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

Discovering Bulgaria’s Natural Gems: The 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour

Exploring Bulgaria beyond its historic cities means venturing into its breathtaking natural landscapes. This From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour promises a full day of remarkable scenery, light adventure, and soothing relaxation, all within a manageable itinerary from Sofia. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions offer a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this experience is how it combines a moderate mountain hike with a luxurious thermal spa session—a winning combo for those who want a taste of Bulgaria’s alpine beauty and wellness. The expert guides, like Mariya and Krill, seem to bring a genuine passion and local knowledge that make the journey more engaging. The stunning views of the Rila Lakes and the chance to soak in the hot springs make this a well-rounded escape. A consideration is that the longer hike can be quite challenging, especially for less experienced hikers, but the shorter route offers a more relaxed option.

This tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy gentle walks and appreciate scenic vistas, as well as those in need of some serious relaxation afterward. It suits anyone craving a full day immersed in Bulgaria’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Accessible hiking experience: Suitable for all levels, with options for both long and short routes.
• Stunning alpine scenery: The views of the Rila Lakes are truly unforgettable.
• Expert local guides: Guides like Mariya and Krill are praised for their knowledge, patience, and friendliness.
• Relaxation in thermal pools: The spa experience offers relief after the hike, with pools ranging from 15 to 45°C.
• Value for money: All transfers, guides, and entry fees are included, making it a convenient day trip.
• Ideal for active relaxation: Perfect for those who want a bit of adventure combined with wellness.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour packs a lot into a single day—brightly colored lakes, mountain panoramas, and warm thermal waters—making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a well-rounded nature escape. The fact that it’s a private group adds a layer of comfort and personalized attention, which many reviewers appreciate.

You will be picked up early at your hotel or designated address in Sofia, setting the tone for an organized, hassle-free experience. After a roughly 1.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive at Pionerska Hut (at 1520 meters), where the adventure begins. The journey involves a chairlift ride to the Rila Lakes Hut (at 2150 meters), providing a quick, scenic ascent with minimal effort. From there, the walk around the lakes begins, with options to tailor the effort based on your fitness level.

The Itinerary: From Lakes to Hot Springs

Starting Point: Pionerska Hut and Chairlift Ride

The day kicks off with a pickup in Sofia, followed by a comfortable drive through Bulgaria’s scenic countryside. Upon reaching Pionerska Hut, you’ll hop onto a chairlift that whisks you above the treeline, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains before you start walking. Many reviews mention how this lift saves energy for the actual hike, making the experience accessible to a wider range of travelers.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Rila Lakes Circuit

The main event is the circular walk around the Seven Rila Lakes, which are often called Bulgaria’s “jewel.” Each lake is uniquely named and shaped—think Ribnoto (The Fish) or Bliznaka (The Twin)—and the scenery is simply stunning. The hike, rated as easy to moderate, generally takes around 3 to 5 hours depending on your chosen route.

The group passes several lakes, with plenty of spots to pause for photos or just soak in the views. When reaching Bubreka (The Kidney) Lake at 2282 meters, there’s an important decision point: take the long route over the Lakes Peak, or opt for the shorter, scenic route along the chairlift’s top station. Reviewers like Amy mention that the longer route is “both gorgeous and tough but worth it,” providing a sense of achievement and incredible vistas.

The Long Route: More Adventure and Panoramas

For those opting for the full experience, continuing uphill over Okoto (The Eye) Lake leads to the Lakes Peak at 2550 meters, offering panoramic views of all seven lakes. The descent retraces the initial path, rewarding hikers with a well-rounded experience of the terrain. The physical effort involved is significant but often praised by reviewers who say that the views are “worth every step.”

The Short Route: Scenic and Less Demanding

If your energy or time is limited, the shorter route takes you directly towards the chairlift’s top station, providing incredible views without the longer climb. This option is popular among those who prefer a lighter walk but still want to experience Bulgaria’s alpine scenery.

Post-Hike Relaxation: Sapareva Banya Spa

After the hike, you’ll descend via the chairlift back to Pionerska Hut and then transfer to Sapareva Banya Spa Resort—a highlight for many. Known for having one of Europe’s hottest thermal springs (~103°C), the thermal pools here are a perfect way to unwind tired muscles. Pools vary from 15°C to 45°C, allowing for a gradual warm-up or cooling down.

Multiple reviews mention how deeply relaxing the thermal experience is, with one guest commenting, “The spa was a welcome relaxation session as well.” The spa fee (~15 Lev) is extra but well worth it for the soothing waters after a physically demanding day.

Return to Sofia

The day concludes with a comfortable roughly 20-minute drive back to Sofia, with drop-offs at your hotel or chosen address. Travelers often appreciate the well-organized schedule, which balances outdoor activity with relaxation, all in a single day.

The Guide and Group Experience

From the reviews, guides like Mariya and Krill shine with their local expertise, patience, and ability to keep the group engaged. Mavis specifically praises Mariya, mentioning her passion and helpfulness, such as offering her personal trekking poles or gloves.

The small, private group setting means more personalized attention, which many travelers value. It also means flexible pacing and the chance to ask plenty of questions about Bulgaria’s mountains and culture.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour’s price covers all transfers, guides, and taxes, making it straightforward and stress-free. However, you’ll need to budget separately for lunch (around 5-6 Lev for a packed meal or 8-10 Lev for a sit-down meal in a mountain hut) and for the chairlift ticket (~18 Lev). The spa entry (~15 Lev) is also additional.

Walking times vary from about 3 hours on the short route to 5 hours on the long one, with total elevation gains around 460 meters for the longer hike. Good footwear and comfortable clothes are essential, especially since walking can be demanding at higher altitudes.

While the tour is generally suitable for most, it’s not recommended for those over 200 lbs or wheelchair users, given the physical nature of the hike and uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy a blend of light hiking, stunning mountain scenery, and wellness. If you love outdoor adventures but prefer manageable walks, the short route provides spectacular views without too much effort. The longer route is perfect for active travelers seeking a challenge and breathtaking panoramas.

Foodies and wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the thermal spa, which offers genuine relaxation after a day of exploration. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge—highlighted by glowing reviews—add a layer of authenticity that makes the whole journey even more memorable.

This tour offers excellent value, combining Bulgaria’s natural beauty with a touch of luxury. It’s a well-rounded day trip that strikes a satisfying balance between adventure and relaxation, making it a favorite choice for many visitors to Sofia.

FAQs about the 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour

What is the difficulty level of this tour?
The hike is rated as easy to moderate, with options for a shorter, less strenuous route or a longer, more challenging one. Suitable for most active travelers, but not recommended for those with mobility limitations.

How long does the hike take?
Walking time varies from about 3 hours on the short route to approximately 5 hours on the long route, depending on your pace and stops.

Is the chairlift included in the price?
No, the chairlift ticket (~18 Lev) is an extra cost, but it’s a significant convenience that saves energy for the hike.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential. Packing a jacket, water, snacks, and sun protection is advisable as well.

How relaxing is the thermal spa experience?
The pools vary from 15°C to 45°C, providing options for both gentle warm-up and cooling off, making it a deeply soothing end to the day.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. You can expect to spend around 5-10 Lev on a packed lunch or a mountain hut meal.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather conditions, but cancellations are possible if conditions are unsafe. The company offers free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s organized as a private group, which allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility in pacing.

This trip offers a fantastic snapshot of Bulgaria’s natural wonders and wellness options, perfect for those wanting a full, satisfying day without sacrificing comfort or authentic scenery. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a scenic retreat with a touch of indulgence, this tour checks many boxes.

You can check if your dates are available here: