Exploring lakes in Sofia, Bulgaria always gives one an escape route from the mundane daily activities that we are caught up with. It is a sheer source of bliss and fills one’s heart with ecstasy. When you want to run away from the heat of the city and spend some time in the lap of nature it’s the best time to go rafting, swimming, fishing or just sitting by the watching crystal clear water of the lakes. Lakes and rivers not only quench and satiate our thirst and hunger but also render us purified and help us live happily. Let us get drowned in the raptures that these fountains that these lakes in Sofia, Bulgaria offer.
5 Beautiful Lakes In Sofia
Man-made or natural, there are many lakes in and around Sofia, Bulgaria. They offer immense natural beauty to the tourists. Here we have enlist 5 lakes in Sofia
1. Lake Pancharevo
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This is a man-made lake in Sofia in western Bulgaria. Between the mountain, Vitosha and mountain Lozenska Lake Pancherevo lies where the Pancharevo Gorge of the Iskar River ends. The lake is on the fringes of the capital city, Sofia and is actually just 13 km away.
Sitting at 600 m above the sea level; its length is 3 km long and width is about 700 m and 30 m deep. As a part of the Hydrohub “Iskar” project for an energy, drinking and irrigation source this lake in Sofia was created in 1956 for the Sofia Agglomeration.
On the banks of the Pancharevo, there is the national rowing foundation built in 1968. This national rowing base in Pancharevo is the first of its kind in Bulgaria that conduct different training programs and rowing competitions. The World Cup in canoe in the year 1977, and the World Championships in Water Sports for young swimmers/players were hosted in 1981.
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2. Lake Ariana
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Lake Ariana is one of the most visited in lakes in Sofia. This is a great place for fishing, of course, if you are interested you have to seek permission from the authorities. You may also just sit there and watch the fishermen catching their pikes (freshwater lean-fleshed fishes) and perches (Spiny-finned sweet water food and game fishes).
There are lots of recreational sports and games and activities at Ariana. It is a hot favourite spot for bathing in the sun, swimming, and surf riding, skiing, rowing and rafting and fishing. It is definitely a great lake to visit too if you want to try your hands on some rowing.
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3. Boyana Lake
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Away from the hustle bustle of the maddening crowd of the city if you want to take a nature walk nothing can be better that Boyana. You will be rejuvenated after a swim or just by sitting near the lake. An hour’s sojourn by the lake it will bring back your energy levels physically and cleanse your soul. There are several parks adorned with coffee shops and restaurants and hiking tracks in around the lake. There are restaurants overlooking this breathtaking lake with the waterdall where travelers go sit and order their lunch. This lake is a favorite with the locals and the tourists who like to enjoy the coziness and chill out with cold beer and some original Bulgarian fish fries and meat and grilled and baked meat and potatoes.
There are also water wheels for hire. Bathing and fishing in the Ariana are strictly limited and allowed only with prior permission.
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4. Lake Atanasovsko
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This is a natural salt lake in the north of Burgas, Bulgaria. This lake situated very close to the Black Sea. The lake is a very famous lake near Sofia, Bulgaria and is extended over 5 km. A sand strip in the middle of the lake divides it into two. The lake is very famous for the diverse flora and fauna. It is surrounded by drenches and inland waterways that draw the water of entire local basin to the sea.
This Atanasovsko Lake is an estuary with hyper-saline waters. A considerable piece of its region is used as saltpan and tourists can witness the salt extraction techniques using ancient methods. Atanasovsko lake has a substantial range of habitation. The shallow saline water puddle has almost no vascular foliage. The land is to protect it from saline water. At some there is undergrowth and all surrounding one can find tiny freshwater marshes, damp meadows, and a canal system. Also, there are dense marshland plants and dry landscape where species like field wormwood and its variety can be found. It’s a tourists’ delight to see huge cultivable lands while the southern borders have the residential areas.
This famous lake near Sofia, Bulgaria has over 200 species of different vascular plant life and has around 6 endangered plants in Bulgaria. It is similarly used up by the Etruscan dwarf wench, the smallest vertebrate by mass.
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5. The Seven Rila Lake
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These are a cluster of natural chilly glacial lakes. These are the lakes near Sofia located at the northwestern side of the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria. These have maximum numbers of visitors every year and the most frequented Bulgarian lakes. These lakes are found at 2100 and 2500 m above the sea level.
These lakes near Sofia carry their names based on their unique features. Salzata has got its name meaning ‘The Tear’ because of its crystalline water and this is the highest lake in this group. The second highest lake in the group has its name Okoto meaning ‘The Eye’ because of its perfect oval shape. Okoto is also the deepest corrie lake in the semicircular basin of stonewalled Rila Mountains in Bulgaria. It is 37.5 m deep. Lake Babreka which has derived its name because of its shape as that of a Kidney has the steepest shorelines in this entire group of lakes near Sofia. Lake Bliznaka meaning ‘The Twin’ is the one that is the largest area wise. Lake Trilistnika means ‘The Trefoil’ that is crooked-shaped and has low lying shores. The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero means ‘The Fish Lake’. The lowest lying one in the group of Rila Lakes is Dolnoto Ezero that means ‘The Lower Lake’ and here the water that flow from the other lakes converges to the Dzherman River.
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These lakes in Sofia, make for the most popular tourist destination. The best time to visit these famous lakes in Sofia, Bulgaria is during the months of July and August when the temperature dips around 10 degrees Celsius. The summer storms and rain-bearing clouds can be seen at this time. For the rest of the year, there are severe weather conditions. Those who enjoy freezing weather conditions, then October would be the ideal time when these lakes freeze. The ice melts in June. Generally, the cover of ice reaches up to 2 meters. So plan your trip to Europe accordingly and explore these lakes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes In Sofia
What types of lakes are present in Sofia, Bulgaria?
There are artificial lakes, glacial lakes, mountain lakes, and natural lakes present in Sofia, Bulgaria. All types of lakes present in Sofia are of tourist interest.
Which water activities can tourists opt for while on Sofia lake tours?
The water sports tourists can opt for are canoeing, kayaking, rafting, rowing, skiing, surf riding, and swimming in the lakes in Sofia.
Which is the most visited lakes in Sofia, Bulgaria?
The Seven Rila Lakes are most visited by tourists in Sofia due to the surreal beauty and picturesque views that these places have to offer.
Which are the recreational activities tourists can opt for in Sofia?
You can opt for recreational activities like bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, lakeside hiking, lakeside walking, mountain lake trekking, ropeway ride, and swimming at the locations of Sofia lakes.
What is the altitude difference between the Seven Rila mountain lakes?
When you reach the Lower Lake in Rila Mountain, you will be at a mid-altitude of 6,873-ft AMSL. When you reach the Tear Lake, you will be at a high-attitude of 8,317-ft AMSL.
Is it possible to swim in Seven Rila Lakes?
No, you cannot swim as this is prohibited for the nationals as well as for foreign tourists. You can find the warning and prohibition signboards on the way to these lakes.
When is the best season to visit the Seven Rila Lakes in Sofia?
If you wish to see the snow and frozen lakes then you must visit in-between October to March. If you wish to see crystal clear waters in the lakes, you must visit in-between from June to September.
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