Bulgaria isn't only its coast — its mountain lakes and waterfalls are among the most spectacular in the Balkans and slot neatly into a single day trip. If you're on the coast and want a break from the beach, or already up in the mountains, the five spots below give you the best return on effort: big scenery, reasonable hiking, clear water.
I've picked the ones with a real name and clear access, from the glacial lakes of Rila to the falls of the Balkan range and the Rhodopes. For each I'll tell you what you see, how far you walk and what to keep in mind.
Seven Rila Lakes — the absolute star
The Seven Rila Lakes (Sedemte Rilski Ezera) are Bulgaria's best-known mountain destination and, rightly, the star of any Bulgaria lakes and waterfalls list. They're seven glacial lakes stacked up the slope, each with its own name and shape — the Tear (highest), the Eye, the Kidney, the Twin, the Trefoil, the Fish, the Lower.
A chairlift takes you up much of the elevation, then the circular trail among the lakes takes 4-6 hours, with a serious climb to the upper viewpoint where you see all seven at once. It's a full-day hike, best from July to September, once the snow has melted.
Krushuna Falls — northern Bulgaria's turquoise cascade
Krushuna Falls (Krushunski vodopadi), near Lovech in the north, are a system of travertine cascades with turquoise water tumbling in steps over moss-covered rock. They look strikingly like Croatia's Plitvice, but smaller and far less crowded.
Boardwalks and stairs climb alongside the falls up to the spring. It's family-friendly, an easy 1-2 hour walk, perfect if you want the spectacle without mountaineer effort.
Smolyan Lakes — quiet in the heart of the Rhodopes
The Smolyan Lakes (Smolyanski ezera) are a cluster of small mountain lakes right beside the town of Smolyan, in the Rhodopes. They lack Rila's drama but offer something else: quiet, conifer forest all around and easy shoreline paths, good for a relaxed stroll.
They make an excellent stop if you're exploring the southern mountains, close to the caves and villages of the Rhodopes. Easy access by car, gentle walking — ideal for an afternoon.
Raysko Praskalo — Bulgaria's tallest waterfall
Raysko Praskalo ("Heavenly Spray") is the tallest waterfall in Bulgaria, in the Stara Planina range, below Botev Peak. A thin ribbon of water drops from over 120 metres — a wild alpine scene, far from any road.
A caution: this is not an easy walk. Reaching it means a long, demanding hike from the hut area, for fit walkers with proper gear. The reward is one of the most striking mountain views in the country.
Devil's Throat — the waterfall inside a cave
The Devil's Throat (Dyavolsko garlo) in the Rhodopes is something apart: a cave where an underground river forms the highest subterranean waterfall in the Balkans, crashing into a huge chamber called the "Thundering Hall". You enter through a tunnel, climb steep metal stairs beside the roaring water and exit the other side.
The visit is guided and short but intense. It's in the same area as Yagodina Cave and the Rhodope villages — it ties well into a day exploring the south. More on caves in the Bulgaria waterfalls and caves guide.
Practical tips for a day in nature
- Good footwear — even on easy trails, the wet rocks by the falls are slippery.
- Leave in the morning — at the Seven Lakes the weather often turns in the afternoon, and the chairlift queues at weekends.
- An extra layer — the mountains are cool even in summer, especially up at the glacial lakes.
- Water and snacks — on long trails (Rila, Raysko Praskalo) there are no shops.
- Check the season — the Rila lakes are accessible in summer, and caves have visiting hours.
For detailed trails and difficulty levels, see the Bulgaria hiking trails guide, and for the broader picture of the Bulgarian mountains, the mountain section.
FAQ
Which is most accessible with kids? Krushuna Falls and the Smolyan Lakes — easy paths, no hard climb.
Which is most worth the effort? The Seven Rila Lakes — the view from the top, with all seven lakes visible, is among the finest in the Balkans.
Can I do several in one day? In the Rhodopes, yes — the Devil's Throat, the Smolyan Lakes and a cave link up comfortably. In Rila and Stara Planina, each site needs a full day.
Bulgaria's lakes and waterfalls show you a completely different face of the country from the coast: glacial turquoise, travertine walls, waterfalls inside caves. Pick one to match your hiking level, leave early and take an extra layer. The scenery does the rest. See everything mountain on the dedicated section.
