This Seven Rila Lakes hike from Sofia takes you from the city to the glacial cirque of the Rila Mountains in one long day. A chairlift ride of about 30 minutes lifts you up from the Panichishte resort, and then you walk past lakes named after their shapes, the Eye, the Kidney, the Teardrop, between 2,100 and 2,500 metres. It is a real hike, four to five hours on uneven paths, so bring proper boots and a reasonable level of fitness. The bus, the guide and the booking are arranged for you, and real people on WhatsApp are there if you have a question.
🏔️Lakes7 glacial lakes, up to 2,500 m
🥾Walk4 to 5 hours on foot
🕖Day07:00 to ~17:30
🚡ChairliftAbout €20 on site, cash
Pick a date and book online
€40 with a live guide · €30 bus only
The calendar shows which options run on your date. No date yet? Dates open season by season, ask us on WhatsApp.
"It is well worth it at a great price with a very knowledgeable guide who maintained safety at all times and spoke great English. … I would do this tour again in a heartbeat"
ScottJune 2026
★★★★★
"The tracking was great because of the admirable guidance from Ivo. A lot of stories, jokes, free time and consideration of the different kind of people in the group."
MariaSeptember 2026
★★★★★
"Well organized tour. The tour guides are so nice and keep great track of everyone. … I was surprised at how much hiking we had to do so be aware that you must have good tennis shoes or better, bring hiking shoes. It was about 2 hours up and 2 hours down after we took the lift."
IrinaJuly 2025
★★★★★
"Fantastic experience, we are from Australia and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Be prepared to bring some warmer clothes as gets very cold at the top and on the chairlift. … Remember to take cash with you for chairlift in case eftpos not working."
TravisAustraliaJune 2025
★★★★★
"The day trip to the lakes was amazing. … The hike was a bit more challenging than described so be aware. We are experienced hikers but there were some people in the group that struggled. Bring hiking poles!"
MaiaJune 2025
Choose your option
The classic Seven Rila Lakes hike with a guide
Live guide
€40
per person, age 10+
The classic day: a live English-speaking guide leads the walk from lake to lake. Runs when the chairlift is open, see the seasons below.
Deep snow and sub-zero temperatures, the lakes may be frozen or hidden. €49 for the high-fitness winter trek, €60 for the winter snow hike (Nov to Dec, Mar to Apr).
There is no child price: the minimum age is 10 and everyone pays the same. The booking calendar shows which options run on your date.
More options on some dates
Per person
Guide, without chairlift, high difficulty (about 12 hours)
€50
Transport only, without chairlift, high difficulty (about 12 hours)
€40
Spanish-speaking guide
€45
Spanish-speaking guide, winter trek, high fitness
€75
Spanish-speaking guide, without chairlift, high difficulty
€65
Self-guided with a web audio app, on the dates the calendar offers
See calendar
The calendar shows which ones run on your day.
The Seven Rila Lakes on foot
The Seven Rila Lakes lie in a glacial cirque between 2,100 and 2,500 metres, each named after its shape: the Eye, the Kidney, the Teardrop, the Twin, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake. After the chairlift you walk from lake to lake with your guide. Depending on the weather and the group, you walk the whole circuit or a shorter loop, and snow can cover the upper lakes in spring and winter.
The Seven Rila Lakes hike from Sofia is a hike, not a stroll. The walk takes four to five hours on uneven paths with a few steep climbs, and the guide keeps the group together, so the pace follows the slowest walker. Good boots matter more than anything else you pack. If you would rather see the lakes together with the monastery, take our Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery day trip instead.
When the chairlift stops
Like any lift, it can stop because of strong wind or a power cut. Your guide then offers another walk on the spot, and this does not give a right to a refund. If the lift is closed for the day, fit hikers walk up and down on foot with the guide, about 3 extra hours, and the group leaves the lakes at 17:30 (Sofia about 19:30). If that is too much, you can switch to a cultural tour or cancel for a full refund.
Seasons
From late spring to early autumn the lakes are at their best, and July and August are the most reliable months to see all seven. In November and December, and again in March and April, it becomes a winter snow hike: deep snow, sub-zero temperatures, and the return leaves the lakes at 16:30 because of the early dark, getting you back in Sofia around 18:30. Waterproof winter boots, thermals, gloves and heavy layers are mandatory. On the high-fitness winter trek the lakes can lie under knee-deep snow and may not be visible.
It does not run every day. The calendar lists the departures that are open, and the dates for the next season appear there as they open.
What is included
What is included
Return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
Included
Professional guide (guided options)
Included
Chairlift, paid in cash on the spot, only if it runs
About €20
Food, drinks, tips, hotel pick-up
Not included
Trekking poles, a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers can be added at checkout.
How to find the meeting point
The Seven Rila Lakes hike from Sofia starts behind the Vasil Levski Monument in the centre of the city, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia, Yanko Sakazov Blvd 9, where the bus leaves at 07:00. Please be there 15 minutes early. If you take a taxi, use Yellow or Volt; Bolt does not operate in Bulgaria. Open in Google Maps →
How the day goes
1
07:00 · Meeting point
Behind the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia, Yanko Sakazov Blvd 9. Please be there 15 minutes early.
2
Morning · Drive to Panichishte
The bus takes you to the Panichishte resort at the foot of the mountain, where you buy your chairlift ticket, in cash.
3
Late morning · Chairlift and the lakes
A chairlift ride of about 30 minutes up to the cirque, then the walk from lake to lake with your guide, with stops for photos and rest.
4
~17:30 · Back in Sofia
Drop-off at the same place, the Vasil Levski Monument.
Seven Rila Lakes hike from Sofia: FAQ
How do I book the Seven Rila Lakes hike from Sofia?+
Pick a date and an option in the booking calendar on this page and pay online. You get the confirmation by email straight away. If you have questions first, message us on WhatsApp. You pay online when you book, and you get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.
How hard is the hike? How fit do I need to be?+
It is a moderate to demanding hike: four to five hours on uneven paths with several steep climbs, up to about 2,500 metres. You need reasonable fitness and proper hiking boots. Sandals and flip-flops are not accepted. The tour is not recommended for people with back problems or for pregnant travellers.
Is the chairlift included?+
No. The chairlift costs about €20 (39.12 lev) per person, paid in cash at the lift, which does not take cards, and only if it runs that day.
When is the best time for the Seven Rila Lakes hike?+
July and August are the most reliable months for all seven lakes, and September is usually good too. In spring and late autumn there is snow on the higher lakes. It does not run every day, so check the booking calendar for the departures.
What is the difference between the options?+
The guided options have a live English-speaking guide on the trail. Transport only is the bus there and back, and you walk the lakes on your own. On some dates there is a self-guided option with a web audio guide on your phone, which needs mobile internet, and Spanish-speaking guides run on selected dates. The calendar shows which option runs on your date.
Where do we meet? Is there hotel pick-up?+
The meeting point is behind the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia, and the bus leaves at 07:00. Please be there 15 minutes early. There is no hotel pick-up.
What should I bring and wear?+
Closed-toe hiking boots, a rain jacket, warm layers (it is cold at the top and on the chairlift even in summer), sunglasses and sun cream. Trekking poles, a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers can be added at checkout. Bring a packed lunch and enough water too, as there is no food stop on the way.
Can I see the lakes and Rila Monastery in one day?+
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