rila national park

I was there the last week skiing, it was great. There are 2 major slopes which are somewhere in the average. It is not overcrowded as most of the ski resorts and there are a lot of places for a small walks. The hotel was good for its price, nothing fancy.

Whatever you read about them, you can never imagine the natural beauty, serenity and the glory of nature you will experience on a trip to the 7 Rila Lakes!There is nothing that comes close on a beautiful sunny day! It is one of those experiences in the world that you will remember and that ARE worth a travel from VERY FAR away!The walk itself is not that difficult and although steep it is surprisingly easy to walk.I've done it many times, even with friends from Germany who were still drunk from last night's party and who have hardly had any sleep. So if you consider somehow going there, do EVERYTHING possible to do the trip! There are downsides to this trip, like a lift bringing way too many and way too strange tourists on the best possible days, but STILL - there is NOTHING that can ruin your 7 Rila Lakes experience...except fog ;-) Even then, it is worth coming a second time when the fog has lifted!Just do it!

Hiking and meeting the snow, that was awesome! A bit sad, but seems that September is not a season for cafe's (not summer, and not winter yet) So prepare sandwiches and tea/coffee before:)

Rila mountains in Bulgaria are a must see! We did a really nice trek at the end of july starting from Malyovitsa ski center. We left our car and headed towards Malyovitsa lodge. Just outside the lot the trail goes in the forest alongside a river in a moderate size canyon. In an hour or so (average speed) we got to the lodge where we rested and had some tea. The lodge is simple but cozy. We continued towards Malyovitsa peak – a good 3 hours from the lodge. On the way there we saw a couple of times wild goats who were not shy to pose for us. The path to the top was segregated in terraces and had many lakes with clean drinking water. It was very convenient because it took some weight off our backs. At the summit we enjoyed the great view overlooking other mountains then headed to the 7 Rila lakes along the patristic ridge. We camped at an altitude of 2600m. above Urdini lakes facing north east so we had a great view of sunrise. The sensation of the place was amazing! Very relaxing quiet and peaceful but at the same time harsh and cold! It gets around 5-10C* at night so make sure you have a decent sleeping bag or a space blanket. At some point during the night we experienced strong winds but our guide had provided us with a sturdy tent so it wasnt much of a problem. We hired a guide from No Limit who helped us organize the trail. He spoke fluent english, cooked for us and was not shy to tell us more about Bulgaria and its secrets. The next day we continued towards the 7 Rila lakes – took us another 3 hours to get there. The scenery along the way was as if you were on another planet. We passed by several other peaks on our way to the lakes who were trully a natural phenomenon but near them we saw a great deal of tourists and that somehow had an impact on our experience. There is a chair lift nearby and because of it there is a great deal of people going there. The connection with Nature is still there but not quite the same. The 7 Rila lakes lodge has a lot more to offer than Malyovitsa, however the charm is not the same. After a nice break at the sunny lodge we headed down towards Lovna lodge. With the altitude change there was a change in the scenery as well. The bald bushy peaks were replaced by big pine trees as we entered the forest. Lovna lodge in my opinion surpassed both other lodges with its charm and coziness. The host was very friendly and gave us home made wine from his own cellar. It took us another 3 hours to get to the parking lot and I must say we were all exhausted and happy to be back in the car. The experience we had was truly amazing because we were able to connect with Nature in its purest form! We had the opportunity to feel the serenity away from the city. My only remark would be the overcrowded 7 Rila lakes lodge and the area. The mass tourism show somehow destroys the vibe, however it is still nice. If you decide to visit Rila I recommend you hire a local guide to show you around. The money is well worth it, because it will help you save $$$ from transportation accommodation and food. If you like to experience the local culture and get the best value for your money get someone to show you around. Frankly I enjoyed the overnight stay at Urdini lakes much more than the 7 Rila lakes. The vibe there is fantastic. Dont forget your sun screen and a camera!

I am a mountain fan and seek any opportunity to spend time there. Rila mountain is close to Sofia, one day trip is possible to arrange and see the peaks and lakes. my last trip was to Malyovitsa peak , on a sunny Sunday. it took 8 hours to go up and down . the scenery is magnificent and is worth seeing.

Nature in Rila National Park is really amazing. There are several reasonable places in the mountains to spend a night, eat etc. We took 7 Lakes trail which was easy, but that was perfect for us as beginners. Actually the hardest hike was from Pionerska lodge where we left the car to Rilski Ezera lodge, it was quite steap and through forest (not so much scenery). But it is possible also to use lift for this part. At Rilski Ezera lodge we spent night, the place had quite good comfort level, we had shower in our room and also downstairs was eatery & bar. In the morning after breakfast went to hike. Downside of this route is that there are quite many people. But for the first hike it is good as it is quite foolproof and no special equipment was necessary :) Of course scenery during the hike was just amazing!

Pure nature and full of mountains. The altitude its quite high (above 2500) and its full of trails and stream to follow. You have a lot of places to take pictures and enjoy the view. The place is quite remote at the same time so take everything you need with you (specially if you want to camp).If you love nature, you are gonna love this place. The lack of infrastructure its the only shortfall but still its okay.

Beautiful mountains with deep woods and roaring mountain streams. Clean mountain air. A few nice hiking trails and lots of photo ops.

Amazing nature, very nice walking, great views, plenty of fresh water streams, horses, lakes, reasonable amount of places to set up a tent

Cliffs trench green ancient forests, sharp silhouettes of peaks reflecting in the crystal surface of lakes and numerous mountain streams, crossing meadows dotted with flowers, peace, beauty and spiritual purification - this is the Rila National Park for me. Rila is the highest mountain in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula. Rocks making up the age 250 million years. The name Rila is derived from the Thracian "roula," which means "much water" - it has over 200 lakes and numerous mineral springs.

A hidden gem in Bulgaria never knew This country had such beautiful mountains like this!!! Bring your hiking shoes it's quite a walk kinda steep in the begging but gets better as you walk. Make sure you see all Seven lakes hike up to the top!!! You will be so happy you have if you do it! Its pretty much an all day hike if you talk stops and talking pictures. We started at 9:00am and got done at 3:30pm. You have to go if your in Bulgaria it's soo beautiful!!!!!

Bit of a surprise to find this gem tucked away in Bulgaria. Worth the hike to Seven Lakes. Spectacular is the only word for it. Also close to Ivan Rilski's cave and burial site. Lots of places to stay.

Unbelievable mountain scenery with a very diverse wildlife. Have a leisurely drive and take the opportunity to walk as much as possible

It is perfect for trails and mountaineering. Extremely beautiful. High peaks, high-altitude lakes, breathtaking views.

One of the most beautiful places one could enjoy in his lifetime. Beautiful, stunning, breathtaking - whatever you say about it, would be a cliche, but a true one. One of the reasons to call Bulgaria the Switzerland on the Balkans.