Image: Twin (Bliznaka) Lake.
Highlights
Description of the Seven Rila Lakes hike in Rila National Park, Bulgaria.
Time of Visit: September 2025
Duration of Visit: Three Nights
Description
The Seven Rila Lakes are one of Bulgaria’s most iconic natural wonders. They are located high in the Rila National Park at altitudes ranging from about 2,100 to 2,500 meters above sea level. Each lake is glacial in origin, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by rugged peaks and alpine meadows. They are uniquely named according to their shape or characteristics.
The lakes are linked by small streams and waterfalls that form a cascading chain that flows down the mountainside. Each lake has a Bulgarian and English name. If the trail is taken in a counter clockwise direction, the lakes encountered are Babreka (Kidney), Okoto (Eye), Salzata (Tear), Bliznaka (Twin), Trilistnika (Trefoil), Ribnoto (Fish) and Dolonoto (Lower). Past Tear Lake, the trail continues on to backcountry huts Ivan Vazov and Malyovitsa. Ivan Vazov is about 1.5 hours from Salzata, according to one backpacker who was headed there. Past the huts, the trail continues on to the Rila Monastery.
The lakes are accessible via chairlift from the Panichishte resort, followed by hiking trails of varying difficulty, making them reachable for both casual walkers and experienced trekkers. The combination of pristine nature, tranquility, and dramatic mountain landscapes makes the Seven Rila Lakes one of Bulgaria’s prime destinations.
Activities
Hiking to see the seven lakes is the primary activity in Rila National Park during the summer. Unfortunately, during our visit, it was a cloudy day and the lakes had dull colors instead of reflecting the normally blue sky. The trail is circular and starts/ends at the Rila Lakes Chalet. The chalet is adjacent to the Seven Lakes Lift Upper Station.
According to Alltrails, the hike is about 5.1 miles (8 kms) with 1,761 feet (530 m) of elevation gain. It takes about 5 hours to complete the hike for an average hiker. This time includes stops to take photos and a lunch break. We would rate the hike as moderate.
Chairlift
The adventure begins at the Seven Rila Lakes Lift – Bottom Station. The lift is a typical seated ski chairlift. The ride takes about 20 minutes to get to the upper station and to the Rila Lakes Chalet.
We went on a Friday and there were very few people. Perhaps it was late in the season and/or the weather was cloudy. One blog indicated they waited almost two hours to purchase chairlift tickets when they went on a summer weekend. There was only one chairlift ticket booth so the line can be long if there are a lot of people.
If you want to skip the chairlift, it is about two kilometers from the bottom to the upper station as the crow flies with significant elevation gain. It will probably take longer to hike this section than just wait in the long line to purchase the chairlift tickets.
The Trail
The circular trail is typically done in a counter clockwise direction. From the chalet, look to your right to find the trail. The trail begins at a steep gradient for about half a kilometer before it gradually transitions to an easier ascent as it reaches the plateau.
To the left are views of Lower and Fish Lakes. The Seven Lakes Hut can also be seen. Take the time to take awesome photos here of the lakes and valley. Please stick to the established trail and avoid going off trails.
Soon after, the trail would split. To the right will go to the Northern side of Kidney Lake while to the left will take you to its South end and the outlet. These two trails would meet at the outlet. Past Kidney’s outlet, the trail once again goes on a steep climb to Eye and Tear Lakes. It was cloudy during our hike. Eye was partially visible while Tear was completely engulfed with white mist.
As you double back to the main loop, the trail provides birds eye view of Kidney, Twin, Trefoil and Fish Lakes. Lower Lake is not visible as it is below the valley.
To us, Twin Lake is probably the most beautiful because of Hayduta Peak (2,481 m) that towers over it. The peak has a nice reflection on the still lake’s surface even on a cloudy day. In the picture posted at the outlet, its color beautifully reflects the clear blue sky.
Not far from Twin Lake is Trefoil Lake and what seems to be the abandoned Fish Hut. Trefoil Lake’s level was low during our visit but it still reflected the ridge on the other side of the valley where we stood about three hours ago. Fish Lake is only a few minutes away from Trefoil Lake and it too had a low level. But the Seven Rila Lakes Hut had a nice reflection on Fish Lake. We did not bother making the detour to the hut as we wanted to get back to the ski lift before the last run which was around 6:10 PM (it stops at 6:30 PM).
From Fish Lake, the trail turns to the left and bypasses Lower Lake which is at the valley below. It is now the home stretch and the Rila Hut is only about 30 minutes away with a little bit of climbing.
How To Get There
While the nearest town, Sarapeva Banya can be reached by public transportation from Bulgaria’s capital city – Sofia, reaching the ski lift requires driving yourself there or by taxi. There are taxis in Sarapeva Banya but not many so finding them may be a challenge.
It is about a 30 minute drive from Sarapeva Banya to the ski lift. There is a paid parking area prior to the ski lift. The parking area can accommodate 100 or so vehicles. It was not even half full when we got there around 11 AM, probably because the weather was cloudy with a small chance of rain.
One blog indicated that there are day tours that take visitors from Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) to the lower chairlift station and back.
Where To Stay
There are a couple of “huts” between Sarapeva Banya and the base of the ski lift. There are also the Rila Lakes and Seven Rila Lakes Hut at the top of the ski lift and on the trail, respectively.
Though Sarapeva Banya is not what you would call a tourist town, it has the amenities that we needed such as a comfortable and roomy apartment, groceries and restaurants. That is not something that can be said about the huts. But with the huts, the tradeoff is the beautiful surroundings.
We stayed at the Forest Oasis Guesthouse in Sarapeva Banya. The guesthouse has three one bedroom apartments with a kitchen. The apartments are roomy, modern and nice. The only downside is the road noise during the day. But it was not a problem as we were out and about during the day.
How To Get Around
There are taxis and bus stops in Sarapeva Banya. We do not know where the buses go as we did not ride them. Having our own vehicle certainly gave us the freedom to go wherever and whenever we wanted.
Expected Expenses
Ski Lift Parking – 6 BGN, cash only
Ski lift – 30 BGN per person for an up and down ride.
Summary
Visiting the Seven Rila Lakes is considered a must when in Bulgaria because they showcase some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the Balkans. The mirror-like waters reflecting the surrounding peaks create a surreal atmosphere that changes with the seasons—sparkling in summer sun, golden in autumn hues, and serene under winter snow. Hikers and nature lovers are rewarded with panoramic views, while photographers find endless opportunities to capture the lakes’ beauty in different lights and angles. The journey itself—whether by chairlift or hike—adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
Beyond their natural appeal, the Seven Rila Lakes embody Bulgaria’s connection to nature and tradition. They are often seen as a place of renewal and inspiration, drawing visitors seeking both outdoor adventure and inner peace. Unlike many natural attractions that can be crowded or overly developed, the lakes still preserve an authentic and unspoiled character, offering a sense of raw wilderness that is increasingly rare in Europe. For anyone exploring Bulgaria, experiencing the serenity and grandeur of the Seven Rila Lakes is an unforgettable highlight that captures the essence of the country’s mountain heritage.