What to do
In order to reach an amazing peak you cross the wilderness area of the national park
What to see
Rila has more than 100 mountain peaks rising over 2,000m above sea level. With an altitude of 2,925m Mt. Mussala is Bulgaria’s highest peak.
As a result of glacial activity, erosion and deposition there are more than 120 permanent and some 30 seasonal glacial lakes in the park’s high mountain zone. One of the most picturesque and largest cirques is that of the “Seven Rila Lakes.”
Some of the Balkan’s longest rivers are sourced in the Rila national park and supply Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, as well as parts of Turkey and Greece with fresh water. Among them are: the Iskar, the Maritza and the Mesta River.
Rila National Park encompasses some of the most secluded forests in Europe, virtually untouched by human hand. Most common are spruce and fir mixed with the Macedonian pine and the dwarf pine. The trees are on average 90 years old.
Almost 150 medicinal plants have been identified in Rila National Park, among them are the Rila rhubarb, the sundew and the lady’s mantle. Many of the plants are endangered and therefore under protection.
Remains of ancient fortresses can be found in the ancient town of Germanea (today’s Sapareva Banya) and in Topolyna (near Bachevo). An ancient mound necropolis was excavated in Topolite (near Botevo) and the relics of an old Roman road run through the town of Pomochena Polyana (Kostenets Municipality).
Bulgaria’s only active geyser can be found in the spa town of Sapareva Banya, on the Northern slope of the Rila mountain. The mineral springs in town have a temperature between 57 and 100 degrees and are used for therapeutic treatment.
Nestled in a deep valley on the western flanks of the Rila Mountains lies Bulgaria’s most famous monastery . Founded as a hermit colony in the 10th century, it soon became one of the centres of early medieval culture. Abandoned, plundered and burnt to the ground, it was rebuilt and represents one of the foremost masterpieces of Bulgarian National Revival architecture today, mainly famous for its fine frescoes and icons.
What to do
Stay up late and look out for the glowing eyes of the Tengmalm or the Little Owl. There are altogether 99 bird species in the national park.
Hike the trail of the Seven Lakes and watch your reflection on the surface of the crystal clear “Tear Lake”. There are a myriad of trails crisscrossing the park, among them Bulgaria’s first botanical trail and two European long distance routes, the E4 and E8.
Pamper yourself after a long day’s hiking in the hot mineral springs of Sapareva Banya.
Grab a basket and go mushroom hunting. 233 different species of mushrooms grow in the Rila National Park but only eleven of them are edible therefore advice and or a guide are recommended.
Adventure tips
PAN Parks offer a wide variety of wilderness experiences. We collected those adventures that help you best experience PAN Parks wilderness.
In order to reach this amazing peak you cross the wilderness area of the national park. It takes 2-3 hours starting in a valley with pine forests and then reaching open landscapes spotted with lakes, chamois – real high-elevation wilderness. From the peak you enjoy the panorama of 3 valleys with numerous picturesque creeks and cascades.
For this experience we recommend 2 different routes:
From village Govedarci if you take the yellow trail to cabin Medarnika and follow the green sign, you reach Peak Medarnik. The route takes you through meadows, pastures, forests, also passing ski lifts but after 1-1.5 hours you enter the park’s wilderness: spruce, fir, Balkan pine forests and finally you have a rewarding panorama of the wilderness in the Valley of Levy Iskar which is a valley without trails, roads or any other human disturbance.
From the Monastery you can drive up to Kirilova poljana and hike (the green sign) to the Dry Lake (Suchoto jezero) then to Pass Kobylino Braniste to finally follow the red sign to the Water Hill (Vodni Vrch – 2683m) to have the beautiful panorama of the Valley of Levy Iskar.
After reaching the peak you can follow the red sign traverse down to Cabin Fish Lakes (Rybni Jezera) and following yellow sign down the Valley Ticha Rila (Still Rila) back to Kirilova poljana.
There are many activities you could enjoy in Rila National Park such as birdwatching, wildlife watching, biking, skiing and horse riding.
Local partner offering an activity related to Rila adventures - horseriding:
Peri Vollas
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