Distance
10.2 km
Elevation
+780 m
Trail time
5h
Route
Loop
Why go
A rare landscape where every switchback reveals another lake. The full upper loop tops out above Bubreka with all seven in view.
Why it works today
Bluebird morning at altitude — the classic full loop is on today.
Weather signals: Good. Verify before you go.
Getting there
From central Sofia — pick how you're travelling.
1h 45m drive from Sofia
Parking: HardPanichishte lot then chairlift up. Arrive before 8:30.
Total day
Plan around 9h
Travel there
1h 45m
Hike
5h
Buffer
30m
Return
1h 45m
Route preview
Trailhead → summit
Highlights along the way
The Kidney
The most photographed lake, seen from the ridge above.
Upper ridge
All seven lakes in one frame.
Rilski Ezera hut
Coffee and shelter mid-loop.
What to know
Best seasons
Jul, Aug, Sep
Shade
Open
Exposure
High
Highest point
2535 m
Family friendly
Not ideal
Dogs
Welcome
More in Rila
Hard Transit ok
Rila
Musala — Balkans' highest
Why today: Stable weather window — a rare good day to go high.
drive
100 min
14.5 km
6h 20m
total day
10h 10m
SummitViewsLake +1050 m
Moderate
Rila
Malyovitsa cirque
drive
110 min
8.8 km
4h 20m
total day
8h 30m
SummitLakeRidge +720 m
Easy
Rila
Skakavitsa Waterfall
drive
100 min
4.8 km
2h
total day
5h 50m
WaterfallForest +260 m