The Most Stunning Lakes in Bulgaria

Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria
Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria | Photo by George Ivanov on Unsplash
Maria Angelova

There is nothing like a serene panorama over a lake at sunset. If you are in Bulgaria, you can add exciting birdwatching opportunities, cycling routes, or a free open-air spa treatment to this idyllic view. Read on to discover the most stunning lakes in Bulgaria.

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The Seven Rila Lakes

Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

The Seven Rila Lakes are one of the busiest natural spots in the country, and once you find yourself on the peak above them, you will understand why. The seven glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains are connected to each other by tiny streams. Each lake has a name reflecting its shape or a legend about it – the Eye, the Kidney, the Tear, etc.

The Urdini Lakes are a group of six mid-sized lakes located in the Rila Mountains. They are not a busy tourist attraction like the Seven Rila Lakes because of their location in one of the most inaccessible parts of the mountain. A view from the nearby peaks to them, however, is one of the most amazing sights you will remember from your hiking in Rila.

Tevno Lake

Tevno Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Pirin National Park. There is a mountain chalet on the banks of the lake where tourists can spend the night or have a bite after a long day of hiking (reservations are required). To reach the lake, be prepared to hike for at least four hours. A mountain guide is advisable for inexperienced hikers.

Popovo Lake

The easy hike to Popovo Lake in Pirin National Park makes it a popular destination for the summer weekends. It is the biggest among the group of the eleven Popovski Lakes, and it is also the deepest lake in Pirin Mountains and the second deepest in Bulgaria.

Atanasovsko Lake

Atanasovsko Lake is one of the favorite weekend outdoor spa destinations for the inhabitants of Burgas – it is located on the outskirts of the city and features curative mud and lye, both available for everyone for free. After you apply mud on your skin and float in the pink lye pools, you can go straight for a jump in the sea, which is two minutes away. You can get to the lake by bike, by car or walking.

Pomorie Lake

Pomorie, Bulgaria

If you have decided to spend your beach vacation a little farther north, in the seaside town of Pomorie, you have another chance to explore a salt lake and to enjoy an open-air spa with healing mud. Pomorie Lake is in the town itself. It has been a salt-producing town since ancient times and remains such today. You can visit the Salt Museum on the banks of the lake, or take a look at the nearby wildlife center where you can learn about the amazing biodiversity the lake attracts.

Srebarna Lake

Srebarna Lake spans along the bank of Danube River and is the biggest riverside lake in the country. Srebarna is a biosphere reserve and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983 because of its great variety of bird life: more than 200 species of rare or endangered birds live or nestle at the lake annually. There’s a small natural history museum by the lake where you can take a look at the bird life through the live cams installed among the birds’ nests.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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