Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Walk & Thermal Spring Pools
Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
Experience dramatic landscapes and breathtaking alpine sceneries, centuries old pine forests, rugged mountain peaks and deep relaxation in thermal spas all within a winter day tour from Sofia.
Snowshoeing Tour at Seven Rila Lakes and Sapareva Banya Spa, Rila Mountains
This easy to moderate snowshoeing tour in Rila Mountains National Park suits nature lovers seeking winter landscapes and thermal spa relaxation near Sofia.
Highlights
- Easy to moderate snowshoeing tour in Rila Mountains National Park
- Visit the frozen Seven Rila Lakes in winter
- Relax in hot thermal pools at Sapareva Banya Spa Resort
Description
The Seven Rila Lakes area offers dramatic alpine scenery with centuries-old pine forests and rugged peaks. This day tour includes a gentle snowshoe walk around the lakes, followed by time to unwind in the thermal pools at Sapareva Banya, heated by one of Europe’s hottest springs.
Your guide will pick you up early from your hotel in Sofia. After a 1.5-hour drive to Pionerska Mountain Hut, you will take a chairlift up to Rila Lakes Hut at 2150 meters above sea level. From there, the snowshoeing walk begins toward the Kidney Lake, the third of the Seven Rila Lakes.
Along the route, enjoy alpine views of jagged peaks and frozen lakes. After a break with warm tea at the lake, you will return to Rila Lakes Hut and descend by chairlift. A short 20-minute transfer will take you to Sapareva Banya Spa Resort for relaxing in thermal pools fed by hot spring waters.
Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
- All transportation by private vehicle
- English-speaking certified mountain leader
- Guidance throughout the tour
- Snowshoes and walking poles
- All local taxes
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Chairlift tickets (€13 round trip per person)
- Entrance fees for mineral pools (€8 to €20 per person, depending on facilities)
- Personal travel insurance
- Other personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
- Walking (snowshoeing) time: approximately 2.5 hours
- Elevation gain and loss: approximately 250 meters
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book in advance and bring warm clothing, waterproof boots, and a camera. The best time for this winter tour is during months with sufficient snow cover, typically December to March.
