The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour From Sofia
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Spend a day exploring the 7 Rila Lakes on this group hiking tour from Sofia. Accompanied by expert mountain guides, travel from the Bulgarian capital Sofia, to the Rila Mountains - Bulgaria's highest range. Be wowed by sweeping mountain panoramas during a 30-minute chairlift ride, and then set off on foot to explore the lakes. Enjoy personalized attention from our professional mountain guides (if you have selected the guided option). Depending on the group's tempo, all lakes may be visited.
IMPORTANT:
This tour has variations which depend on the season and whether the lift is operating or not. Please read carefully the description of the option that you are selecting. When the lift is closed for maintenance, the hiking tour is prolonged with 2 hours and the difficulty is high, requiring a good fitness level! During the winter and springtime, the lakes are NOT visible and will NOT be experienced as they are covered in snow.
Available options
Lakes without the lift in ES
Spanish-speaking tour guide: Access to the lakes only by foot. Proper equipment and previous trekking experience required. Total walking distance 17 km.
English-speaking tour guide
English-speaking mountain guide & a cloud-based audioguide in different languages:internet connection and headphones required
Lakes below the snow guided
Rila Lakes covered in snow: The area is beautiful, but the weather can be very demanding, and proper hiking equipment and clothes are required.
Self-guided tour
Transport only tour: Only with a driver, who'll collect you from the starting point of the tour and bring you back. There's no tour guide.
Spanish-speaking tour guide
This option is with a Spanish-speaking tour guide, who'll be with the group for the entire duration of the tour.
Lakes without the lift guided
Lift closed for maintenance: Access to the lakes only by foot. Proper equipment and previous trekking experience required. Total walking distance 17 km.
Lakes NO lift, self-guided
Longer hiking tour. Proper equipment and previous trekking experience required. Total walking distance 17 km. Guide NOT incl.
Lakes below snow in Spanish
What's included
Transport by air-conditioned bus/coach or minivan
Parking Fees
Professional guide (if guided tour selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
The trip starts at 07:00 from the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia)
2
Once the group departs from the starting point, you'll reach the Panichiste lift and buy lift tickets (if the lift is operating and not closed for maintanance)
3
You will explore the The Seven Rila Lakes with a local guide. Self-guided options are also available. Please note the option that you are selecting while purhcasing this experience.
4
Arrive back at the starting point at approximately 17:30
What's not included
Chairlift ticket (Approx. 16 Euro per person or 31.30 BGN)
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
39 reviews
5★
30
4★
7
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
63 reviews
5★
52
4★
7
3★
2
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please wear hiking boots; sandals and flips-flops are not permitted on this tour
It is advised you wear warm clothing and bring a rain jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen with you
Minimum age is 9 years
A moderate amount of walking is involved (4 to 5 hours)
The Audio-guide in different languages (EN,ES,IT,FR,DE,RU) is ONLINE (cloud-based). INTERNET is required to download and use. Headphones required for listening, too.
Meeting point
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
Important notes
Opening hours are:
09:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is BEHIND Alexander Nevski Cathedral (opposite La Cattedrale restaurant) | Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/54JbrQKPKdJ47yRA6 | GPS coordinates: 42.695598, 23.333649 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
About Sofia
Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.
Top Attractions
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)
Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)
National History Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.
Museum
2-3 hours
€5
Boyana Church
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.
Historical
1 hour
€4
Sofia Central Mineral Baths
This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Banitsa
A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Shopska Salad
A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Kebapche
A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).
Main Course
Contains meat
Tarator
A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.
Appetizer
Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)
Popular Activities
Hiking in Vitosha Mountain
Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts
Mountain biking and other outdoor activities
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Strolling through parks and gardens
Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar
Exploring museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.
15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Bulgarian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys
Getting there
By air
- Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center
By train
Central Railway Station
By bus
Central Bus Station, South Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Lozenets
Studentski Grad
Orlov Most
Day trips
Rila Monastery
120 km (75 miles) • Full day
The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.
Plovdiv
150 km (93 miles) • Full day
Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Bansko
160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight
Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.
Festivals
Sofia Film Fest • March
Sofia Pride • June
Sofia International Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
- Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
- Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
- Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
- Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
