Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes in the northeastern part of the Rila mountain, at an altitude of 2100–2500 m. One of the most beautiful and popular trekking spots in Bulgaria — for fit people a one-day hike, for others 2 days with overnight in a hut.
🏞️ The seven lakes
From low to high (each with a characteristic name):
- 1. Lower Lake (2095 m) — the lowest.
- 2. Fish Lake (2184 m) — trout.
- 3. The Trefoil (2216 m) — clover shape.
- 4. The Twin (2243 m) — double lake.
- 5. The Kidney (2282 m) — kidney shape.
- 6. The Eye (2440 m) — round, deepest (37.5 m), crystal clear.
- 7. The Tear (2535 m) — highest, tear shape.
🥾 Trekking from Panichishte
Main route starts from Hotel Rila Lakes in Panichishte (1450 m). From here:
- Cable lift to Rila Lakes Hut (2150 m) — 25 min, 18 BGN. Saves 3 hours of ascent.
- From the hut to The Eye (peak Gladetsa on the ridge) — 2 hours easy, 3.5 km. View of 6 of the 7 lakes.
- For full circuit of 7 lakes — 4–6 hours, medium level.
🏠 Huts for overnight
- Rila Lakes Hut (2150 m) — modern, beds in shared rooms 25 BGN/night. Reservation recommended (rilskiezerа.com).
- Seven Lakes Hut (2200 m) — older, 20 BGN/night.
For two-day hike: day 1 — lift + hut, lower lakes circuit; day 2 — climb to Eye and Tear, return.
📅 When to go
- July–September: OK. Snow disappears around end of June.
- August: peak season, crowds. Go early (6:00) or on weekdays.
- October: very beautiful (autumn colours), but risk of early snow.
- Winter: lakes frozen, only for experienced ski tourers.
💡 Practical tips
- Sun very strong above 2000 m — sunscreen SPF 50, hat.
- Weather changes quickly — carry rain jacket even in clear weather.
- Water — drinkable from springs, but to be safe your bottle.
- Trekking boots ESSENTIAL — paths are stony.
- At 2500 m altitude less oxygen — climb slowly.
🚗 How to get there
Panichishte is 90 km south of Sofia (1.5 hours car). Bus from Sofia to Dupnitsa (1 hour), from there local bus to Panichishte (1 hour) — total about 3 hours. Easier by car or taxi.