Seven Rila Lakes circuit
- Range
- Rila
- High point
- 2535 m
- Time
- 4–5 h loop
- Season
- Jun–Oct
Profile is a rough sketch from hut and summit heights, not survey data.
The most photographed walk in the country, and deservedly. The chairlift from Pionerska hut above Panichishte reaches Rila Lakes hut at about 2,100 m, and the loop from there visits all seven lakes in order of height.
Going up you pass Dolnoto (the Lower), Ribnoto (the Fish lake), Trilistnika (the Trefoil), Bliznaka (the Twin), Babreka (the Kidney) and Okoto (the Eye), which is the deepest cirque lake in Bulgaria. The highest, Salzata (the Tear), sits just under the viewpoint where every postcard picture is taken.
Go on a weekday if you possibly can. In August the lift queue alone can be over an hour by mid-morning, and the path between Babreka and the viewpoint becomes a procession. Start with the first lift and you will have the upper lakes almost to yourself.