One of the most stunning hikes we’ve done on our travels has been the 7 Rila Lakes Hike in the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria. If you’re seeking an incredible outdoor adventure that combines stunning natural landscapes with a bit of a challenge, this hike is perfect for you! As the name suggests, the 7 Lakes Hike promises alpine views, glacial lakes, and an unforgettable experience.
OVERVIEW
The 7 Rila Lakes Hike is a very popular trekking route in the Rila Mountains, due to its proximity to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. The hike is of moderate difficulty, and can typically be done as a day trip from Sofia, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and hikers of varying levels of experience.
There is a chairlift that takes you to the trailhead of the hike, which makes the entire hike about a 6 mile loop with 1788 feet of elevation gain. You can also choose to forgo the chairlift and hike from the parking lot, which adds on an additional 3 miles to the hike.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are a couple of different options to get to the 7 Rila Lakes Hike from Sofia.
By Car: The drive is about 1h 30 mins from Sofia city. Click here to open Google Maps navigation
By Public Transportation: Getting to Rila lakes by public transport from Sofia city is difficult as there is no direct bus or train. You can take bus or train from Sofia to Dupnitsa town. From Dupnitsa, you can take a taxi up to the 7 Rila lakes chairlift. Most people in the smaller towns do not speak English, so it could be challenging to purchase tickets and examine the timetables.
By Tour: We booked our trip through GetYourGuide, which cost 30 euros per person and included round trip transfers to and from Sofia, but did not include the fee for the chairlift.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our tour picked us up at 8 am in the city centre of Sofia, and it took a little over 1.5 hours to arrive at the chair lift parking lot.
Unfortunately, we went on a weekend so it was extremely crowded. We arrived at the chair lift just after 10 am. Our guide did not tell us that there was an option to hike up from the bottom, so we had to wait in the chair lift line for over 2 hours. Had we known, we would’ve just hiked up the extra few miles, so keep that in mind if you decide to do the tour on a busy day.
Once we finally got to the front of the line around noon, we boarded the 2 person chairlift and took in the amazing views. It took about 20 minutes on the chairlift to get to the top, with stunning views the entire time.
This mountain becomes a ski hill in the winter, so if you loved the views considering coming back for a winter holiday!
When we arrived at the top of the lift, we were given a meeting point and time to return by. Because we had wasted so much time waiting in line for the lift, we were only given about 4 hours for the entire hike before we needed to be back to meet the group.
It took us exactly 1.5 hours one way, which only gave us less than an hour at the top to take photos, have lunch, and enjoy the beautiful nature. We felt quite rushed on the way back, and wish that the company would’ve taken into account the delayed start and given us a later meeting time to return by. To avoid this, consider visiting on a weekday instead, or planning a self guided option that leaves Sofia much earlier to avoid the big crowds.
TRAIL OPTIONS
The 7 Lakes Hike offers several trail options, varying in length and difficulty.
Circular Route: This moderate option takes you around all seven lakes, covering approximately 6-8 miles depending on the specific path you take. The circular route hits all 7 lakes and offers the chance to experience many breathtaking vistas.
Shorter Loop: If you’re short on time or prefer a less strenuous hike, you can opt for a shorter loop that visits the first 4 lakes. This route still rewards you with stunning views while being less demanding.
ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW
- Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the climate in the mountains can be unpredictable. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket. It was quite windy and chilly at the top, despite us doing our hike in August.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction to navigate the rocky and uneven terrain comfortably. A lot of the path is loose rocks and sand, so we had a few near slips on our trek.
- Supplies: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. There are no facilities along the trail, except for a natural stream that you can refill your water bottle in with delicious ice cold glacial water.
- Navigation: The trails are extremely well-marked, and it is essentially impossible to get lost on the trail. However, iff you’re new to hiking or prefer a guided experience, you can consider joining a tour led by experienced guides who can provide insights into the area’s flora, fauna, and history.
- Swimming: It is completely prohibited to swim in any of the lakes.
WHEN TO VISIT
The optimal time to embark on the 7 Rila Lakes Hike is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and the trails are accessible. Keep in mind that conditions can be cooler at higher elevations, even in the summer.
The 7 Rila Lakes Hike was by far the highlight of our time in Bulgaria. We got to see some of the most beautiful mountain vistas, incredible serene lakes, and enjoy a day immersed in nature. This hike is a must do if you’re visiting Bulgaria!
To check out our full Sofia gallery, click here!