Bulgaria's largest national park spans 81,000 hectares of alpine peaks, glacial lakes and dense pine forests. Home to brown bears, wolves and the historic Rila Monastery from 927 AD.
Rila National Park covers 810 square kilometers in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains, with ice-carved lakes reflecting sharp mountain ridges and old forests home to wolves and deer. Musala Peak rises 2,925 meters above sea level, the tallest point in the Balkans, while the Seven Rila Lakes—a group of seven basins formed by glaciers—sit lower on the slopes. The park includes four protected zones, such as the 10th-century Rila Monastery, known for its detailed wall paintings and location near a river canyon. Paths lead through pine woods, past Skakavitsa Waterfall, which drops 70 meters, and into grassy areas where wild horses roam. More than 120 permanent ice-formed lakes exist here, along with the sources of rivers like the Maritsa, making the park a key spot for walking, observing animals, and experiencing wild mountain scenery.
Hiking the Seven Rila Lakes
The Seven Rila Lakes, formed by glaciers, are a top destination for hikers in Bulgaria. Begin at Pionerska Hut, where a cable car takes you up to Rilska Ezera Hut, the starting point for a 10-kilometer circular path. Each lake has a name based on its appearance: The Tear has very clear water, and The Eye reaches depths of 28 meters. Most hikers follow the trail counterclockwise, climbing steep sections to see the first three lakes before reaching Lake Sulzata, the highest at 2,500 meters. Temperatures can drop suddenly, so bring warm clothing and aim to start hiking by 8 a.m.
Rila Monastery: History and Architecture
Rila Monastery, established in the 10th century and reconstructed after a fire in the 1800s, displays Bulgarian Revival-style buildings with striped arches and red roofs. The main church contains walls covered in paintings of religious figures and stories, lit by candles made from beeswax. A museum inside holds old handwritten books and a wooden cross decorated with 650 tiny carvings. Near the monastery’s entrance, a stone oven bakes mekitsa, a sweet fried bread often eaten with thick yogurt from nearby farms.
Reaching the Summit of Musala Peak
Musala Peak, the highest mountain in the Balkans, can be climbed in summer or approached on skis in winter. From Borovets ski area, take a cable car to Yastrebets Peak, cutting the hike to 3–4 hours round trip. The path passes three shelters, including Musala Hut, where you can stop for hot soup or herbal tea. Above 2,500 meters, the ground becomes rocky, with some snow remaining even in July. Visibility on clear days extends to peaks in the Pirin and Rhodope ranges. Winter climbs demand ice grips and awareness of possible snow slides in steep areas.
Animals and Plants in Rila’s Protected Zones
Rila’s forests and high slopes provide habitats for brown bears, Balkan chamois, and birds like golden eagles. Four strict reserves within the park—Parangalitsa, Central Rila, Ibar, and Skakavitsa—guard old spruce trees and rare flowers such as the Rila cowslip, which grows nowhere else. Over 1,400 types of plants exist here, including mountain roses and edelweiss. Look for wild horses near Lake Ledeno, the park’s highest lake at 2,715 meters, or join a ranger-led walk to learn how they monitor animal tracks and plant health.
Geothermal Pools in Sapareva Banya
Sapareva Banya, a town near Rila’s northern border, has hot springs reaching 103°C, the highest temperature for a natural spring in the Balkans. Public bathhouses let visitors soak in warm mineral water, which many find soothing after a day of hiking. Each August, the Rock in Rila festival brings musicians to perform near Beli Iskar village. For a quieter visit, come during the White Brotherhood events in August, when groups gather at dawn near the Seven Rila Lakes to perform rhythmic dances.
Planning Your Trip to Rila
Rila National Park is a 90-minute drive from Sofia or 2.5 hours from Plovdiv. Buses go to Samokov and Borovets, but renting a car makes it easier to reach trailheads like Malyovitsa or the Seven Rila Lakes. Shelters like Ivan Vazov and Skakavitsa provide basic overnight stays—reserve a bed in July or August. Bring strong hiking shoes, a rainproof coat, and a paper map, as fog or snow can hide trail markers. No fee is required to enter the park, but contact the Blagoevgrad office in advance for access to restricted areas like Parangalitsa Reserve.
