The Seven Rila Lakes are the most visited group of lakes in Bulgaria by tourists and locals. They are the most notable natural attractions on the Balkan Peninsula – a dream destination not to be missed. The reasons are several: impressive nature beauty, easy access by chairlift, variety of paths and hiking routes in the area. The Lakes unveil their deep blue waters as you climb Rila Mountain and at the Lake Peak (Ezeren Vrah) you are granted a magnificent view – All Seven Rila Lakes are at your feet.
The Lakes are located in Rila Mountain – the highest on the Balkans. A mountain ridge above them called the Lake Mount offers the best Panoramic view to all the lakes. You will need at least three hours to see them all (a round trip would take six hours). Each Lake has been named after his shape and qualities: The Lower Lake, The Fish Lake, The Trefoil, The Twin, The Kidney, The Eye, The Tear.
The Lower Lake (Dolnoto Ezero) – this is the lowest – lying, it collects the water from the other Lakes.
The Fish Lake (Ribnoto Ezero) – located at 2184 m altitude and it’s the shallowest lake, and on the northeast coast is situated a hut ‘’Seven Lakes ‘’ .
The Trefoil (Trilistnika) – It is regular, in shape and is 2216 m above the sea level. In the past the lake was called ‘’Middle Puddle’’ .
The Twin (Bliznaka) – it’s the largest lake and it is board and narrow.
The Kidney (Babreka) – its shape speaks of his name. This is where ‘’The White Brotherhood’’ ( Dunovisti) gather to celebrate their New Year.
The Eye (Okoto) – about 38 m – this is the deepest of the lakes.
The Tear (Salzata) – the highest of the lakes and is so called because of its crystal clear waters.
According to the legend thousands of years ago, a couple of giants lived in the Rila Mountain. Their home was cozy, warm and sunny, filled with all the love in the world. Everyone enjoyed on this idyll until one day evil forces passed by their home. Jealous of the happiness of the couple they decided to destroy everything and to delete their love. They sent devastating winds, black clouds and terrible earthquakes. The giant protected his beloved wife and beat back the evil forces. In the tough battle that followed the young giant was killed. The grief of the woman was so strong, and her tears flocked to the ridge right in valleys. This formed the clear lakes, whose purity is overwhelming. That is the legend but you have to know that the place is full of love and positive energy.
The path to Seven Rila Lakes starts at the resort Panichishte. When you start the hike you have two options – first is to visit all the lakes and the second is to miss the bottom four lakes and to catch the path from Kidney. The Seven Rila Lakes are stunning no matter the season. In the winter, they are blue spots on the white snowy mountain, while in the summer they attract the followers of the spiritual movement of The White Brotherhood and you can see hundreds of people dressed in white perform a dance in big circles.
Book a private trip to The Seven Rila Lakes. It doesn't matter the city you want to depart - Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, etc... We can arrange your one-day trip to this destination and many other in Bulgaria. If you choose our services you can be sure that you will have English-speaking driver, clean and air-conditioned car, which would make your vacation more pleasant and comfortable.