SEVEN RILA LAKES SELF-GUIDED TRIP FROM SOFIA

This nature escape begins with a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Sofia to Panichishte Resort, where you’ll take a chairlift (30 minutes) up to the cirque of the Seven Rila Lakes – a chain of glacial lakes nestled between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level.

Once there, you have up to 5 hours of free hiking time to explore the pristine alpine trails. Each lake is uniquely named based on its shape or features – from “The Tear” to “The Kidney” and more. In summer, they’re emerald green and ideal for a mid-hike picnic; in winter, they’re frozen over and magical.

The return includes a chairlift descent and the same scenic drive back to Sofia, with an arrival expected around 6:30 PM.

Optional audio guides available in Spanish, Italian, German, French, Romanian,  Bulgarian, Russian, Chinese, Ukrainian and Portuguese (pre-booking required).