The Seven Rila Lakes Circuit: Self-guided Hiking Tour From Sofia

The journey, in full

Departure from Sofia The trip starts at 07:00 from the parking behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral, in front of La Cattedrale Restaurant. Arrival at Panichishte Lift After departing from the starting point, you will reach the Panichishte lift. Here, you will pay for the chairlift ticket in cash. Rila Lakes, Rila Mountains Enjoy a hiking tour to the pristine heart of the majestic Rila National Park. Each lake is named after its most characteristic feature. The highest one (2,500 m / 8,200 ft above sea level) is called Salzata (“The Tear”), from where there is a bird’s-eye view over all seven lakes, as well as the surrounding outcrops and deep valleys. The next in height is Okoto (“The Eye”), named after its oval shape. Babreka (“The Kidney”) has the steepest shores of the entire group. Bliznaka (“The Twin”) is the largest lake. Trilistnika (“The Trefoil”) has an irregular shape. The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero (“The Fish Lake”), and the lowest one is Dolnoto Ezero (“The Lower Lake,” 2,100 m / 6,995 ft), where the water flowing from the other lakes gathers to form the source of the Dzherman River. Back in Sofia Arrival back at the starting point is at approximately 17:30.