fbpx The beauties of Bulgaria: The Seven Rila Mountains
The seven Rila lakes

The beauties of Bulgaria: The seven Rila lakes

 

The seven Rila lakes are one of the most visited places in Bulgaria.

They are located in the Rila National Park and are ideal for experienced hikers, but also for nature lovers with less hiking experience. Here's everything you need to know when planning a trip to the lakes.

Each lake has a name according to its shape or characteristic. They are (in the order you will visit them): Lower Lake, Fish Lake, Shamrock Lake, Twin Lake, Kidney Lake, Lake of Eyes, and Lake of Tears. A mountain ridge above them, called Lake Mountain, offers the best panoramic view of all but one of the lakes. You'll need at least three hours to see them (a round trip will take six hours), so plan to start early. It's a good idea to spend the night in one of the lodges near your starting point so you don't have to rush.

The seven Rila lakes are of glacial origin. Each lake is situated slightly above the previous one; they sit at an altitude between 2100m – 2500m. All the lakes are connected by small streams.

By the lakes there are two mountain huts where tourists can stay. There are many more accommodation options outside the national park, but still close (the village of Panichishte or the town of Sapareva Banya are good options to look for hotels and guest houses).

The best time to visit the lakes is in July and August when it is sunny and storms are less likely. But it is good to keep in mind that during the summer holidays the park can be overcrowded. Summer weekdays are the best option. Skiing and snowboarding are popular here in the winter.

There is no public transport to the lakes, so you have to use a car to get there. Once you reach the foot of the mountain, there is a chairlift (BGN 18) that will take you to the Lower Lake. From Lower Lake to Lake Mountain, the trail is visible and usually crowded with people, so you won't get lost. Food and drinks are available at the lodges by the lakes.

In mid-August, visitors to the Seven Rila Lakes can witness the beautiful Paneurythmia dance. Hundreds of people from Bulgaria and the whole world dress in white, dance and play sports in large circles near Kidney Lake. The dance was invented by Petar Dunov. It consists of a sequence of exercises performed to music, performed with the aim of achieving inner balance and harmony. For three days each year, between August 19 and 21, a large festival dedicated to Beinsa Duno takes place in the park. Rila is a sacred mountain for the followers of Duno, and here they come to welcome the rising sun.

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