From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour
Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
Join an easy to moderate hiking day tour to the Seven Rila Lakes area, followed by deep relaxation in the thermal water pools of Sapareva Banya Spa Resort. All this within a day trip from Sofia.
Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour with Thermal Baths from Sofia
This day tour from Sofia offers an easy to moderate hike around the Seven Rila Lakes in Rila Mountains National Park, followed by relaxation at Sapareva Banya thermal spa, suitable for nature lovers and wellness seekers.
Highlights
- Easy to moderate hiking in Rila Mountains National Park
- Alpine views of the Seven Rila Lakes area
- Relaxation in thermal pools at Sapareva Banya Spa Resort
Description
Depart early from your hotel or address in Sofia and drive 1.5 hours to Pionerska Hut (1520 meters). From there, take a chairlift to Rila Lakes Hut (2150 meters) above the tree line. Begin a circular hike passing Ribnoto (The Fish), Trilistnika (The Trefoil), and Bliznaka (The Twin) Lakes.
At Bubreka (The Kidney) Lake (2282 meters), choose between two routes:
- Long route: Continue uphill past Okoto (The Eye) Lake to Lakes Peak (2550 meters) for panoramic views, then return to Kidney Lake.
- Short route: Head toward the chairlift top station via a scenic path with wide views of the lakes.
After the hike, take the chairlift down to Pionerska Hut. A short 20-minute transfer follows to Sapareva Banya Spa Resort, home to one of Europe’s hottest thermal springs (~103°C). Enjoy thermal pools with water temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 °C to unwind.
Return to Sofia in the late afternoon with drop-off at your preferred location.
Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or address in Sofia
- All transfers by private car or bus as per itinerary
- Licensed mountain guide and tour guide
- Visit to Sapareva Banya Spa
- All local taxes
Excludes
- Lunch and drinks (approximately €5-6 for a lunch pack or €8-10 for a 3-course meal in a mountain hut)
- Rila Lakes chairlift tickets (18 Lev / €9 round trip)
- Entrance fee for Sapareva Banya Thermal Spa (15 Lev / €7.5 per person)
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Important Information
- Walking time: approx. 3 hours (short route), approx. 5 hours (long route)
- Total ascent/descent: 180/140 meters (short route), 460/385 meters (long route)
- Bus/car transfer duration: approx. 3 hours, covering 190 km round trip
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For comfort, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring layered clothing. Booking in spring to early autumn offers the best weather for hiking and spa relaxation.
