4 Hikes in Sofia to Plan a Trip Around

1.From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 923 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $47Our pick

Spend 10 to 12 hours traveling from Sofia into Rila National Park, riding the Panichishte chairlift when open, and hiking among seven glacial lakes. Guides such as Radi, Maya, Stoyan, and Dimitar set a safe pace and explain the mountains. Winter brings snow-covered lakes and tougher conditions, so bring proper boots and waterproof layers.

“Prompt pick up, informative guide, good views on hike”

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2.Seven Rila Lakes – Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 108 reviews · 10 hours · from $35Best value

Travel from Sofia by comfortable minivan or bus to the Panichishte chairlift, then hike among all seven Rila Lakes on a self-guided route. You get about five hours in the mountains, including a lunch break, but no walking guide. Drivers such as Simo and Krassimir have earned praise for careful driving and useful trail advice.

“Perfect day. The driver Krassimir was super nice, the transfer was smooth and well-organized. As for the hike you can expect absolutely stunning views! By far one of the best ones we've done ! (I think you need to be in relatively good shape as some parts of the hike can be demanding). Thank you 😁”

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3.Full-day Rila Mountains, Seven Lakes Hike, and Hot Springs Tour from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 70 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $132

You’ll ride a chairlift above the tree line, hike among the Seven Rila Lakes with a guide such as Velko, Daniel, or Kiril, then relax at Sapareva Banya. Choose a roughly 3-hour or 5-hour route. Mountain weather can change fast, and spa, lift, food, and winter gear cost extra.

“This was a great tour if you like hiking. Our guide Phil was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.”

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4.From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 46 reviews · 1 day · from $129

Travel from Sofia to the Rila Mountains with an English-speaking mountain guide, ride the chairlift to 2,150 meters, and hike past the Seven Rila Lakes. Choose a shorter three-hour route or a tougher five-hour climb to Lakes Peak, then relax at Sapareva Banya’s thermal pools. Guides have included Mariya, Marin, Velko, and Krill.

“We had a fantastic time on our trek Mari was a wonderful guide and tailored the trek for we two older Aussies. we have fond memories of the trek and particularly Mari, she is a most wonderful person and was a pleasure to spend the day with.”

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