Sedemte Rilski Ezera (the Seven Lakes of Rila Mountain) long ago became one of Bulgaria’s trademarks, compulsive destinations for all nature and and mountaineering lovers. With spring on the doorstep and summer just a month away the lakes are once again expected to be one of the highlights of this year’s hiking season.

The lakes are in the north-western Rila Mountain, varying from 2100m to 2500m above sea level. For experienced hikers climbing to the lakes might prove to be too easy but for those who want to spend a day or two in one of Bulgaria’s most spectacular and breathtaking surroundings the experience is well worth it.

But first, a warning about when to avoid going to the Seven Lakes of Rila. From August 19 to 21, members of the White Brotherhood, a spiritual group made up of followers of mystic and purported prophet Petar Dunov, traditionally gather in the area around the Seven Lakes. Not that, should you find yourself there, you would be treated with any hostility. Far from it; but you will find the otherwise serene landscape rather crowded and accommodation impossible to find.   

That said, summer is an ideal time to visit the truly stunning area and embark on a hike. A small group, preferably in the company of a guide, can easily negotiate the terrain if you are fit and experienced in  mountain-trekking. A good option is to go as part of a professionally organised excursion. The ardent hiker may choose to walk all the way up from a nearby town such as Malyovitsa and Govedartsi. A Rila Mountain map - a translated English/German map - can be purchased at Maliovitsa Hotel for 5.40 leva.

Unfortunately, despite being such a popular tourist and local attraction, with numerous walking stations and picnic areas, the roads in Rila Park and are not exactly in mint condition. But those searching for the "real mountain experience" might actually like it. This "real thing" can be experienced by hiring locals to drive you from a point near Goverdartsi to a somewhat basic hotel near the first lake, although the drive, usually done in Soviet-era military 4x4s, tends to be boneshaking in the extreme and seems longer than the hour that actually elapses.

Each lake is named for its most characteristic feature. The highest one is called Salzata ("The Tear") for its transparent clear water. The next highest is Okoto ("The Eye") for its near-oval form. Babreka ("The Kidney") along with its shape, has steep shores. Bliznaka ("The Twin") is the largest one by area, while Trilistnika ("The Trefoil") has an irregular shape and low shores. The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero ("The Fish Lake") and the lowest one is Dolnoto Ezero ("The Lower Lake"), where the waters that flow out of the other lakes converge to form the Dzherman River.

Take with you a light, well-balanced backpack with basic first aid material, a good supply of food and drink (delicious traditional mountain tea and light refreshments are available at huts along the route) and most certainly, a camera. By the way, because the area is within a national park for reasons of common sense, fires and swimming in the lakes are no-nos. Mobile phone coverage tends to be patchy because of the mountains, another reason to avoid taking any risks that would necessitate a call for help and spoil what should be a truly memorable experience.