Sedemte Rilsky Ezera, Bulgarian for “seven lakes”,
is located in the Northwestern Rila mountains at the altitudes
between 2100 and 2500 meters. Sedemte Ezera is a group of lakes left
since the Ice Age then the glacier covered the mountain. Ice melted
leaving seven lakes marking its previous path. They are connected by
brooks that swell with water in spring creating spectacular sight of
waterfalls and cascades. The path to the lakes is quiet hard that
takes several hours depending on physical fitness. Frequent stops is
the best way to fight fatigue on the steep accent. Once you get to
the top you can either spend a night camping or in a small hostel
that is build near the first lakes you will encounter. All materials
were brought by horse and these caravans still travel back and
worth.
Keep in mind that the high altitude of Sedemte Ezera
is fairly high at over 2000 meters above sea level. People who are
susceptible to the altitude sickness should take proper medications
to fight headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms.
All seven lakes (Sedemte Ezera) have their own name given by
different qualities. The highest lake is called Silsa, Bulgarian for
“teardrop”, due to cleanliness and transparency of its water. Then
follows the Okoto (“the eye”), almost perfectly oval lake with depth
of 37.5 meters. If you decide to swim be careful not to get away far
from a shore. Water is fairly cold even in summer and cramps might
set it quiet quickly. Bibreka has the steepest shores and
Trilistnika (“the three leaves”) has the shape of the clover. Below
these lays Ribnoto lake (“full of fish”) that has large number of
small trout and finally the lowest lake is the Dolnoto lake (“lowest
lake”).
The legend of the seven Rila lakes tells
that thousands of years ago, when there were no people on earth, in
the Rila Mountains lived two giants - a man and a woman. They loved
each other madly and adored the beauty and comfort of their home.
Their home was so attractive, sunny, warm and cozy that it could
not fail to enchant every living thing, and all the elements and the
whole world enjoyed their love.
Unfortunately, one day evil
forces passed by their home. Seeing this beautiful place, they
envied the family happiness of the giants, got angry and decided to
destroy everything and erase their love forever. They began to send
black clouds and devastating winds. Terrible earthquakes shook the
earth.
The giant fiercely defended every blade of grass,
every little stream or flower, defended his beloved and repulsed the
attacks of evil forces. However, this only inflamed their great
malice and cruelty and they decided to finish their hellish work.
In a heavy battle, the young giant was killed. Satisfied with
their victory, the evil forces left, leaving behind broken rocks,
ruined valleys, and a grief-stricken woman. The young widow's grief
was so great that her tears flowed incessantly and ran down the
ridges straight into the valleys. They poured and gathered in the
ravines as they formed clear lakes of astonishing purity.
Before Lake Kidney, mountain guides show a huge rock in the
direction of Lake Tear. The shape of the rock resembles the figures
of a man and a woman with huge dimensions. According to the legend,
these are the two lovers who will stay to keep their beautiful home
forever.