Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain in Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria

Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain

Outty Ranking 74 4.8 · 43 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $35

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$35
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain worth booking?

Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain is a 10-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $35 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (43)
Duration
10 hours
From
$35 per person

Take a break from the town and enjoy a great group day trip to the nature of the Seven Rila Lakes. Feel the fresh air and hike in a breathtaking mountain atmosphere. Tour schedule: Departure Travel time to the chair li

What you get

    About this experience

    Take a break from the town and enjoy a great group day trip to the nature of the Seven Rila Lakes. Feel the fresh air and hike in a breathtaking mountain atmosphere. Tour schedule: Departure Travel time to the chair lift: 1.5 – 2 hours Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes Time for hiking: 5 hours Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes Travel time back to Sofia: 1.5 – 2 hours

    What's included

    Included

    • Self-Guided Tour, depending on the chosen option
    • Trip to the Seven Rila Lakes
    • Surcharges on fuel
    • Transportation with a comfortable minivan/bus

    Not included

    • Cable car fee - 30 BGN, should be paid in cash on the spot – local currency only!!!
    • Gratuities
    • Food & Drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

      The meeting point for the tour is Behild Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - please be there 15 minutes before the departure time.

      15 minutes here

    2. Seven Rila Lakes

      The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1, 30 h away from the capital Sofia, which makes them a great day trip in the nature. All seven of the lakes have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. They are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. In winter, they are frozen over and covered in snow; in summer, once melted, they are a clear emerald green and are great for picnic. The meeting point for the tour is behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, next to cafe La Cathedrale. A comfortable minivan will take you to The Panichishte Resort cable car which goes us to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. The hiking path is of moderate difficulty, and the walking time is about 5 hours.

      300 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

      At the end of the tour, the van/bus returns to the same starting point, Behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sofia

    The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 . Please be there 15 minutes in advance of the tour start time and look for travel agency City Tour.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 . Please be there 15 minutes in advance of the tour start time and look for travel agency City Tour.

    Options you can book

    • [TR] Self-Guided

    • [SG] Smart Audio Guide

      Online Audio Guide: You will receive access for audio files to listen on your smartphone - available in English, Spanish, Italian and others.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, it, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    City Tour Ltd.

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • please wear comfortable walking shoes
    • please be prepared for mountain conditions- light jackets & sweatshirts even in a good weather is reccommanded
    • the tour is not suitable for hardly moving people
    • check the weather forecast accordingly
    • it is your responsibility to plan accordingly and to be on time for the return departure!
    • it is your responsibility to follow and walk only on the marked hiking routes! The tour company cannot be held responsible for any potential walking/ hiking accidents, during a tour booked with a self – guided option.
    • Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
    • For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any customer who appears intoxicated at the time of the tour will not be permitted to participate. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.

    Photos

    Seven Rila LakesSeven Rila LakesSeven Rila LakesSeven Rila LakesSeven Rila LakesSeven Rila Lakes

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    5 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    43 verified traveler reviews for Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    37
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    901nils · August 2026

    Perfect shuttle from Sofia to the Rila lake lift

    Very good experience. Our driver Gene was fantastic. On time, very reliable and perfect driver. The two hour drive from Sofia to the Rila lake Cable car was very enjoyable. It’s very nice that you can plan your own time to hike.

    via Tripadvisor

    550sharik · August 2026

    Amazing views!! !

    Amazing trip. Was a little crowded but absolutely worth it. Summiting was amazing but it is a real hike - not for the timid or beginner. Luckily there is a water refill source on the way. Driver was wonderful. Audio guide did not add much.

    via Tripadvisor

    DayTrip54623051727 · August 2026

    Awsome hike!

    Awsome experience! Saw lakes, beautiful mountains, even saw The celebration of the Divine Cosmic New Year by the Universal White Brotherhood! Finished our walk ~ 4h. Driver Simeon was great too!🤝🏽 We do recommend this!💯

    via Tripadvisor

    E6619BQjimr · September 2025

    Beautiful Mountain Hike With Excellent Guide.

    This is a must hike if you enjoy the beauty of nature, mountains and pristine glacier lakes escorted by a talanted English speaking guide. A text message was received the night before with clear instructions on our meeting location for the bus ride from Sofia. The chair lift to the top was nice with trees covered with pine cones. After the chair lift we were above the trees for the hike. Our guide, Ivaxlo, was outstanding. Perfect English, positive personality, knowledgeable and guided our small group with different speed hikers perfectly. He provided assistance when needed to navagate the slippery decent. The three steep portions are a challenge so good shoes and perhaps poles will help your balance and walking on the loose rock trail. The views outdo the beautiful pictures of the Seven Lakes. I understand why some hike to the top while others go partway and then relax or picknic in the magnificent Rila mountains or by a lower lake before returning to the base.

    via Tripadvisor

    Lena S · July 2025

    Great day trip!

    Would highly recommend doing this as a day trip from Sofia! Good communication and driver from the company. They drop you off right next to the left going up the mountain. Bring cash for the lift and toilets/food at the huts!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)58
    Booking momentum (14% weight)51
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)71
    Local standing (8% weight)58
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.

    How much does Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain cost?

    +

    Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sofia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain take?

    +

    Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sofia is not rushed.

    Is Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 43 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sofia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain?

    +

    Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sofia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sofia and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sofia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Sofia?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Sofia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Sofia Escape Room - Teorema Rooms. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Sofia?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Sofia?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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