Bulgaria · Hiking

Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike With chairlift ticket

10 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Sofia. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Guided hike to the famous Seven Rila Lakes
  • 02 Scenic chairlift ride to the Rila Lakes mountain hut
  • 03 See glacial lakes including The Tear, The Eye, and The Kidney
  • 04 Enjoy sweeping mountain views along the hiking trail
  • 05 Round-trip transport from Sofia included
  • 06 Learn about the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance

Discover one of Bulgaria’s most iconic mountain landscapes on a guided day trip to the Seven Rila Lakes. Travel from Sofia to Rila Mountain, ride the chairlift up to the hiking area, and set out on a scenic trek past a chain of glacial lakes known for their distinctive shapes, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular alpine views.

Along the way, learn more about the natural and cultural significance of the area as you follow the trail from lake to lake with your guide. With round-trip transport from Sofia included, this experience is a rewarding way to explore the beauty of the Rila Mountains in a single day.

The Seven Rila Lakes are glacial lakes, nestled in Rila Mountain, at a distance of approx. 90 km from Sofia.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Sofia, Rila
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Day trip to Rila lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes are glacial lakes, nestled in Rila Mountain, at a distance of approx. 90 km from Sofia. The lakes have been named for their shapes and qualities. The highest of them, for example, is Tear Lake, which gained its name for its crystal-clear water. It sits 2,535 meters above sea level. The lowest one is called The Lower Lake – 2,095 meters. The lakes are located one above the other, connected by a path that provides stunning views. The destination is popular not only because of its natural beauty which attracts tourists but also because of its religious significance to the White Brotherhood or Danovites. Every year on August 19, there is a large gathering. On this date the Brotherhood celebrates their New Year, dancing a panreuthmic sun-worshipping dance arranged in large circles. Itinerary: The tour starts at 08:00 with pick up from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia. After approximately 1 and a half-hour drive we will reach Panichishte resort. From there we will take the chairlift which will lead us to the Rila Lakes mountain hut. And from here the hike starts. We will follow the path which will unveil the beauty of the lakes one after the other - The Lower Lake, Fish Lake, The Trefoil, The Twin, The Kidney, The Eye, and The Tear. The walking time is approx. 5 hours. Before leaving back to Sofia you will have the chance to stop for a light dinner at a traditional restaurant at a resort on our way. Drive back to Sofia. The tour ends with drop off at your hotel/accommodation.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Sofia. 2 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All taxes and fees
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by modern vehicle

What's Not Included

Food and drinks

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Sandals and flips-flops are not permitted on this tour
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Please take warm clothes
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • We understand your concerns in relation to COVID 19, therefore we've taken the needed measures for you to feel safe. All our guides and drivers go through regular medical checks, wear masks during the tours and in each vehicle, we have a disinfectant spray. Furthermore due to the situation nowadays we organize tours only for small groups (up to 7 persons) and we have the option for private tours.
  • We pick up travelers from any location in Sofia

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Sofia.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Sofia.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Sofia..

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