Babreka

The usual start is Panichishte, above Sapareva Banya, about 1 hour 45 minutes by car from Sofia. The chairlift rises from about 1,570 m to about 2,100 m in 25 minutes, close to the Rila Lakes Hut (about 2,150 m). Check the time of the last ride down.

From the hut, the path crosses wide alpine meadows and climbs gently to Babreka in about 30–40 minutes, with some stone paving and wooden railings. Beyond the lake it turns steeper and rockier on the way up to Okoto and Salzata. It can be cool and windy up here, so bring an extra layer. See the Seven Rila Lakes page for more.