountain peaks make the Seven Rila Lakes circuit one of the most beautiful areas in the Rila Mountains National Park. Enjoy a gentle snowshoe walk in the picturesque Seven Rila Lakes area followed by relaxation in the thermal water pools of Sapareva Banya Spa Resort, fed by one of the hottest springs in Europe. All this within a day tour from Sofia. Your guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Sofia for a wonderful journey to the Rila Mountains. You will arrive within 1.5-hours to Pionerska Mountain Hut from where you will take a chairlift to Rila Lakes Hut, situated high above the tree line at 2150 meters above sea level. The walk will begin from the hut in the direction of the Kidney, the third of the Seven Rila Lakes. Along the way, admire breathtaking alpine sceneries of jagged peaks and frozen mountain lakes. After a short break and a cup of warm tea at the lake, you will head toward Rila Lakes Hut and descend via the chairlift to the van and have a short transfer (20 minutes) to Sapareva Banya Spa Resort, where you will be able to relax deeply in the thermal pools fed by hot spring waters.

What to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes in an inexpensive way?!? PrivaTour offers you a low cost transfer from Sofia! Our eco-friendly electric vehicles will take you on a scenic journey through the Rila Mountains, offering stunning views and a sustainable travel experience. Your adventure begins with a pick-up from national stadium Vasil Levski in Sofia. From there, we'll embark on a comfortable ride to the Rila Mountains, where the Seven Rila Lakes await. These glacial lakes, situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level, are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine scenery. Departure from Sofia at 8:00 a.m. . Travel in the direction of Sapareva Banya – Panichishte – h. Pionerska. Ascent by lift to h. Rila Lakes. Once the group departs from the starting point, you'll reach the Panichiste lift. He, you'll pay for the chair lift ticket - 30 BGN. Return back to Sofia: 17:00 p.m. Total transfer time: 3-3,30hrs Walking time: 4-5 hrs (hiking time only; moderate difficulty) During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to hike around the lakes, taking in the breathtaking vistas and fresh mountain air. As you explore the lakes, you'll discover each one's unique characteristics and names, which reflect their shapes and features. From the serene waters of the Lower Lake to the rugged cliffs surrounding the Eye Lake, every lake offers its own beauty and charm. Throughout the tour, we prioritize sustainable travel practices, minimizing our environmental impact while maximizing your enjoyment. After a day of hiking and exploration, you'll return to Sofia, filled with memories of the stunning Seven Rila Lakes and the eco-friendly adventure you've experienced with PrivaTour. Join us on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Bulgaria's natural wonders. Best period: mid-June – mid-September (possible until mid-November and also in May – contact us for details on weather conditions and lift working time).

Explore the Seven Rila Lakes, the jewel of the Rila Mountains National Park and admire breathtaking alpine scenery. Escape the summer heat in Sofia and enjoy the refreshing mountain climate of the highest mountain of the Balkans. Join a pleasant, easy to moderate walk and relax deeply at the end of the day in the thermal pools fed by hot spring waters. All this within a day tour from Sofia. You will be picked up early in the morning from your hotel or address in Sofia for a wonderful journey in the Rila Mountains. Within 1.5-hours, you will arrive at Pionerska Hut (1520 meters), from where the group will take a chairlift to the Rila Lakes Hut situated above the tree line at 2150 meters above sea level in the Rila Mountains National Park. Here, the circular walk will begin passing by Ribnoto (The Fish), Trilistnika (The Trefoil) and Bliznaka (The Twin) Lakes. When the group reaches Bubreka (The Kidney) Lake, situated at 2282 meters above sea level there will be 2 options: the group can choose to take the long route or the short route. For the long rout, continue uphill passing by Okoto (The Eye) Lake, you will reach the Lakes Peak (2550 meters), offering you a great panoramic view of all the Seven Rila Lakes. Then, you will walk back the same way you came to Kidney Lake. For the short route, you will head towards the top station of the chairlift along a scenic route offering a great panoramic view of the Seven Lakes area. At the end of the hike, you will reach the Rila Lakes Hut and via the chairlift, you will descend to Pionerska Hut. The minivan will take you for a short transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to Sapareva Banya Spa Resort, famous for one of hottest thermal springs in Europe (~103°C). Enjoy and take the time to relax deeply after the walk in some the numerous thermal pools with temperatures of varying degrees from 15 to 45 °C. In the late afternoon, the group will head back to Sofia, where you will be dropped back off at your preferred locations.

The Eye, The Kidney, The Tear, The Trefoil, The Twin, The Fish, The Lower - these are the 7 Rila lakes. You will never forget the beautiful nature, the glacial lakes with crystal clear water and all unbelievable landscapes. After the hike the beautiful frescoes at Rila monastery are gonna wait for us to tell you the story about this holy place. !!!The starting point for the hike is reachable by chair lift at 2100 meters above the sea level and the upper view point to the lakes is at around 2550 meters. Hiking time is around 2 hours in direction. Wearing a hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, jacket are highly recommendable!!!