Bulgaria · Hiking

The Seven Rila Lakes Circuit Full Day Hiking Tour from Sofia

10 Hours Round trip from Sapareva Banya Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day guided hiking tour from Sofia to the Seven Rila Lakes
  • 02 Travel through the Rila Mountains, Bulgaria’s highest mountain range
  • 03 Ride the chair lift for panoramic mountain views
  • 04 Hike for 4 to 5 hours at a leisurely pace with frequent rest stops
  • 05 See all seven lakes, each named after its unique shape
  • 06 Small-group experience with personalized attention from the guide

Spend a full day in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains on a guided hike to the famous Seven Rila Lakes. Traveling from Sofia in a small group, you’ll combine mountain scenery, fresh alpine air, and a rewarding walk through one of the country’s most celebrated natural landscapes.

After reaching the Panichishte chair lift area, continue up toward the lakes and set out on a 4- to 5-hour hike with frequent stops for photos and rest. Along the way, discover all seven lakes, each known for its distinctive shape, while enjoying sweeping views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and the dramatic high-mountain cirque.

Spend a full day in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains on a guided hike to the famous Seven Rila Lakes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Sofia, Rila, Sapareva Banya
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Meeting and departure

The trip starts at 07:00 behind Vasil Levski Monument - IN FRONT OF Embassy of Slovakia, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 9, 1527 Sofia (GPS coordinates: 130451, 6917877)

Arriving at Panichishte chair lift

Once the group departs from the starting point, you'll reach the Panichiste lift. Here, you'll pay for the chair lift ticket in cash!!!

Hiking tour of the Seven Rila Lakes

On arrival at the Seven Rila Lakes cirque — a chain of deep-blue lakes, each named in accordance to its shape, that lead up toward the Rila Mountains’ highest peaks — set off on foot to explore the scenic sights. With your map in-hand and your guide leading the way, stroll at a leisurely pace along the hiking trails.

Wander amid rugged peaks and deep valleys, stopping along the way to capture photos. Pause by the impressive lower lake, Dolnoto Ezero, where the water that flows out of the higher lakes is gathered. See Ribnoto Ezero (‘Fish Lake’), the shallowest of the lakes, and Bliznaka (‘The Twin’), which is the largest of the cirque. Marvel at the irregular shapes of Trilistnika (‘The Trefoil’) and Babreka (‘The Kidney’). Then, see oval Okoto (‘The Eye’) before ascending to Salzata (‘The Tear’), the highest of the lakes, where awe-inspiring vistas await.

During the hike, there will be frequent rest stops. You’ll also have the opportunity to stop for food at either one of the two huts passed. Choose from the small selection of dishes, such as soup or grilled meat (own expense), or if you’ve brought your own food with you, enjoy lunch al fresco.

Arriving back at the meeting point

Arrive back at the starting point Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia) at approximately 17:30

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sapareva Banya 3 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan

What's Not Included

  • Chairlift ticket 31.30 levs (Approx. 16 Euro per person)
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Please wear hiking boots; sandals and flip-flops are not permitted on this tour
  • It is advised you wear warm clothing and bring a rain jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen with you
  • Minimum age is 9 years
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved (4 to 5 hours)
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • FOR MAY DEPARTURES! Kindly note that availability of the tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift. The terrain will be very wet and slippery, and there will still be snow in the area. Walking in such conditions requires adequate equipment (good trekking boots, waterproof clothes, and a warm layer beneath the jacket). The hike is demanding, so a good fitness level is also required. Keep in mind that some of the lakes may be covered in snow.
  • Important! As with all lifts the one used for the hike to The Seven Rila Lakes may stop anytime (due to strong wind, power cut, etc.). In the rare case, this happens, an alternative hike will be offered on the spot by the guide. Mind that such a situation does not make you eligible for a refund.
  • Opening hours are: 09:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday
  • Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Sapareva Banya, BG
Tour start
Sapareva Banya, BG
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in Sapareva Banya.

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