Bulgaria · SEVEN RILA LAKES HIKES
The circuit sits around 2,500 metres and holds snow into June, which is why the guided day is worth it. These 15 cover the chairlift start from Panichishte, the full ridge loop and the shorter versions, with prices, walking hours and how much climbing each one really asks of you.
Round-trip shuttle from Sofia to Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery, with 6 hours hiking time and 75 minutes to explore the 10th-century site.
“Wonderful landscape with a sympathic guide and a careful driver. Recommend it for sure”
Full-day guided trek from Sofia to Rila National Park for the Seven Rila Lakes, with optional Rila Monastery and chairlift.
“It was an outstanding experience. our guide, Ivo, was very knowledgeable and engaging; he was very prepared too. Some guests did not have proper attire for the Monastery, so he gave them scarves to cover their shoulders and knees. Also, some people did not have rain gear, and it rained in the mountains, she he gave them some rain gear. Overall, it was very well worth it, the views are spectacular.”
From Sofia, hike the 7 Rila Lakes and ride the chairlift, then visit Rila Monastery in one full-day 12-hour trip.
“Really beautiful scenery and enjoyed the chair lift up to the mountains!”
Sofia day trip to Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes. English driver, lift to the lakes, and a self-guided mountain hike.
“It was really great, both the experience and the trip. Our guide was really nice and explained everything very well.”
A full day from Sofia to **Rila Monastery** and the **Seven Rila Lakes**, mixing easy transport with a self-guided mountain hike.
“Great trip. Loved that the logistics were all organised but I could go at my own pace for the hike. I skipped the top 2 lakes so I could do the rest of the hike at a slower pace and enjoy the scenery but all 7 lakes are easily do-able in the time if you’re fit enough and happy to go at a quicker pace. I wore trainers and these were fine, the higher 2 lakes still had snow on the track so this may have been a bit more difficult. Would recommend.”
Day trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes, small group with WiFi van. Lift fee extra, weather matters.
“It was beautiful, both places. But please do your research on weather. We picked perfect day and had perfect time. Tour people cannot control that. Bus was comfortable, driver did great navigating mountain roads. Hike at 7 lakes was amazing, but little muddy as there is still snow. Tour guide was willing to help everyone navigate even with different languages.”
Early chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes and a UNESCO Rila Monastery visit. Moderate hike, comfy transport, cash lift fee.
“The seven lakes was incredible. Everything that we had hoped for and a must see. My only complaint of the experience was two fold. One it wasn’t made clear that there is an extra charge for lift hire outside of the payment made for the trip itself. Which is an extra 25 LEV equivalent to £13. Although that is an experience in itself which is worth the extra. Very cool way to see across the mountains. So no issue with this other then it was an unexpected additional cost. The second issue was we were under the belief that the monastery was close to the 7 lakes, however it wasn’t.…”
Self-guided Seven Rila Lakes day hike from Sofia with chairlift rides, emerald waters, and about 10 hours of medium hiking.
“we enjoyed the day trip with the kind guide chris great experience”
Small-group hike to the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia with a scenic drive, Panichishte chairlift, and guide options in English.
“Good tour awesome driver all around great experience. Most beautiful hike I’ve ever done takes about four hours to get to the top. About 15 minutes each way in the lift.”
One-day winter snowshoe walk to Seven Rila Lakes, then soak in Sapareva Banya thermal pools, with hotel pickup from Sofia.
“The snow shoeing experience was great. Giorgi, was an excellent host and it was interesting to hear his perspectives on Bulgarian culture and his in depth knowledge of the Riva Mountains and its Lakes. We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.”
Hike the Seven Rila Lakes in the Rila Mountains, then soak at Sapareva Banya hot springs from Sofia with guided transport.
“Sent a message what hotel I was at. No response, nobody showed up that morning. Asked for a refund from Viator and no response about that either. Beginning to think this website is a scam.”
Seven Rila Lakes hiking from Sofia, with an optional long-peak route and a relaxing Sapareva Banya thermal spa soak.
“We had a fantastic time on our trek Mari was a wonderful guide and tailored the trek for we two older Aussies. we have fond memories of the trek and particularly Mari, she is a most wonderful person and was a pleasure to spend the day with.”
Snowshoe past frozen Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia, ride a chairlift, then soak in Sapareva Banya thermal baths on a full-day tour.
“In advance of the tour, we sent multiple Viator messages, wrote an email, and called the provided number 5+ times. We did not select a pickup point because we were already going to be in Rila and wanted to meet there, so we asked where would be best to meet the local guide. No one responded to any of these inquiries, no one reached out to us via the phone number I provided, and so ultimately my husband and I did not go on this tour. (Despite having paid for it!) We had a great day in Rila by ourselves, but there was absolutely no communication from the vendor which…”
Hike the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia with minivan pickup, a cable car ride, and about 5 hours on a moderate mountain trail.
“Like the title says. There are multiple spots to turn around so pretty accessible regardless of your fitness level”
Self-guided hike from Sofia to the Seven Rila Lakes, chairlift access, route notes, and a choice of 5 or 7 lakes.
“The trip was planned so nicely. Our guide Megi was very kind, knowledgeable and giving important informations during the trip. The monetary was very beautiful and peaceful to be in just blended into nature. The lakes were very beautiful, some hike is there but the colour and beauty of the water will just mesmerise you. I would definitely recommend this activity :)”
Pick the kind of day. We have ranked the options.
