Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike from Sofia with Lunch and Hot spring

Overview

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience Bulgaria’s most spectacular alpine scenery on this private / small group guided adventure to the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes in the majestic Rila Mountain. This unforgettable tour combines scenic hiking, authentic mountain cuisine, and relaxation in natural thermal mineral waters. If needed, the winter equipment is provided for free - snowshoes, spikes or sticks.

Depart from Sofia and travel to the Panichishte mountain resort area. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ascent to 2,100 meters, followed by a guided hike among crystal-clear glacial lakes, dramatic peaks, and panoramic viewpoints.

After the hike, enjoy a traditional lunch at a mountain hut, surrounded by pristine alpine nature. Option: Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the thermal spa pools of Sapareva Banya, famous for its natural hot mineral springs — the perfect way to recover after your hike adventure.

This tour offers the ideal balance of activity, culture, and relaxation in one unforgettable day.

Additional Info

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Seven Rila Lakes

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria’s most famous glacial lakes, on this full-day guided tour from Sofia. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, the tour combines scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and unforgettable alpine views.

2 hours • Admission Included

The adventure begins with a scenic 25-minute chairlift ride from the Panichishte resort up into the Rila Mountains. As you gently ascend, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of pine forests, mountain ridges, and alpine meadows unfolding beneath you. The ride is smooth, safe, and offers a chance to relax before your hike begins. The chairlift brings you directly to the Rila Lakes Hut area (2,100 m altitude), the starting point for exploring the legendary Seven Rila Lakes. From here, hiking trails lead you to the crystal-clear glacial lakes, each more beautiful than the last. Highlights of the Lift Experience: 20 minutes of breathtaking alpine scenery Comfortable, safe, and suitable for all ages Unique opportunity to capture photos from above Easy access to Bulgaria’s most iconic natural wonder

25 minutes • Admission Not Included

What‘s Included

Spa

Winter equipment - snowshoes, sticks, spikes

Licensed Mountain Guide

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional entrance fees Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)

Chairlift

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike from Sofia with Lunch

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Definitely worth doing
sophiakX4347JZ,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went with my mum and another 2 people on the tour. As it was such a small group it was very relaxed and we could choose the length/difficultly of the hike as well as how long we wanted to stay at the spa. Simeon and his colleague were both lovely and very accommodating. On the day we went out, the chair lift was €16 each and the spa entrance was €10 each.
A superb day from A to Z
mahylanv,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
From the hotel pick-up to the return the day was beautiful. The guide was very friendly and very open, they taught us a lot about Bulgaria, so we first drove, then took the chairlift (at your expense) to get to the top.Here the guide offers us several hiking routes according to our level, we chose the one that leads to the viewpoint. Arriving there the band wanted to turn around but the guide kindly proposed to continue a little further solo (because I was not full). So I continued on my own then joined them on the way back. We were finally able to eat at the chalet in the mountains (don’t expect great food). Finally we went back down then took the road to the spa. I thought that the spa was optional and took no business...once again the guide kindly offered to go see a (magnificent) waterfall with him while the others were at the spa. In the end the whole group was happy with their day, everything went well as planned, a day full of beautiful memories!
6/5 Recommend
D6720MYbrianb,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Pick-up: 5/5 Simeon arrived about 20 minutes early but didn’t announce it, so I could walk to the car at my own pace as agreed. This made the start of the day very relaxed and comfortable. Ride: 5/5 We were a small group of five people, which made the ride very enjoyable. Simeon and his colleague were friendly, positive and very talkative, creating a great atmosphere in the car. Mountain tour: 5/5 Everything was explained clearly and carefully. The group was split so everyone could walk at their own pace, with one guide at the front and one at the back. The climb was challenging but absolutely beautiful, easily worth a 5/5 on its own. Lunch: 5/5 We stopped at a local restaurant at the foot of the mountain. I asked to be surprised and was served meat with potatoes and roasted peppers. It was outstanding and one of the best meals I’ve had in Bulgaria so far. Spa: 5/5 After the hike we visited a geyser spa with multiple pools at different temperatures. The perfect place to relax after a long climb. Overall: 5/5 The tour officially ended at 4:00 PM, but we returned to the hotel around 7:30 PM. Simeon never rushed us and truly enjoyed the experience together with the group. Summary: An excellently organized tour with personal attention, flexible pacing, great food and a relaxing spa. Highly recommended.