Last updated on August 22, 2026
Hiking the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria – the only guide you’ll need
The Seven Rila Lakes are one of the most popular sights in Bulgaria and, without a doubt, the country’s best-known mountain hike among both Bulgarians and foreign visitors. The seven glacial lakes sit in a cirque in Rila National Park, at elevations between 2,095 and 2,535 metres.
Beyond the natural beauty and scenic mountain views, this protected area in northwestern Rila is also associated with strong energy and spirituality. Alongside regular hikers and tourists, people who follow the teachings of Petar Danov regularly visit the area to focus on the development of the soul, mind, and heart.
The Seven Rila Lakes are also stop number 29 on Bulgaria’s 100 National Tourist Sites list.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and book or buy something, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Bulgaria trip without overthinking it:
- Flights: I usually compare prices on Kiwi, Skyscanner, and Omio – they often show different deals for the same routes.
- Accommodation: For apartments and hotels, Booking and HostelWorld cover pretty much every budget and city in Bulgaria.
- Tours & activities: If you don’t want to book on the spot, GetYourGuide and Viator are the easiest options.
- Transfers: For airport pickups and long-distance transfers, Welcome Pickups save time and negotiation.
- Car rental: I compare prices on DiscoverCars and LocalRent – especially useful outside Sofia.
- Mobile internet: For eSIMs, Saily is simple and cheaper than roaming.
- Travel insurance: I usually check HeyMondo (5% discount available) or SafetyWing, depending on trip length.
Seven Rila Lakes: location and how to get there?
The Seven Rila Lakes are located in the northwestern part of Rila National Park, in the Damgski share of the Rila Mountains.
I can’t give you the exact Seven Rila lakes coordinates because, well, there are seven of them and they’re all in different places. However, the approximate coordinates are 42.20280425080059, 23.32193943989988.
In the “About the Seven Rila Lakes” section, I’ll give you more precise coordinates for each individual lake.
You’ll also find the Google Maps location below.
The closest resort towns and cities to the lower lift station are:
- Panichishte – 6 km
- Sapareva Banya – 14.5 km
- Dupnitsa – 32 km
- Samokov – 42 km
- Kyustendil – 72 km
- Sofia – 96 km
The closest mountain huts to the lakes are:
- Malka Yurta Hut / Pionerska Hut (Seven Rila Lakes lift – bottom station)
- Rilski Ezera Hut / Rila Lakes Hut (Seven Rila Lakes lift – upper station)
- Sedemte Ezera Hut / Seven Lakes Hut (next to Lake Ribnoto)
- Ivan Vazov Hut (on the trail from Lake Salzata)
Several peaks surround the Seven Rila Lakes:
- Hayduta (Haramiyata) Peak – 2,465 m
- Otovishki Peak – 2,666 m
- Ezeren Peak / Lake Peak – 2,560 m
- Suhi Chal Peak – 2,324 m
- Damga (Vazov Peak) – 2,669 m
Snow melting into Lake Okoto
From the bottom station of the Rila Lakes lift
The starting point for the Seven Rila Lakes trail is Rilski Ezera hut/Rila Lakes Hut. People also call it the Seven Rila Lakes Hut, but don’t mistake it for Sedemte ezera hut (Seven Lakes hut), which is another hut up the trail (confusing innit).
So the starting point, hut Rilski Ezera, is located at the top of the Seven Rila lakes chairlift. The most popular and unsustainable way to get there is by taking the lift from the bottom station.
There aren’t many options for getting to the lower lift station, as there is only one road. It passes through Sapareva Banya and Panichishte.
Despite the popularity of the Seven Rila Lakes and the constant stream of tourists, there is no organised public transport to the lower lift station in 2026.
The easiest option is to come by your own car or a rental car and park at the bottom station. We were travelling from Dupnitsa and drove to the lift, which took us around 45 minutes.
If you’re coming from Sofia, you can use the shuttle services offered by Traventuria (just enter your departure date to see available transfers). They provide daily transport to Seven Rila Lakes lift bottom station, and you can also take advantage of their guide services if you want.
A private transfer might also be an option.
If you’re already in Dupnitsa, and especially if you’re in Sapareva Banya, I reckon you could also get there by hitchhiking fairly quickly and easily, since everybody passes through the same road.
Views while hiking the Rila Lakes trail
From other mountain huts and hiking routes
Of course, you can also get to the Seven Lakes of Rila on foot using one of the mountain trails, without taking the lift.
You can reach lakes from:
- Lovna Hut – Rila Lakes Hut – 1.5 hours
- Skakavitsa Hut – Rila Lakes Hut – 1.5 hours
- Pionerska Hut – Rila Lakes Hut – 2 hours
- Ivan Vazov Hut – Rila Lakes Hut – 4 hours
- Rila Monastery – Rila Lakes Hut – 6.5 hours
- Malyovitsa Hut – Rila Lakes Hut – 7 hours
- Lovna Hut – Seven Lakes Hut – 2.5 hours
- Skakavitsa Hut – Seven Lakes Hut – 3 hours
- Vada Hut – Seven Lakes Hut – 3.5 hours
- Pionerska Hut – Seven Lakes Hut – 3.5 hours
- Ivan Vazov Hut – Seven Lakes Hut – 3 hours
About the lift to Seven Rila Lakes
The Seven Rila Lakes “cable car” takes you from Pionerska Hut/Malka Yurta Hut (the bottom station – 1,585 m above sea level) to Rilski Ezera Hut (the upper station – 2,100 m above sea level).
This is an open two-seat chairlift that moves relatively slowly. During the first part of the ride, you get views of the evergreen Rila forests and playful streams. Higher up, the views open towards the Malyovitsa section of the Rila Mountains.
It’s also a great opportunity to rest before starting the hike.
Working hours
In summer 2026, the lift operates according to the following schedule:
- Monday: 12:30 – 17:30/18:30, depending on the season
- Tuesday – Sunday: 08:30 – 17:30/18:30, depending on the season
- Maintenance/closed: Every last Monday of the month
- Journey time: 25-30 minutes
- Morning queue for going up: Prepare to wait around 1 hour in the best-case scenario
- Afternoon queue for going down: Around 30 minutes on a good day
Stef’s local tip:
The best days to take the lift in summer are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Get there early so you’re at the lift when it opens at 08:30 – preferably even earlier.
Weekends bring huge tourist crowds, which means long queues and plenty of waiting around. Mondays have shorter operating hours, which might not be enough for a full hike unless you plan to spend the night at the hut.
There are ways to avoid the queues. Most people arrive in the morning, take the lift up, hike around the lakes, and take the lift back down in the afternoon.
So, your options for avoiding the queues are:
- Take another mountain route without using the lift
- Choose less busy times for going up, hiking around the lakes, and going down, and spend the night at the hut
You can get an idea of the queues and weather in real time using the two Seven Rila Lakes webcams:
Seven Rila Lakes chairlift price 2026
The Seven Rila Lakes chairlift offers one-way and return tickets, with reduced prices for children, retirees, and people with disabilities.
Ticket type | Adults | Children 5-12, retirees & people with disabilities | Children under 5 |
One-way ticket | €11 | €6 | €0 |
Return ticket | €16 | €8 | €0 |
* One-way and return tickets are valid for up to 7 days from the date of purchase.
*Return tickets can be used on separate days.
*During the winter season, ski passes with different durations and prices are available.
Stef’s local tip:
This information is current as of August 2026. Before you set off, check the Rila Lakes Hut website for the latest conditions.
About the Seven Rila Lakes hiking trail
The Seven Rila Lakes hike is a circular route that starts and finishes at Rilski Ezera Hut.
Overview:
- Trail type – circular
- Starting point – Rilski Ezera hut
- End point – Rilski ezera hut
- Seven Rila Lakes elevation change – 460 m, from 2,100 m to 2,560 m
- Seven Rila Lakes hike length (distance) – 8-9 km
- Seven Rila Lakes hike duration – 6-7 hours, including breaks and photo stops
- Seven Rila Lakes hike difficulty – 3 out of 6
Below you will find the Seven Rila Lakes hiking trail map.
The route passes all seven lakes in an anti-clockwise direction. Some people hike the route clockwise, but I personally did it anti-clockwise. I really liked this direction and don’t think I would choose to do it the other way around.
We can break the route down into several stages.
Stage 1: Rilski Ezera hut – Lake Babreka
The first stage takes you from Rilski Ezera hut to Lake Babreka (the Kidney Lake) and takes around 1.5 hours:
- Take the trail to the right of the hut.
- Follow the red trail markings.
- Allow around 1.5 hours for this section.
- The route is completely exposed, with no shade.
- The beginning has a more serious climb, but the trail becomes flatter and very pleasant afterwards.
- If you need water, look to the left of the trail. There’s a spring hidden behind a rock.
- You’ll have beautiful views throughout the entire route.
- As you start walking, look into the distance on the left. One by one, you’ll see Lake Dolnoto (The Lower One), Lake Ribnoto (The Fish Lake), Lake Trilistnika (The Trefoil), and Lake Bliznaka (The Twin)
- The final part of the route takes you around the area of Lake Babreka, which will be on your right.
Hayduta (Haramiyata) Peak
Stef’s local tip:
Getting lost here would be quite an achievement. Even when there are crowds, the trail is well-trodden and clearly marked. Put on sunscreen and your hat before leaving the hut.
Stage 2: Lake Babreka – Ezeren Peak
The second stage takes you from Lake Babreka up the rocky slope towards Ezeren Peak (Lake Peak) and takes around 1 hour:
- After the flatter section, head uphill along the rocky slope towards Lake Peak.
- Follow the red and yellow trail markings.
- Allow around 1 hour for this section.
- The route is completely exposed, with no shade.
- The climb is steep, and the terrain is rocky and covered with loose stones.
- If you need water, you’ll easily spot where to fill up. There are two springs right next to each other on the right side of the streams.
- The map shows a spring on the left side of the trail, but I didn’t see it. I only saw the two springs on the right.
- As you climb, look to your right for views of Lake Okoto (The Eye).
- Just before reaching the summit, you’ll also see Lake Salzata (The Tear).
- Shortly after spotting Lake Salzata, you’ll reach Ezeren Peak itself.
Ezeren Peak
Stef’s local tip:
The only way to see the two highest lakes – Okoto (the Eye) and Salzata (the Tear) – is to hike up to Ezeren peak. It’s also the perfect spot for a proper break and some food.
Despite claims that the peak gives you a full panorama view of all seven lakes at once, that’s not quite true. You can see all seven lakes, but not simultaneously. You see them separately as you walk around the peak.
If you want to see all seven lakes at once, you’ll get that view on the route from Otovitsa Peak towards Damga (Vazov Peak).
And before you head off for the final stage, don’t forget to put on sunscreen again.
As close to a full Seven Rila Lakes panorama as I could get
Stage 3: Ezeren Peak – Lake Babreka
The third stage follows exactly the same route as Stage 2, but in the opposite direction, taking around 40 minutes:
- Follow the same trail as Stage 2, but head downhill towards Lake Babreka.
- Allow around 40 minutes for this section.
- Be careful on the descent, as many of the rocks are unstable and can be slippery.
- The springs will now be on your left.
- The final point of this stage is Lake Babreka.
Stef’s local tip:
Good hiking shoes are especially important in this section. You should wear proper hiking shoes throughout the route, of course, but this part is particularly slippery. We saw more than one person slip and fall here. Thankfully, everyone was okay.
Stage 4: Lake Babreka – Sedemte Ezera Hut
The fourth stage takes you from Lake Babreka to Sedemte Ezera Hut, following a different trail instead of retracing your steps:
- From Lake Babreka, turn right towards Sedemte Ezera Hut.
- Allow around 45 minutes for this section.
- The trail descends along the slope.
- The terrain is open and exposed to the sun.
- The trail is pleasant and passes the following lakes in this order: Lake Bliznaka (right side), Lake Trilistnika (left side), Lake Ribnoto (right side)
- The final point is Sedemte Ezera Hut, located immediately after Lake Ribnoto.
- You can fill up your water bottle or grab something to eat at the hut.
Stef’s local tip:
If you have enough time and aren’t worried about missing the lift, you can make a detour to Petar Danov’s spring-fed fountain called “The Hands That Give”, located next to Lake Ribnoto.
If there are lots of tourists around, you’ll probably spot some people in the distance at the fountain.
Personally, I didn’t love the atmosphere around Sedemte Ezera Hut, so we didn’t stick around for long.
Stage 5: Sedemte Ezera Hut – Rilski Ezera Hut
The final stage takes bring you back to Rilski Ezera Hut and takes around 1 hour, although your tired legs may have other plans:
- This final section gives you one last challenge, especially because you’re already tired.
- The trail has some uphill and downhill sections.
- Nothing here compares to the climb towards Lake Peak.
- Allow around 1 hour for this section.
- The trail is less clearly defined here, so pay close attention to the trail markings.
- Along the way, you’ll get a closer look at Lake Dolnoto on the right side of the trail.
- Finally, you can rest at Rilski Ezera Hut or join the queue for the lift back down.
About the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria
The Seven Rila Lakes are glacial lakes and one of Bulgaria’s most recognizable landmarks. They are officially numbered and named from top to bottom, but I’ll list them in the order you’ll see them if you follow the route in this blog post.
1. Lake Dolnoto (“The Lower One”)
- Coordinates: 42.21095332149154, 23.325430830408532
- Location: 2,095 m above sea level
- Depth: 11 m
- This is the first lake you’ll see, appearing in the distance to the left of the trail.
- It is the lowest of the Seven Rila Lakes.
- It collects the water from all the lakes above it and is the source of the Dzherman River, a left tributary of the Struma River.
Lake Dolnoto
2. Lake Ribnoto (“The Fish Lake”)
- Coordinates: 42.20680928541242, 23.3232511753929
- Location: 2,184 m above sea level
- Depth: 2.5 m
- This is the second lake you’ll see from the trail. It appears in the distance to the left.
- It is the shallowest of the Seven Rila Lakes.
- Sedemte Ezera Hut is located next to it.
- Around 500 metres from the lake itself (not from the trail you’re currently following), you’ll find Petar Danov’s spring-fed fountain called “The Hands That Give”.
Lake Ribnoto
3. Lake Trilistnika (“The Trefoil”)
- Coordinates: 42.20604721006202, 23.318073481175862
- Location: 2,216 m above sea level
- Depth: 6.5 m
- This is the third lake you’ll see along the route, again in the distance to the left of the trail.
- It resembles the shape of a three-leaf clover.
- The literal translation of Trilistnika is “the three-leafed lake.”
Lake Trilistnika
4. Lake Bliznaka (“The Twin”)
- Coordinates: 42.20223527824416, 23.31494456296083
- Location: 2,243 m above sea level
- Depth: 27.5 m
- This is the fourth lake you’ll see if you follow the official route, again in the distance to the left.
- It is the largest of the seven lakes by water surface area and the longest of the seven.
- During dry years, the middle section dries up and separates into two lakes that resemble twins.
- Hayduta (Haramiyata) Peak is located above it.
Lake Bliznaka
5. Lake Babreka (“The Kidney”)
- Coordinates: 42.20524493927783, 23.307316881807562
- Location: 2,282 m above sea level
- Depth: 28 m
- This is the first lake you’ll get really close to. It sits to the right of the trail, and you won’t miss it.
- It is the second-largest of the seven lakes.
- From its southern shore, trails branch off towards Skakavitsa Hut, Rilski Ezera Hut, Sedemte Ezera Hut, and Ivan Vazov Hut.
- On the eastern meadow, followers of Petar Danov perform their ritual Paneurhythmy dance.
Lake Babreka
6. Lake Okoto (“The Eye”)
- Coordinates: 42.199285116145454, 23.30639074147787
- Location: 2,440 m above sea level
- Depth: 37.5 m
- This lake will again be on your right as you climb towards Ezeren Peak.
- It is the deepest glacial lake on the Balkan Peninsula.
- It is known for its deep blue colour and oval shape.
Lake Okoto
7. Lake Salzata (“The Tear”)
- Coordinates: 42.197201626249765, 23.310749379320516
- Location: 2,535 m above sea level
- Depth: 4.5 m
- This lake is again on your right as you approach the highest point of Ezeren Peak.
- It is the highest of the Seven Rila Lakes and the second-shallowest after Lake Ribnoto.
- Its name comes from its shape and clear waters.
- I call it the Tear because it collects the tears of tourists who made it up the peak.
- It’s sometimes also called the “Upper Lake,” for fairly obvious reasons.
- For 9 out of 12 months of the year, you’ll find ice here instead of water.
Lake Salzata
Practical tips for the hike
The most important thing is not to underestimate this hike or the route. Many people think, “If so many other people do it, it must be easy.” It isn’t.
The route is demanding and long, and you’re hiking in exposed mountain terrain. You need to be prepared with the right equipment and physical fitness. At best, this means avoiding unnecessary suffering. At worst, it could help you avoid a serious injury.
In previous years, statistics have recorded that the highest number of mountain rescue operations happened at the Seven Rila Lakes. These incidents have been attributed to hikers who weren’t prepared for the route, partly because of the easy access provided by the lift and the route’s popularity.
Before the hike
- Choose your day carefully: For fewer people, go Tuesday to Thursday.
- Avoid 19-21 August: This is when followers of Petar Danov head up to the lakes, so avoid these dates if you want to escape the crowds. Unless, of course, you actually want to see them.
- Check the lift schedule: Make sure the lift isn’t closed for maintenance on the day you plan to hike.
- Check the weather forecast: I use the Weather&Radar app, which hasn’t let me down so far.
- Get mountain insurance: Do this for every mountain hike, regardless of where you are or how easy the route seems.
- If you’re taking the lift: Plan to arrive at the lower station by 08:30 at the latest.
What to bring
- Good hiking shoes
- A hat
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Water
- Something to eat
- A windproof jacket
- Appropriate clothing for the season. For example, I visited in mid-August and wore two T-shirts, trekking trousers that zip off into shorts, a thin top, and a fleece. I used all of these at different points during the hike and on the lift.
- If you’re going in summer and don’t want your legs covered in trail dust, bring long trousers.
- A small bag and a glove. You can pick up some litter along the trail, such as cigarette butts and other rubbish, and take it back down with you.
On the day of the hike
- Check the weather forecast one last time before setting off.
- Don’t stop outside the lower station car park, as you may be fined.
- Ask for a receipt when paying for parking.
- There are chemical toilets at the lower station. I don’t recommend them.
- There is a toilet at Rilski Ezera Hutat the upper station, costing €0.50.
- The stamps for your 100 National Tourist Sites booklet are available at Rilski Ezera Hut. They don’t have the sticker; stickers are available at Skakavitsa Hut.
- The trail is quite dusty, so your legs will get covered in dust if you’re wearing shorts.
- It gets extremely windy at Ezeren Peak, so dress accordingly.
- Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen and wear a hat. You don’t want a heatstroke at 2,500 m above sea level.
- Be especially careful when descending from Ezeren Peak. Quite a few people slip and fall here.
- The water from the springs is extremely cold, so be careful when drinking it.
- Feel free to yell at people who touch the lake water or leave their garbage.
- After making it back down, have an aspirin and a rakia to ease the pain.
Useful phone numbers
- Emergency – 112
- Rila National Park – 0884 111 400
- Mountain rescue – 1470 ; 02 963 20 00
- Ministry of Environment and Water – 02 9888 205 ; 0887 088 440
Seven Rila Lakes rules
When visiting a national park, and especially a protected area like the Seven Rila Lakes, remember that you need to follow the rules for protecting the area.
Here are the rules in this area:
- Stay on the designated trails – walking off-trail causes erosion.
- Don’t enter the lakes or splash around in the water – this can cause pollution.
- Motor vehicles are prohibited.
- Don’t leave any rubbish behind.
- Don’t throw stones into the lakes.
- Don’t feed the fish.
- Don’t pick flowers or damage vegetation.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Hunting is prohibited.
- Don’t light fires.
Seven Rila Lakes accommodation
The main accommodation options around the Seven Rila Lakes are the mountain huts, while hotels and guesthouses are available in nearby Panichishte, Sapareva Banya, Dupnitsa, and the surrounding villages.
Mountain huts near the lakes
- Rilski Ezera Hut – This hut is more like a hotel than a traditional Bulgarian mountain hut, especially compared with some of the others in Bulgaria.
- Sedemte Ezera Hut – Seven Lakes Hut is not in great condition, and renovation work is currently taking place. We also saw tents around the hut.
- Ivan Vazov Hut – Ivan Vazov Hut is a very good option for an overnight stay, but it’s around 1.5 hours from Ezeren Peak.
Rilski Ezera Hut (Seven Rila Lakes Hut exterior)
Hotels near the Seven Rila Lakes
You can find hotels near the Seven Rila Lakes in Panichishte, Sapareva Banya, Dupnitsa, and the surrounding villages.
If you want fewer crowds and lower prices, I recommend staying in Dupnitsa. We stayed at Rila Hotel in the city centre.
If mineral water is more your thing, Sapareva Banya is the place to stay. It gives you a convenient base for the hike while also letting you enjoy the town’s mineral water afterwards.
Seven Rila Lakes tour options
If you don’t want to visit the Seven Rila Lakes completely on your own, you can also choose from organised tours offered by different travel agencies. You can also book a private tour for yourself and a group of friends.
There are also combination tours that include a hike to the Seven Rila Lakes together with other sights. An example is the Rila Monastery and Seven Lakes tour.
If you choose a tour with Traventuria, you can use the discount code KMB9 for 10% off.
FAQs
How to get to the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia?
Your own car, a rental car, or the Traventuria shuttle service. There is no Sofia to Seven Rila Lakes bus, except the shuttle offered by Traventuria – Rila Shuttle.
Is swimming allowed in the Seven Rila Lakes?
Absolutely not. Swimming is prohibited.
How long does it take to hike the Seven Rila Lakes?
Around 5-7 hours.
Is it OK to visit the Seven Rila Lakes in winter?
Not unless you’re with a professional guide, if such a service is offered.
Are the Seven Rila Lakes worth visiting?
Yes. Absolutely.
Where to park near the Seven Rila Lakes?
There is paid parking at the bottom station of the lift.
Is the Seven Rila Lakes hike suitable for children?
For teenagers, yes. For younger kids, only if you regularly go hiking.
Is there water on the way?
Yes, there is water along the route.
What’s the best time to visit the Seven Rila Lakes?
June to September.
How long does it take to drive from Sofia to the Seven Rila Lakes?
Around 1.5-2 hours by car.
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Stefani Gospodinova
Founder and Content Creator
Stefani is a travel content creator born and raised in Bulgaria, and the founder of Kiss My Backpack. Having explored the country since childhood, she shares practical tips, local insights, and her own photography to help visitors plan their trip.
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