The magic of Bulgaria’s 7 Rila Lakes (see pictures)

Bulgaria’s Rila Nature Park is the home of one of the most remarkable natural phenomena on the Balkan Peninsula - the Seven Rila Lakes. They are of glacial origin and are located one above the other, connected by small streams, which form waterfalls and cascades.

The seven Rila lakes are the most attractive to visit in the summer and are an excellent option for a day trip to escape from the hectic daily life of the city and enjoy the breathtaking natural sites. With their magnetic and fabulous beauty, they are the most visited group of lakes not only by Bulgarian tourists but also by visitors from all over the world.

The lakes radiate peace and high vibration. They elevate, renew, and strengthen the soul and body, but accept only those who approach with purity, respect, humility, and kindness.

The lakes are located in picturesque circuits in the Damga part of the Northwestern Rila Mountain and are located one above the other between 2,100 and 2,500 metres elevation above sea level.

The circut in which they are located is surrounded by the peaks Suhi Chal, Haramiyata, Otovishki peak.

Each lake carries a name associated with its most characteristic feature. The highest one is called Salzata ("The Tear") due to its clear waters that allow visibility in depth. The next one in height carries the name Okoto ("The Eye") after its almost perfectly oval form. Okoto is the deepest cirque lake in Bulgaria, with a depth of 37.5 m. Babreka ("The Kidney") is the lake with the steepest shores of the entire group. Bliznaka ("The Twin") is the largest one. Trilistnika ("The Trefoil") has an irregular shape and low shores. The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero ("The Fish Lake") and the lowest one is Dolnoto Ezero ("The Lower Lake"), where the waters that flow out of the other lakes are gathered to form the Dzherman River.

photos by Dessislava Kulelieva