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.
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:)
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!
Amazing nature, very nice walking, great views, plenty of fresh water streams, horses, lakes, reasonable amount of places to set up a tent
It is perfect for trails and mountaineering. Extremely beautiful. High peaks, high-altitude lakes, breathtaking views.
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.
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.
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!
Unbelievable mountain scenery with a very diverse wildlife. Have a leisurely drive and take the opportunity to walk as much as possible
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.