A tourist went for a swim in a nature reserve lake in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains

A woman went fora swim in the protected Lake Babreka (the Kidney), which is a nature reserve lake in the Bulgarian Rila Mountains. Tourists who spotted her made a remark and took a picture of her. She retorted that she knew about the ban, but continued to cool off. Only after another remark from another tourist did the woman come out of the waters.

However, the damage was already done because every entry into the lake disrupts its ecosystem.

Such violations are registered every summer. According to the regulations of the Rila National Park, they are punishable by a fine of 500 to 5,000 BGN. The National Park rangers, who guard the area, cannot intervene, they are one or two patrols - a few people.

Source: BNR

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“Babreka” ("the Kidney”) lake ia one of the Seven Rila Lakes, which are the most spectacular group of lakes in Bulgaria. The lakes are located in the Rila Mountain range, which is in South-western Bulgaria and forms part of the Rila-Rhodope Massif. Some of the Balkans’ longest and deepest rivers originate from Rila such as the Maritsa, Iskar and Mesta rivers.

“The Kidney” lake is at an altitude of 2,282 metres and has the steepest shores of all the lakes. The lake derives its name from the shape it takes. The Kidney is 28 metres deep.

The magic of Bulgaria’s 7 Rila Lakes (gallery)