Hiking to the Seven Rila Lakes – A Complete Guide to Bulgaria’s Most Famous Alpine Hike

One of the hikes that had been on our bucket list since the very beginning of our travels in Bulgaria was without a doubt the legendary Seven Rila Lakes hike. These glacier-carved lakes, scattered like a string of pearls in the heart of Rila Mountain, are not just a natural wonder, they are a symbol of Bulgarian nature, spirituality, and alpine beauty.

After exploring Pirin and Rhodope, it was finally time to lace up our boots and head to Rila National Park. The Seven Lakes hike promised everything we love in a trail: alpine meadows, crystal-clear waters, rugged mountain scenery, and the chance to experience one of the most iconic landscapes in the Balkans.

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Kidney Lake at Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — The iconic Kidney Lake – the most photographed of the Seven Rila Lakes.

How to Reach the Rila Lakes Ski Lift

The trail to the Seven Lakes starts from Panichishte — a small mountain resort area above Sapareva Banya. The main access point is the Rila Lakes chairlift, which brings hikers from the base station (around 1,570 m) up to the mountain ridge (around 2,100 m).

By car: From Sofia, it’s roughly 1h 45min drive (95 km). You pass through Dupnitsa and Sapareva Banya before climbing to Panichishte. There is a fee to enter the Rila National Park (4 BGN / person).

Tip: Arrive early! In summer and weekends, the line for the lift can be very long.

Base station of the Rila Lakes chairlift surrounded by pine forest in Bulgaria. — The base station of the Rila Lakes chairlift — the gateway to Bulgaria’s most famous alpine hike.

Hiking map and rules signboard at Rila National Park, Bulgaria. — Trail map and hiking rules for Rila National Park — an essential stop before the Seven Lakes hike.

How to Book, Pay and Take the Ski Lift

The Rila Lakes chairlift is a two-seater lift that operates year-round, weather permitting. Tickets can be purchased directly at the cash desk at the base station.

Return ticket: 30 BGN
Operating hours: usually 08:30 – 18:30 (last ride down around 17:30)
Payment: cash only

The ride itself is an adventure of 25 minutes floating above pine forest, meadows, and streams, with the majestic Rila range opening up as you gain altitude. By the time you step off at the upper station, you are already in a completely different world.

Ticket office for the Rila Lakes chairlift in Panichishte, Bulgaria. — Ticket office at the Rila Lakes chairlift — your first stop before heading into the mountains.

Chairlift ascending through dense pine forest in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. — Floating above pine forests on the Rila Lakes chairlift — the adventure begins.

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Arriving at the Mountain Hut

The upper lift station brings you near the Rila Lakes Hut (2,150 m). This is the main base for hikers. The hut offers:

Simple food (soups, tea, grilled meat, pancakes)
Drinks and snacks
Basic accommodation (for those who wish to stay overnight)
Restrooms and water refill

This is a great place to pause, adjust your gear, and prepare for the hike ahead. Most people start the Seven Lakes loop directly from here.

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Rila Lakes Mountain Hut with alpine backdrop, Rila National Park. — Rila Lakes Hut — the main base for exploring Bulgaria’s Seven Rila Lakes.

Information board with Seven Rila Lakes map near the mountain hut. — Checking the trail map at Rila Lakes Hut before starting the hike.

Hiking to the First Lake – The Kidney Lake (Babreka)

From the Rila Lakes Hut, the trail immediately begins to climb across wide alpine meadows. Within 30–40 minutes, you reach the first lake of this route the legendary Kidney Lake (Babreka) at 2,282 m. Shaped like a perfect horseshoe, the Kidney is perhaps the most iconic of all the Seven Lakes and is instantly recognizable from postcards and guidebooks.

Standing at its shore, you are dwarfed by the steep cliffs rising sharply behind the lake. The amphitheater-like setting makes the water shimmer in deep turquoise, changing shades as the sun moves overhead. On a clear day, you’ll see the surrounding ridges perfectly reflected on the surface, making this one of the most photogenic spots in Rila.

Many hikers pause here for their first rest, as the atmosphere feels both powerful and serene. If you climb a little above the lake, you get panoramic views down to the lower lakes a preview of the journey you will complete later in the day. For us, beginning the hike here set the tone immediately: we were in for a dramatic and unforgettable mountain adventure.

Young hiker on the trail to Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria. — Beginning the hike to the Seven Rila Lakes — the trail opens into alpine meadows.

Scenic view of Rila Lakes Hut from above with mountain backdrop. — Looking back at Rila Lakes Hut as the trail climbs higher into the mountains.

Panoramic view of Rila Lakes Hut and mountain slopes from the trail. — A stunning panorama over Rila Lakes Hut and the surrounding valleys.

Stone-paved mountain trail climbing towards the Seven Rila Lakes plateau. — The alpine trail leading higher into the heart of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Panoramic view over the Lower Rila Lake and surrounding ridges. — Stunning panorama over one of the Seven Rila Lakes with Rila’s peaks in the background.

Wooden railings along the mountain path to the Seven Rila Lakes viewpoint. — Following the trail with wooden fences toward the upper viewpoints of the Seven Lakes.

Information board at the Seven Rila Lakes viewpoint with panoramic background. — Learning about the alpine environment at the Seven Rila Lakes viewpoint.

Alpine wildflowers in front of one of the Seven Rila Lakes. — Stunning View

Scenic wooden railing path across alpine meadows near the Seven Rila Lakes. — Wooden-railed path guiding hikers across the alpine plateau of Rila.

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Rocky cliffs above a glacial lake in Rila National Park, Bulgaria. — Looking down over one of the glacial Seven Rila Lakes from a rocky ridge.

Stone hiking trail winding through meadows in Rila National Park. — Following the stone path toward the heart of the Seven Lakes.

Young hiker walking on alpine path towards the Seven Rila Lakes. — Hiking across the high plateau of Rila Mountain on the way to the lakes.

Mountain peak rising above the alpine meadows in the Seven Rila Lakes area, Bulgaria. — Majestic alpine peak above the Seven Rila Lakes plateau.

Hiking trail through alpine meadows in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. — The trail across alpine meadows towards the Seven Rila Lakes.

Young Hiker hiking along the trail near the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria. — Hiking towards the lakes – a family adventure in Rila Mountain.

Information board at Kidney Lake, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Trail information board at Kidney Lake.

Clear alpine lake with mountains in the background at Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Stunning alpine scenery at the Seven Rila Lakes.

Panoramic view of the Seven Rila Lakes with crystal-clear water and surrounding green alpine meadows in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. — Stunning alpine scenery around the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria.

Kidney Lake panoramic view, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Breathtaking panorama of Kidney Lake in Rila National Park.

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Hiking to the Second Lake – The Eye Lake (Okoto)ро)

From the Kidney Lake, the path climbs more steeply on a rocky trail. After about 20 minutes, you arrive at the Eye Lake (Okoto), sitting at 2,440 m. This is the deepest of all seven, plunging to 37.5 m, and its nearly perfect oval shape gives it the look of a giant, dark eye gazing up toward the sky.

The Eye Lake is striking in its simplicity. Its surface is often glassy and still, reflecting only the cliffs above. On bright days, the water glows in an intense dark blue, while in cloudy weather it takes on a mysterious, almost black tone. The lake is famous for its clarity, some say you can peer down into its depths and see details not visible anywhere else.

The area around the Eye Lake feels wilder, with rocky slopes and sparse vegetation. The higher altitude brings cooler winds, and even in summer you may need an extra layer. This is the point where the hike begins to feel more alpine, preparing you for the final climb to the Tear Lake.

Overlooking the Seven Rila Lakes from a mountain trail in Bulgaria. — Panoramic view over the Seven Rila Lakes from above.

Small mountain spring with rocks on the trail to the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Refreshing mountain spring along the Seven Rila Lakes trail.

Panoramic view of the Seven Rila Lakes plateau from above, Bulgaria. — Overlooking the Seven Rila Lakes plateau from above.

Hikers moving along the trail in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Steep rocky trail to higher viewpoints of the Seven Rila Lakes.

The Kidney Lake from above, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — The iconic Kidney Lake viewed from above.

Hiker ascending rocky trail with lakes in the background, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Hiking up the rocky paths with breathtaking lake views behind.

Mountain lake with trail signs at the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Trail information signs by the lakeshore in Rila National Park.

Information board about The Eye Lake, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — The Eye Lake – the deepest of the Seven Rila Lakes, explained on an information board.

Young hiker standing at the shore of a lake in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Taking in the stillness of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Clear water of a mountain lake at the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Crystal-clear alpine waters at the Seven Rila Lakes.

Alpine lake surrounded by rocky slopes, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Breathtaking alpine scenery at the Seven Rila Lakes.

Deep blue mountain lake in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — The Eye Lake, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Hiking to the Third Lake – The Tear Lake (Salzata)

The most demanding section of the ascent leads you from the Eye Lake to the Tear Lake (Salzata), the highest of the seven at 2,535 m. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes to reach it, with the path zig-zagging across loose rocks and alpine terrain.

Arriving at the Tear is a moment of awe. The lake’s crystal-clear water lives up to its name, transparent, pure, and delicate, like a teardrop resting in the mountains. But what makes the Tear unforgettable is the view: from here you can see all of the Seven Lakes spread out below you in a breathtaking panorama. On a clear day, you may even see beyond Rila, with Pirin, Vitosha, and the Rhodope Mountains visible on the horizon.

For many, this is the emotional high point of the hike. Bulgarians consider the Tear symbolic of spiritual clarity, and it is also a sacred place for the White Brotherhood, who gather here each August for their rituals. Whether you come for the spiritual significance or the raw natural beauty, standing by the Tear Lake is a moment you won’t easily forget.

Rocky hiking trail surrounded by steep slopes in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Rocky trails leading deeper into the Seven Rila Lakes area.

Overlooking multiple lakes from a rocky mountain trail, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Panoramic viewpoint with multiple Seven Rila Lakes below.

Hiker ascending wooden steps with alpine lake in the background, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Climbing higher for panoramic views of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Steep mountain trail with stone steps in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Τhe way to the upper lakes.

Two alpine lakes viewed from above in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Breathtaking panorama of two of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Stacked rock cairns on a viewpoint above the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Cairns marking the trail above the Seven Rila Lakes.

Child standing at the shore of an alpine lake, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Peaceful moment by the lakeshore at the Seven Rila Lakes.

Signboard at The Tear Lake, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Informative sign about The Tear Lake – the highest of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Reflective alpine lake with surrounding slopes in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Crystal reflections on one of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Young hiker standing at the shore of The Tear Lake in the Seven Rila Lakes. — A young hiker takes in the calm waters of The Tear Lake, the highest of the Seven Rila Lakes.

View from the Top

Bulgarian flag at a mountain viewpoint in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Bulgarian pride flying high above the Seven Rila Lakes.

Panoramic view over the Seven Rila Lakes plateau, Bulgaria. — Sweeping panoramic view over the Seven Rila Lakes plateau.

Multiple alpine lakes of the Seven Rila Lakes viewed from a high ridge. — Overlooking several of the Seven Rila Lakes from the hiking trail.

Scenic view of four of the Seven Rila Lakes stretching into the horizon. — The magical alpine chain of the Seven Rila Lakes as seen from the high trail.

Panoramic view of the Kidney Lake, one of the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria, surrounded by alpine ridges. — The Kidney Lake – one of the most iconic of the Seven Rila Lakes, seen from above.

Heart-shaped view of the Seven Rila Lakes’ Kidney Lake with surrounding green ridges. — The Kidney Lake, famous for its heart-like shape, is a highlight of the Seven Rila Lakes hike.

Twin alpine lakes of the Seven Rila Lakes with dramatic cliffs. — A spectacular view of two neighboring lakes on the Seven Rila Lakes trail.

Returning to the Kidney Lake

From the Tear Lake, the trail descends past the Eye and returns to the Kidney Lake. Approaching it from above gives you an entirely new perspective, the full horseshoe curve and its deep, vivid color stand out against the rolling alpine meadows below.

This is the perfect spot to take another break, as it’s not only one of the most photogenic but also one of the most central points in the entire cirque. From here, the descent continues toward the lower lakes, with the trail offering magnificent views back up toward the higher peaks.

Many hikers linger here to enjoy a snack or simply stretch out in the grass. The lake’s amphitheater shape makes it feel like you’re sitting in nature’s grand stadium, with the sky above and the still waters at your feet.

Small alpine waterfall flowing between rocky cliffs in the Seven Rila Lakes area. — A hidden waterfall cascading down the rocky slopes near the Seven Rila Lakes.

Overlooking several of the Seven Rila Lakes from a panoramic ridge viewpoint. — A sweeping panorama of the Seven Rila Lakes – one of Bulgaria’s most breathtaking alpine hikes.

Hiking to the Fourth Lake – The Twin Lake (Bliznaka)

Leaving the Kidney behind, the trail gently descends into the central basin of the cirque. After 20–25 minutes you arrive at the Twin Lake (Bliznaka), which lies at 2,243 m. This is the largest lake by volume, its two connected basins giving it the distinctive “twin” appearance when viewed from above.

The Twin Lake has an open, expansive feel, with grassy shores and wide views in all directions. It’s often where hikers spread out for lunch, as there’s plenty of space to relax. The reflections here are stunning, especially in the afternoon when the surrounding ridges and the Kidney Lake above create perfect mirror images on the water’s surface.

Because of its central location, the Twin is often seen as the heart of the Seven Lakes. You’re surrounded by peaks, ridges, and other lakes, making this a place where the scale and harmony of Rila’s landscape truly sink in.

Information board about the Twin Lake, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Educational sign about the Twin Lake, the largest of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Panoramic view of an alpine lake with jagged peaks in Rila Mountain. — One of the Seven Rila Lakes, set against dramatic mountain peaks.

Scenic alpine lake beneath a sharp rocky peak in Rila Mountain. — The Twin Lake – a breathtaking jewel of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Young hiker standing on a wooden bridge near the Twin Lake, Rila Mountain. — Crossing a small wooden bridge with the Twin Lake in the background.

Wide-angle view of the Twin Lake in the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — The Twin Lake – the largest by surface area among the Seven Rila Lakes.

Boy standing on a rock above the Twin Lake in the Seven Rila Lakes. — A hiker takes in the epic view above the Twin Lake.

Alpine lake surrounded by green meadows and jagged peaks in Rila Mountain. — The Twin Lake shimmering under the midday sun.

Hiking to the Fifth Lake – The Trefoil Lake (Trilistnika)

From the Twin Lake, the path leads gently downhill toward the Trefoil Lake (Trilistnika) at 2,216 m. Named after its three-lobed shape, the Trefoil has a distinctive outline best appreciated from higher above.

The lake is smaller and quieter than the Twin, but it has a unique charm. Surrounded by alpine meadows, it’s an excellent place to spot wildflowers in summer or even wildlife grazing nearby. The shallow edges give the water a lighter, more turquoise shade compared to the deeper lakes above.

The Trefoil is also one of the sites where the White Brotherhood gathers for their annual Paneurhythmy dance. On such days, the lakeside transforms into a living stage of movement and music, with people dressed in white moving rhythmically in circles. Even outside those occasions, the lake holds a peaceful energy that invites you to slow down and reflect. In fact, the day we hiked that route, we had the chance to see the White Brotherhood dancing and enjoying the morning sun.

The Universal White Brotherhood, a spiritual movement founded in Bulgaria by Peter Deunov, is known for its annual gathering at the Seven Rila Lakes, where followers perform the Paneurhythmy, a cosmic dance. The “trefoil” likely refers to the Trefoil Lake (also known as Balder-Daru Lake), one of the Seven Rila Lakes, which holds significance within the movement.

Child hiking along a dirt trail near the Seven Rila Lakes. — Hiking the scenic trails around the Seven Rila Lakes.

Rocky hiking trail leading towards the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria. — A rocky alpine path on the way to the Seven Rila Lakes.

Informative sign about the Trefoil Lake, part of the Seven Rila Lakes. — Information board about the Trefoil Lake, one of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Alpine lake surrounded by lush greenery in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. — One of the lower Seven Rila Lakes resting quietly in the meadows.

Scenic view of a glacial lake and rocky cliffs in Rila Mountain. — A tranquil moment by the lower lakes of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Mountain hut near the Seven Rila Lakes trail in Bulgaria. — A tranquil moment by the lower lakes of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Rocky mountain peak rising above the Seven Rila Lakes. — Rugged alpine peaks above the Seven Rila Lakes trail.

Traditional stone mountain hut with alpine peaks in the background. — Alpine hut with views of the peaks surrounding the Seven Rila Lakes.

Alpine lake with rocky shoreline and steep cliffs in Rila National Park. — The Trefoil Lake – one of the most unique of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Calm alpine lake reflecting mountain slopes and blue skies in Rila Mountain. — The tranquil waters of the Trefoil Lake.

Hiking to the Sixth & Seventh Lakes – The Fish Lake (Ribnoto) and The Lower Lake (Dolnoto)

The descent continues steadily as you pass into gentler terrain. Soon, you arrive at the Fish Lake (Ribnoto) at 2,184 m, the largest by surface area. This lake is home to the Rila Lakes Hut, making it one of the busiest points on the trail. It’s an excellent place to grab food or drinks, refill water, or simply take a rest before finishing the hike. The wide expanse of the Fish Lake provides great reflections of the cliffs above, especially during golden hour.

Finally, you continue down to the Lower Lake (Dolnoto) at 2,095 m, the last of the chain. While less dramatic than the higher lakes, it has a quiet beauty and often lies shrouded in mist. Its position at the very bottom of the cirque makes it symbolic — the final step of the Seven Lakes journey, and a reminder of the high alpine world you’ve just traversed.

Many hikers don’t spend long at the Lower Lake, as it lies close to the main return route toward the hut and ski lift. But it’s worth pausing here for a moment of closure. From its shore, looking back up at the chain of lakes and peaks, you realize just how vast and varied this landscape is.

Return to Rila Lakes Mountain Hut

Hikers walking along a grassy trail by one of the Seven Rila Lakes. — Exploring the hiking paths around the Seven Rila Lakes.

Young hiker walking along a rocky trail in the Rila Mountains towards the Seven Rila Lakes. — Hiking through rocky mountain paths on the way to the Seven Rila Lakes.

Wooden bridge crossing a mountain stream on the trail to the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — Crossing small alpine streams on wooden bridges while hiking to the Seven Rila Lakes.

View of the Kidney Lake from above, surrounded by green ridges and alpine slopes. — Panoramic view over Kidney Lake, one of the most famous of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Pack horses carrying supplies along the mountain trail to the Seven Rila Lakes. — Pack horses making their way along the rugged alpine trails of Rila Mountain.

The Seven Rila Lakes seen from above, surrounded by alpine vegetation and mountain ridges. — Sweeping view of one of the Seven Rila Lakes nestled in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains.

Hiking trail with a trail signboard inside Rila National Park on the way to the Seven Rila Lakes. — Trail sign guiding hikers in Rila National Park towards the Seven Rila Lakes.

Informational sign about the Seven Rila Lakes inside Rila National Park, Bulgaria. — Conservation signboard reminding hikers to protect the Seven Rila Lakes.

View from the trail towards Rila Lakes Hut with panoramic mountain landscapes. — The path back to Rila Lakes Hut with sweeping mountain views.

Rila Lakes Hut surrounded by alpine meadows, a starting point for the Seven Rila Lakes hike. — Rila Lakes Hut – the base camp for exploring the Seven Rila Lakes.

About Rila Mountain and Its Alpine Zone

Rila Mountain is the highest mountain range in Bulgaria and on the entire Balkan Peninsula, crowned by Musala Peak at 2,925 meters. Its name is believed to come from the Thracian word roula, meaning “well-watered mountain,” a fitting description for a massif that feeds some of the Balkans’ largest rivers, including the Iskar, Struma, and Mesta. With more than 200 glacial lakes scattered across its slopes, Rila is not only a national treasure but also one of Europe’s most impressive mountain landscapes.

The alpine zone of Rila begins above 2,000 meters, where dense forests give way to open meadows, rocky ridges, and high plateaus. This is where the Seven Rila Lakes are found, a glacial amphitheater carved thousands of years ago by ice, wind, and water. The alpine terrain is dramatic yet inviting, with jagged peaks softened by grassy ridges, making it accessible to hikers of different levels. During summer, the meadows bloom with alpine flowers, while in winter the zone is often buried under meters of snow, creating a completely different, but equally stunning, environment.

One of the most remarkable features of Rila’s alpine zone is its sense of vastness. Standing at the edge of a lake or climbing up to a ridge, you often feel suspended between earth and sky, surrounded by endless horizons. The clear, thin air and wide-open spaces offer a rare feeling of freedom. Wildlife thrives here too: marmots, chamois, and golden eagles are not uncommon sights. The alpine zone of Rila is more than a hiking destination, it is a living, breathing ecosystem, shaped by the harsh beauty of altitude, and one of the finest examples of high-mountain landscapes in the Balkans.

Details of the hike

Location: Rila Mountain
Trail Signs: Yes
Maximum Elevation: 2.549 m.
Minimum Elevation: 2.013 m
Total Distance: 8.2 km
Hiking time: 3 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium (family friendly)
When to Hike: All year round (Winter time needs winter gear)

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