Seven Rila Lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes are a collection of glacier lakes in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountain. They are Bulgaria’s most visited lake group. The lakes are located at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Each lake has a name that corresponds to its most distinguishing feature. Because to its pure waters that enable sight in deep, the tallest one is known as Salzata (“The Tear”). The next tallest has the moniker Okoto (“The Eye”) because to its almost completely round shape. Okoto is Bulgaria’s deepest cirque lake, with a depth of 37.5 meters. Babreka (“The Kidney”) has the steepest coastlines of the whole group. Bliznaka (“The Twin”) is the biggest in terms of land area. Trilistnika, also known as “The Trefoil,” has an uneven form and low shoreline. The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero (“The Fish Lake”), while the deepest is Dolnoto Ezero (“The Lower Lake”), where the waters from the other lakes merge to create the Dzherman River.

Because of their natural beauty, the Seven Lakes are a popular tourist destination in Bulgaria. The lakes are stacked one on top of the other and are linked by little streams that generate miniature waterfalls and cascades. A lodge on the northeastern bank of The Fish Lake, at an elevation of 2,196 meters, is available for tourists in the area. [Citation required] Summer, in July and August, is the most popular period to visit the lakes since the temperatures are over 10 degrees Celsius and the chance of unexpected storms is reduced. [Citation required] Throughout the remainder of the year, the weather may be harsh. [Citation required] Lakes often freeze in October and do not defrost until June. The ice cover may be up to 2 meters thick.

List of Seven Rila Lakes

The Tear Lake

The highest one carries the name Salzata (“The Tear”) due to its crystal clear water.

Altitude: 2,535 m
Area: 0.7 ha
Depth: 4.5 m

The Eye Lake

Okoto (“The Eye”) is the name of the second one. The name comes from its oval shape that resembles an eye. The Depth of the lake is 37.5 metres. This makes The “Eye” lake the deepest cirque lake in Bulgaria.

Altitude: 2,440 m
Area: 6.8 ha
Depth: 37.5 m

The Kidney Lake

The name of the third one is “The Kidney” due to its kidney-shaped form clearly seen from above.

Altitude: 2,282 m
Area: 8.5 ha
Depth: 28.0 m

The Twin Lake

Bliznaka – “The Twin” is the largest one by area from the group of the Seven Rila Lakes.

Altitude: 2,243 m
Area: 9.1 ha
Depth: 27.5 m

The Trefoil Lake

Trilistnika “The Trefoil” has an irregular shape and low shores.

Altitude: 2,216 m
Area: 2.5 ha
Depth: 6.5 m

The Fish Lake

The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero (“The Fish Lake”).

Altitude: 2,184 m
Area: 3.5 ha
Depth: 2.5 m

The Lower Lake

Dolnoto Ezero – “The Lower Lake” is the lowest one.

Altitude: 2,095 m
Area: 5.9 ha
Depth: 11.0 m