The seven Rila lakes

Overview

The Seven Rila Lakes is a group of lakes of glacial origin located in the Rila Mountains. This is the most visited by lake group in Bulgaria and is one of the hundred national tourist sites. The lakes are located in the Damga part of the Northwestern Rila and are located stepwise between 2095 and 2535 m above sea level. They occupy depressions on the slope of the mountain, as the individual lakes are connected to each other by small streams. When the water passes along these streams, small waterfalls and cascades are formed. The first three lakes - the Tear, the Eye and the Kidney - each drain into the Gemini, from which the water passes successively through the Shamrock, the Fish and the Lower Lake. A more powerful stream passes through the last two lakes, which, flowing from the lowest lake, gives rise to the German River (left tributary of the Struma). The name of each of the seven Rila lakes reflects some peculiarity of the respective lake. The lake, which is located at the highest altitude, is called the Tear because of the transparency of the water. Next in height is the Eye (also called the Heart), which is approximately oval in shape. Okoto is the deepest circus lake in Bulgaria - its depth is 37.5 m. Kidney is the lake with the steepest shores of the whole group. The fourth lake is Gemini; it is the largest of the seven. Lake Trilistnika has an irregular shape and low shores. The shallowest is the Fish Lake; on its northeastern shore is the hut "Seven Lakes". The lowest is the Lower Lake, from which the German River originates. 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 located 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.