General information
Getting there
Getting to the starting point is about an hour and half driving from Sofia. If you don't own a car, consider renting a Spark car.
Starting point coordinates: 42.210834, 23.388693
Information about the hike
This two day hike featuring the Urdini lakes passes through an impressive area of the Rila National Park, abundant with lakes and stunning views. The Urdini lakes are my personal favourite alternative to the Seven Rila Lakes, because the area is less famous and therefore much less touristic. You will however also see some of the Seven Rila Lakes as well on this hike. Best of both worlds if you ask me!
Day 1 - Information
The first day is a long hike with lots of landscapes to admire. Most of the trail is unmarked, but fairly easy to follow, especially accompanied with the GPS file. Starting in a pine forest, you ascend the valley while staying close to the Urdini river until you reach the first of the Urdini lakes. Take your time to explore the lakes, as they are the main attraction of this hike. After the Urdini lakes, you make your way towards the Rila lakes hut not to be confused with the seven lakes hut. On your way, you will be crossing the ridge close to "Zeleni kamik" (the green stone) granting stretched out views over the most famous part of the Rila National Park. After the ridge, it's mainly a descend until you reach one of the biggest Bulgarian mountain huts.
Route info
Click to load map and elevation profile
Click to load map and elevation profile
Day 2 - Information
Most of the second day is a trail through pine forest. You pass by two huts, namely Lovna hut and Vada hut. In Vada hut you can normally expect to have a nice lunch break with food such as a typical Bulgarian shopska salad, french fries and a bean soup.
Route info
Click to load map and elevation profile
Click to load map and elevation profile
Photos
You can drive to the starting point by Spark rental car
Date taken: 23/10/2023
Initially,follow the arrows to vada hut
Date taken: 23/10/2023
Bridge and river next to yavorova polyana
Small shelter at yavorova polyana
Path through the pine forest features views on high cliffs
Waterfall as part of the urdina river
Climbing the valley above the tree line
Golyama panitsa lake
Malkata panitsa lake
Suhoto lake
Stunning view on the way to ribno lake
Date taken: 23/10/2023
Ribno lake or the fish lake
Date taken: 23/10/2023
View at the highest point of the hike with the kidney lake and kabul peak on the left
Date taken: 23/10/2023
One of the two chanakgyolski lakes
Date taken: 23/10/2023
Ribnoto lake with the seven lakes hut next to it
Date taken: 23/10/2023
The not so well maintained seven lakes hut not to be confused with the rila lakes hut
Date taken: 23/10/2023
Approaching the rila lakes hut
Date taken: 23/10/2023
Rila lakes hut
Follow arrows to the lovna hut
Lovna hut
Lovna hut from inside
Follow arrows to vada hut and malyovitsa
Vada hut
A cat by the menu at vada hut
Forest path back to malyovitsa
