“1/3 Winter + 2/3 Spring” – This phrase captures the enchanting blend of seasons in one of my favourite places: the Seven Lakes. This group of glacial lakes is located in the northwestern Rila Mountains of Bulgaria, sitting at elevations between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. They are the most visited group of lakes in the country.
Each lake is named for its most distinctive feature. The highest lake is called Salzata, meaning “The Tear,” due to its clear waters that offer deep visibility. The next in height is Okoto, or “The Eye,” named for its almost perfectly oval shape. Okoto is also the deepest cirque lake in Bulgaria, reaching a depth of 37.5 meters. Babreka, or “The Kidney,” boasts the steepest shores among the group. Bliznaka, which means “The Twin,” is the largest lake by area. Trilistnika, or “The Trefoil,” has an irregular shape and low shores. The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero, known as “The Fish Lake,” and the lowest is Dolnoto Ezero, or “The Lower Lake,” where the waters from the other lakes converge to form the Dzherman River.
The Seven Lakes attract tourists due to their natural beauty. The lakes are arranged one above the other and are connected by small streams that create tiny waterfalls and cascades. Nearby accommodations include a chalet on the northeastern shore of The Fish Lake, located at an elevation of 2,196 meters. I have had the opportunity to work there as a hut keeper for several consecutive seasons.
