The Seven Lakes of Rila mountain

The cirque of the Seven Rila Lakes is the largest in all of Rila Mountain. It is centered East of Haidyta Peak (also known as Hermit Peak) and South of the steap rock slopes of Razdela Ridge and Otovishka Peak, found to the West of the peak directly above Kidney lake. The cirque opens to the North and feeds the German River, which is a main source of the Stryma River.

The lakes of the cirque are found at differing altitudes and appear like large footprints or steps leading up the mountain. They are the most picturesque and visited group of lakes in Rila Mountain. They are all named according to their shapes and officially numbered from the top to the bottom. The entire area is maintained within the boundaries of Rila National Park.

The Seven Rila Lakes is an extremely sensitive and wonderous spot on Rila Mountain. Many of its species are endemic and listed in the Red Data Book of Flora and Fauna, which denotes them as endangered or rare.

The first lake - Salzata /'"The Tear'"/ is the highest of the Rila Lakes. It is found at 2535 meters above sea level and has an area of 0.7 hectares. It is 4.5 meters at its deepest. 

The 2nd - Okoto /'"The Eye'"/ is found at 2440 meters above sea level and has an area of 6.8 hectares. It is the deepest of thelakes with a depth of 37.5 meters.

The 3rd - Babreka /'"The Kidney'"/ is at an altitude of 2282 meters above sea level and has an area of 8.5 hectares. It is 28 meters at its deepest.

The 4th - Bliznaka /'"The Twin'"/ are actually one lake nearly split into two. They are at 2243 meters above sea level and is the largest and longest of the lakes. It has an area of 9.1 hectares and a depth of 27.5 meters.

The 5th - Trilistnika /'"Three-Lobed Lake'"/ has an irregular shape and steep banks and is found at 2216 meters above sea level. It is 6.5 meters deep and has a total area of 2.6 hectares.

The 6th - Ribnoto ezero /'"The Fish Lake'"/ is found at 2184 meters above seal level and has an area of 3.5 hectares. It is the shallowest of the lakes at 2.5 meters. The 7 Lakes Lodge is found at its most Northern bank.

The 7th - Dolnoto ezero /'"The Low Lake'"/ is at 2095 meteres above sea level, has an area of 5.9 hectares and is 11 meters deep.

This is actually one of the most famous and attractive tourist places, which for decades is one of the most visited mountain areas in Bulgaria. The terrain is suitable for visitors of all ages who love to enjoy the mountain splendor, beauty and purity.