The Seven Rila Lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes are one of the most beautiful natural sights in Bulgaria, a chain of seven glacial lakes set at different altitudes high in the Rila Mountains, connected by little streams and cascades. Each lake has its own character and shifting shades of blue and green, and a hiking trail climbs past them, from the lowest to the highest, offering spectacular views over the whole shimmering staircase of water amid the rugged peaks, one of the country's most popular and rewarding mountain walks.

What you actually see

• The chain of lakes - the seven glacial lakes at different heights.
• The panoramic viewpoint - the view over the whole staircase of lakes.
• The mountain hike - the trail climbing past the lakes.
• The Rila peaks - the rugged surrounding mountains.

When to go

July to September, the summer, when the high mountains are clear of snow and the trails open and safe; even in summer the weather can turn quickly at altitude, so bring warm and waterproof layers. Weekdays are far quieter than the busy summer weekends.

Honest expectations

It is a genuine mountain hike at altitude, reached by a chairlift and then a climb to the viewpoint, so it requires reasonable fitness, good footwear and weather awareness, and cloud can hide the famous view. It is extremely popular on summer weekends, so the trail can be crowded; a weekday is better. The staircase of lakes and views, though, are stunning.

Nearby

The Rila Monastery, Sofia and the Rila Mountains are within reach.