Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Take a break from the town and enjoy a great group day trip to the nature of the Seven Rila Lakes. Feel the fresh air and hike in a breathtaking mountain atmosphere.
Tour schedule:
Departure
Travel time to the chair lift: 1.5 – 2 hours
Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes
Time for hiking: 5 hours
Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes
Travel time back to Sofia: 1.5 – 2 hours
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
please wear comfortable walking shoes
please be prepared for mountain conditions- light jackets & sweatshirts even in a good weather is reccommanded
the tour is not suitable for hardly moving people
check the weather forecast accordingly
it is your responsibility to plan accordingly and to be on time for the return departure!
it is your responsibility to follow and walk only on the marked hiking routes! The tour company cannot be held responsible for any potential walking/ hiking accidents, during a tour booked with a self – guided option.
Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any customer who appears intoxicated at the time of the tour will not be permitted to participate. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
The meeting point for the tour is Behild Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - please be there 15 minutes before the departure time.
Seven Rila Lakes
The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1, 30 h away from the capital Sofia, which makes them a great day trip in the nature. All seven of the lakes have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. They are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. In winter, they are frozen over and covered in snow; in summer, once melted, they are a clear emerald green and are great for picnic. The meeting point for the tour is behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, next to cafe La Cathedrale. A comfortable minivan will take you to The Panichishte Resort cable car which goes us to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. The hiking path is of moderate difficulty, and the walking time is about 5 hours.
What‘s Included
Trip to the Seven Rila Lakes
Fuel surcharge
Transportation with a comfortable minivan/bus
Self-Guided Tour, depending on the chosen option
Cable car fee - 30 BGN, should be paid in cash on the spot – local currency only!!!
Gratuities
Food & Drinks
Options
[SG] Smart Audio Guide
Online Audio Guide: You will receive access for audio files to listen on your smartphone - available in English, Spanish, Italian and others.
[TR] Self-Guided
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Mountain Hike With Excellent Guide.
E6619BQjimr,,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must hike if you enjoy the beauty of nature, mountains and pristine glacier lakes escorted by a talanted English speaking guide. A text message was received the night before with clear instructions on our meeting location for the bus ride from Sofia. The chair lift to the top was nice with trees covered with pine cones. After the chair lift we were above the trees for the hike. Our guide, Ivaxlo, was outstanding. Perfect English, positive personality, knowledgeable and guided our small group with different speed hikers perfectly. He provided assistance when needed to navagate the slippery decent. The three steep portions are a challenge so good shoes and perhaps poles will help your balance and walking on the loose rock trail. The views outdo the beautiful pictures of the Seven Lakes. I understand why some hike to the top while others go partway and then relax or picknic in the magnificent Rila mountains or by a lower lake before returning to the base.
Great day trip!
Lena S,,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would highly recommend doing this as a day trip from Sofia! Good communication and driver from the company. They drop you off right next to the left going up the mountain. Bring cash for the lift and toilets/food at the huts!
A Great day with great guides
N6993LUlaurak,,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guides, Simo and his daughter were super funny and took amazing care of me and my friend. They offered us water and asked if we have sunscreen with us. Also the destination was clean and we had so much fun on this trip! We absolutely recommend going.
Seven Rila lakes day trip - must do!
reneeaD2961SF,,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience from the day trip to Seven Rila Lakes. Definitely worth the price. We had enough time to enjoy the stunning views and see all lakes. Many thanks to our driver Simeon who made our trip fun and safe! His spirit and energy were amazing.
Cheap trip to beautiful nature
Trek51374975716,,Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very nice driver, everything worked, good price. The only negative ist that one of the 8 sits had no headrest. The 7 lakes are amazing and you can go to Ezeren Mounain where you see all of them at the same time.
Well-organized and really enjoyable trip
halexa11,,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The night before the trip, we got a message with all the details about where and when to meet. They gave us the name of our driver, the color and number of the vehicle, which was very helpful. They informed us a few days earlier that we’d start an hour earlier than originally planned – and honestly, that was a great decision. We managed to get on the cable car before the crowd, without waiting at all. We had enough time to see all 7 lakes at a relaxed pace. There was no rushing – we could take photos and have lunch without feeling pressured. Our driver, Simo, was really friendly. He told us to let him know if we needed anything, and his English was easy to understand. Overall, I can definitely recommend this tour – everything went smoothly and it was a great experience.
Breathtaking experience!
995serenaf,,Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What about .. everything perfect! The driver took us to the 7 Lakes and brought us back to Sofia respecting the schedules and offering a super professional service. The Lakes are something indescribable, I will probably be back soon!
Amazing hike, incredible landscapes, worth every step.
Reda G,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely breathtaking! The views were out of this world – peaceful, majestic, and unforgettable. One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. A magical experience I’ll never forget!
An unforgettable experience
Cocosenorita,,Jul 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely satisfied with the tour, one of the most beautiful places I've visited so far, and I've visited a lot of them. The tour guide Simon, made the trip fun, informative and unforgettable. Impressed.
Super
V3131DGgemmag,,Jul 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful hike and beautiful view Our Tuni Guide was very helpful and nice Highly recommended for those who love mountains, nature and hiking
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Operated by City Tour Ltd.