The Rila mountain range is located 100 kilometers from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. Here are the sources of the largest rivers of the Balkan Peninsula. In connection with which the region got its name, “roula” in Thracian means “high-water”. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the 7 Rila lakes. In summer, the number of tourists grows to incredible proportions, which causes a long queue for the lift, especially on weekends. However, if you decide to go here in the summer, be sure to take a hat, protective cream, glasses and water, as the sun will be merciless to you. In autumn and spring, you will need a hat, gloves and a windbreaker for a trip on the ski lift; the rest of the time it will be warm.
The lift is located a few kilometers of mountain serpentine from the village of Sapareva Banya. There are several pools with hot mineral water. Further along the route you must follow the signs “Elevator”. Parking near the ski lift is paid - 5 levs/day, minibuses - 10 levs/day, buses - 20 levs/day. There is no need to park; you can leave your car on the side of the road if there is free space. The walk will take about 10 minutes.
Tickets are sold near the lift at a kiosk. There are also tents near the ticket office with souvenirs (honey, jam, magnets) and equipment (walking poles, Panama hats, glasses). The cost of one trip is 10 leva, two (up and down) - 18 leva. Tickets work using a barcode, so they require careful storage. Insurance is included in the ticket. The lift structure is not new, but is in good condition. Two workers are on duty at the top and two at the bottom, monitoring the landing.
The picturesque climb takes about 20 minutes and ends right next to the hut (house in the mountains) “Rilski ezera” (Rila Lakes). Here you can eat simple Bulgarian food: soup, potatoes, meat, beer. The prices are not high, the quality is decent. The road to the lakes goes to the right, periodically there are arrows on the stones, but this is not necessary since the path is well trodden by tourists. The route is not difficult, you won’t have to climb over boulders, children, old people and dogs of any breed can pass it without any problems. The rules state that dog owners must have a leash.
The first lake is called “Dolnoto Ezero” - which means lower lake; water from the other 6 lakes flows here. Next is “Ribnoto”, a lake with a lot of fish. Lake “Bliznaka” (twin) has the largest area among the others; in fact, these are two lakes connected by a bridge. The fourth lake is “Sylzata” (Tear), the most transparent. Lake Okoto is shaped like an eye. “Bybreka Ezero” is named so because of the shape of the kidney. The last lake of Trefoil, has a more complex shape than the others, very vaguely reminiscent of a clover leaf. In the Pirin mountain range there are also lakes named Rybnoto and Okoto.
Some lakes are located away from the main route, some closer. Near one of them there is another hut “Sedemte ezera” (7 lakes). In conclusion, it should be noted that the lift stops operating at 18.30, if you do not want to walk down to the car for several hours, then keep an eye on the time. It should also be noted that a panoramic view of all the lakes at once (as in the advertisement of Pirin beer) opens at the top of one of the mountain peaks, from a more difficult route or quadcopter. In addition, you need to know that the Rila Monastery is located on a completely different slope of the mountain range; a walking route from there to the lakes exists, but it takes 7 hours.
Key facts
- Cost: 10 levs for ascent, 18 for ascent and descent.
- Opening hours: 8.00 - 18.30 in summer, 9.00 - 17.30 in winter. On Mondays from 8.30 - 12.30
- Every last Monday of the month there is prevention.
- Official website: www.rilskiezera.bg (here you can check the operating hours of the lift).
- Parking: 5 BGN/day, minibuses - 10 BGN/day, buses - 20 BGN/day.
Names of lakes
- Dolnoto.
- Ribnoto.
- Shamrock.
- Bliznak.
- Bybrek.
- Okoto.
- Sylzata.