Seven Rila Lakes
Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria
Seven glacial lakes stepping down a cirque in the Rila mountains. From Panichishte take the chairlift, then allow three to four hours for the loop; it is snowbound until June.
The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, at roughly 2,095 to 2,535 m. They are Salzata (the Tear, the highest), Okoto (the Eye), Babreka (the Kidney), Bliznaka (the Twin), Trilistnika (the Trefoil), Ribnoto Ezero (the Fish Lake) and Dolnoto Ezero (the Lower Lake), the lowest, where the water gathers to form the Dzherman River.
The starting point is Panichishte above Sapareva Banya. According to Olympus Mountaineering, a two-seater chairlift runs from about 1,570 m to roughly 2,100 m (25 minutes); the queue can be long on summer weekends. The loop from the Rila Lakes Hut (about 2,150 m) is 8.2 km, rated at around three and a half hours and of medium difficulty; the stretch between the Eye and the Tear is the most demanding. The lakes usually freeze in October and do not thaw before June; July and August are the usual months to visit. Check the lift's operating times and prices in advance.
- Nearest town
- Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.2050, 23.3150
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Free camp spotCampsite3 km from Seven Rila Lakes
- Wild campCampsite3 km from Seven Rila Lakes
- Къмпинг БорCampsite8 km from Seven Rila Lakes
- 7 lakes campingCampsite11 km from Seven Rila Lakes
- ВерилаCampsite11 km from Seven Rila LakesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping PanoramaCampsite14 km from Seven Rila Lakes
All campsites in Bulgaria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Seven Rila Lakes?
Seven Rila Lakes is in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria, at GPS 42.2050, 23.3150. It is about 8 km from Rilski Manastir.
Can you camp near Seven Rila Lakes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Free camp spot, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Seven Rila Lakes?
Seven Rila Lakes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Rila and Pirin: lakes, monasteries and sand pyramids.
What is there to see near Seven Rila Lakes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rila Monastery (8 km), Bansko Old Town (43 km), Boyana Church (49 km) and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (55 km).
When is the best time to visit Seven Rila Lakes?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)