Snowshoeing Day Trip to the Seven Rila Lakes

Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoeing Day Trip from Sofia

Are you ready to trade Sofia’s busy streets for a day in the snowy Rila Mountains?

Join us for a guided winter adventure to the Seven Rila Lakes, followed by a relaxing soak in the thermal waters of Sapareva Banya.

The Journey at a Glance

Sofia – departure

We start early in the morning in Sofia and drive towards Panichishte, in the Rila Mountains. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, taking us from the city into the mountain landscape.

As we climb towards Rila, the scenery changes dramatically. The busy streets of Sofia give way to forests, snow-covered slopes and panoramic mountain views.

Chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes area

From the Panichishte area, we take the chairlift towards the Seven Rila Lakes.

The lift takes us to approximately 2140 m above sea level, where we begin our snowshoeing adventure in the high mountains.

Once we leave the lift, the winter landscape opens up around us. Depending on snow and weather conditions, the lakes may be completely covered in snow, creating a very different atmosphere from the summer Seven Rila Lakes experience.

Snowshoeing around the Seven Rila Lakes

Our winter hike takes approximately 3–4 hours.

We start along the Dry Ridge, making our way through the snowy mountain landscape towards Kidney Lake. From there, the route continues towards Trefoil Lake, Fish Lake and the area of the old Seven Lakes Hut.

We then continue above Bottom Lake before making our way back towards the starting point.

The route allows you to experience the remarkable landscape of the Seven Rila Lakes cirque in winter, while your mountain guide takes care of navigation and helps you move safely through the snowy terrain.

The exact route and pace may be adjusted according to weather, snow and mountain conditions.

Back to Pionerska Hut

After completing the snowshoeing route, we take the chairlift back down to Pionerska Hut.

From there, we continue our journey by road towards Sapareva Banya.

Relax in the thermal pools of Sapareva Banya

Before returning to Sofia, we have an option to stop at Sapareva Banya, famous for its natural thermal waters.

After several hours in the snowy mountains, this is a chance to warm up, relax and enjoy the contrast between a winter mountain adventure and Bulgaria’s hot mineral springs.

Note! Thermal pool entrance is not included in the tour price.

Return to Sofia

After the thermal pool stop, we drive back to Sofia.

We normally arrive in the city around 19:00–20:00, depending on road, weather and mountain conditions.

Is this trip for you?

If you’re reasonably fit, enjoy being outdoors and can comfortably walk for several hours in winter conditions, you can join — no previous snowshoeing experience is necessary. This is a mountain adventure, not a technical climb.

Your guide will provide the snowshoes, explain how to use them and lead the group throughout the hike.

Why go snowshoeing at the Seven Rila Lakes?

The Seven Rila Lakes are one of Bulgaria’s best-known mountain destinations, and winter transforms the landscape completely.

Instead of the green meadows and blue lakes seen during the warmer months, you’ll discover a quieter world of snow, frozen lakes and alpine peaks.

This winter day trip from Sofia is an opportunity to experience Rila National Park without needing several days in the mountains. You get a taste of Bulgaria’s high mountains, a guided snowshoe hike and time to relax in thermal waters — all in one day.

Book your snowshoeing day trip from Sofia and experience Rila National Park in winter with us!