Summit GoatTrek smarter. Climb higher.
Vr-ezeren-pan-sm

Treks / Bulgaria

Seven Rila Lakes

Bulgaria · Nearest city: Sofia

TypeDay hike
Days1
Distance≈ 12 km
Climbing≈ 600 m
Highest point2,535 m

A day hike past seven glacial lakes stacked one above the other in the Rila Mountains, with a chairlift to shorten the climb.

Fitness Moderate
Best seasonJuly to September
High pointOtovitsa

Watch out: Very popular at weekends in summer. Go on a weekday if you can.

Why people choose it

It's Bulgaria's most loved day hike: seven glacial lakes stacked one above the other.

What makes it different

  • Seven lakes in one view
  • Chairlift to shorten the climb
  • Close to Sofia

Route options

There is rarely just one way to walk Seven Rila Lakes. These are the main choices people make.

Similar treks to consider

Peñalara Spain · 1 day · 10 km The highest peak of the Sierra de Guadarrama, an easy escape from Madrid with glacial lakes and wide views. Eiger Trail Switzerland · 1 day · 6 km A short, spectacular path right under the Eiger North Face, from Eigergletscher station down to Alpiglen.... Musala Bulgaria · 1 day · 14 km The highest peak in the Balkans, reached from Borovets via a gondola and a rocky path past high lakes.

Before you go

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.

Phone and data

Phone plans from the EU and EEA roam here at home prices. Coming from the US, UK or elsewhere? A Europe data eSIM is usually far cheaper than roaming.

Europe eSIM on Airalo

Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.

Insurance that covers this trek

This trek reaches 2,535 m, and many policies stop covering hiking at 2,000 to 3,000 m unless you add an activity upgrade. World Nomads needs its Level 3 activities above 2,000 m, Heymondo its Adventure add-on above 3,000 m, and SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers trekking up to 4,500 m.

Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.

World NomadsSafetyWingHeymondoTrue Traveller

True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.

Camping and where to sleep

Camping is restricted in national parks. Use the mountain huts (hizhas).

Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.

Route map

Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.

Straight lines between stops Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city

Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.

Stops: Seven Rila Lakes

Simple overview map
Seven Rila LakesSofia25 kmN

Step by step

  1. Months before

    Plan and book

    • No bookings are needed for most people. Choose a day with a good forecast.
    • Best time to go: July to September.
  2. 6–12 weeks before

    Train and test your gear

    • Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
    • Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
    • Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.

    Readiness quiz · Packing list

  3. Getting there

    Travel to the start

    • Most people start from Sofia.
  4. On the trail

    Walk it

    • Start early and set a turnaround time. Be back down before the weather turns or daylight fades.
    • Carry water, food, a warm layer and a rain jacket even on a sunny day.
  5. The finish

    Get home

    • It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.

How the season changes things

Best time: July to September

June to early July

Early season

Snow patches linger on north-facing slopes and high passes. Huts are just opening, meadows are full of flowers and paths are quieter.

Bring

  • Microspikes or light crampons for snow patches
  • Gaiters
  • Warmer layers for cold mornings

Mid-July to August

Peak season

Most reliable weather, but also the busiest huts and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Hot in the valleys.

Bring

  • Sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
  • Rain jacket for storms
  • Hut bookings made months ahead

September

Late season

Clear, stable days and fewer people, but shorter daylight, cold nights and some huts closing mid to late September.

Bring

  • Down jacket for cold evenings
  • Headlamp for early starts
  • Check hut closing dates

Be ready for

Afternoon storms

Thunderstorms often build after midday in summer. Start early, cross passes and summits before noon, and never shelter under lone trees or on ridges.

Rain jackets →

What you'll see

4 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.

Vr-ezeren-pan-sm
Near Seven Rila LakesOkoto lake
Near Seven Rila LakesDolnoto Ezero and stream
Near Seven Rila LakesOkoto ezero

Gear for the Seven Rila Lakes

Hiking boots Top pick: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX Trekking poles Top pick: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Rain jackets Top pick: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Photo credits: Vr-ezeren-pan-sm by Aski at en.wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Okoto lake by Klearchos Kapoutsis from Paleo Faliro, Greece, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Dolnoto Ezero and stream by Javier Sánchez Portero, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Okoto ezero by Javier Sánchez Portero, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.