Explore the Rila Lakes with a guide or at your own pace, by using the chair-lift. Benefit from direct shared minibus transfers from Sofia to the Rila Lakes chair lift base station.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Duration 11 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Host or greeter: English

Highlights

Explore the Rila Lakes area in your own time
Enjoy a direct transfer from Sofia to the Rila Lakes chair lift
Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minibus
Depart from a central location in Sofia
Get tips from professional local mountain guides

Full description

Choose from a guided or self-guided tour option. Use a shared shuttle bus service which offers direct transportation from Sofia to the 7 Rila Lakes. The transfer starts with an early morning pick-up from centrally located meeting place in Sofia behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Meet your driver/guide for a comfortable direct journey to the Rila National Park. Arrive at the parking of the chair lift around 09:00 AM. Enjoy some free time for a self-guided tour of the 7 Rila Lakes area or follow your friendly mountain guide for the best routes around the lakes. You have more than 6 hours to explore this beautiful part of Rila mountain. Leave the parking of the chair lift in the afternoon and arrive back in Sofia city around 5:30 PM at the original central departure location.

Includes

Round-trip shared transfer
Transportation by air-conditioned minivan
Licensed driver
Mountain guide (depending on the tour option chosen)

Ticket for the 7 Rila Lakes chairlift, BGN 25 per person
Guide services (depending on the chosen tour option)
Optional gratuities
Food and drinks

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

Meet at the parking lot behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, in front of La Catedrale Restaurant, close to the Sofia University metro station. Look for the vehicles with a Rila shuttle/Rila lakes sign on the front window.

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Snacks
Sunscreen
Water
Comfortable clothes
Cash

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking in the vehicle

Know before you go

This trip involves a moderate to intensive amount of walking. Hiking experience is essential
Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for mountain walking
Sunscreen and sunglasses are strongly recommended
This trip operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately
Child/baby seats have to be requested in advance, at least 24 hours before travel date

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 19 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.6/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.8/5

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Blessed with the weather, the scenery was beautiful and it was a very good trip. There was plenty of time, and there was plenty of time on the mountain. I thought it was okay to climb up with a one-way lift and walk down. I had that much time to spare.

September 22, 2021

Very, very cool! The driver handed out maps with routes on which it is best to inspect the lakes, told how to get to the panoramic point from which all seven lakes can be seen. He handed out raincoats (which, by the way, helped us a lot, as it started to rain in the afternoon). Also, during a trip to Sofia, I told some information about her. Drove us to the elevator, dropped us off and picked us up at 17:00 at the same place. I advise everyone to take this particular tour, because this is a great opportunity to see the lakes at your own pace without any guides.

August 23, 2021

Bobby was very welcoming and full of insights and recommendations of things to do in Bulgaria. The transfer was perfect for time and would recommend the hike!!

June 1, 2022

From Sofia: Rila Lakes Trek with Chairlift

From Sofia: Rila Lakes Trek with Chairlift

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