The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes, located in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountain in Bulgaria. They are the most visited group of lakes in Bulgaria. The lakes are located between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level.
Each lake has a name associated with its most characteristic feature. The highest is called “Tear” because of the clear waters that provide visibility in the depths. The next in height is named “Eye” after its almost perfect oval shape. The eye is the deepest circus lake in Bulgaria, with a depth of 37.5 m. The “kidney” is the lake with the steepest shores of the whole group. The “twin” is the largest by area. The “Trefoil” has an irregular shape and low banks. The shallowest lake is the “Fish Lake” and the lowest is the “Lower Lake”, where the water flowing from other lakes gathers to form the German River.
The seven lakes are a tourist attraction in Bulgaria due to their natural environment. The lakes are located one above the other and are connected by small streams, which create small waterfalls and cascades. The tourist accommodation near the lakes includes a villa on the northeast shore of Fish Lake, at an altitude of 2,196 m. The most common time to visit the lakes is summer, in July and August, when the temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius, and the risk of sudden storms is lower. During the rest of the year the weather can be difficult. Lakes usually freeze during October and do not thaw before June. The ice cover can reach up to 2 meters.
How to find them?
The cable car, which takes you to the beginning of the route of the Seven Rila Lakes, is at a distance of 90 km from the Rila Monastery. It is also at a distance of 55 km from the nearest mountain resort Borovec and 9 km from the nearest village – Paniciste. After passing the village, the narrow mountain road will lead you directly to the parking lot, where you can leave your car. At the end of the cable car is the hut called “Rila Lakes”, which marks the beginning of the route.
When you get to the top station of the cable car you have to choose between two possible routes. The first starts on the right side of the hut and the second on the left. Most visitors choose the left one and go back to the hut through the right one because the right one is covered with bushes and stones. If you choose the path to the left, it may seem difficult at first because the first hill is a bit steep. But once that first hurdle is overcome, it becomes easier to move forward. The first lake you will see up close is called the “Kidney” because of its shape. While walking to the Kidney, from above you can see the Lower Lake, the Fish Lake and the Trefoil.
The legend of the lakes
It is said that thousands of years ago, when the Earth was not yet inhabited by humans, Mount Rila was home to two giants – a man and a woman. Their love was very strong and they enjoyed the beauty and comfort of their beautiful home. Their home was incredibly beautiful, always warm, sunny and cozy. Every creature fell in love with this place and wanted to live there. All elements around the world supported the giants and their love.
Nevertheless, one day evil forces passed by their home. When they saw this beautiful place, the evil forces envied the happiness of the giants, so they became angry and decided to destroy their home and their love forever. They started sending black clouds and devastating winds towards them. The earth was shaken by terrible earthquakes. The giant man defended every piece with all his might, while guarding his beloved and fighting against the attacks of evil forces. Unfortunately, this only made them even angrier and they decided to fulfill their evil plan to the maximum. The giant was killed in a fierce battle. Satisfied with their victory, the evil forces decided to go and left behind only destroyed rocks, meadows and the sad female giant that was destroyed. The young widow’s grief was so intense that her tears were endless as they flew down the mountain ridges to the valleys. As the tears fell, they gathered and formed crystal clear lakes of enchanting beauty – the Seven Rila Lakes.
Before reaching Lake Kidney, there is a huge rock facing Lake Tears. The shape of the rock is very similar to the figures of a man and a woman of enormous size. According to legend, these are the two giants in love, who will stay there forever, protecting their beautiful home.