The Seven Rila Lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes are without a doubt one of the most notable natural attractions on the Balkan Peninsula.
The Seven Rila Lakes, located in the northwestern Rila Mountains, are glacial lakes. They are scattered at the foot of a massive cirque. The lakes have been named for their shapes and qualities. The highest of them is Tear Lake, which gained its name for its crystal-clear water. It is 2,535 meters high, directly beneath the Otovishki Peak. Next is Eye Lake, the deepest of the seven at 37.5 meters. It is oval and аn intense blue when the weather is good. Somewhat lower than Eye Lake is Kidney Lake, next comes the Twins. Wide at both ends and narrow in the middle the lake resembles an hourglass. During dry years, the lake becomes two smaller lakes, and this is the source of its name. Farther down the trail are Three-leafed Lake and Fish Lake. The Seven Lakes Shelter is on the banks of Fish Lake. The lowest lake is appropriately called Lower Lake, which feeds the Dzherman River. The lakes are all connected by narrow streams.Fish live in some of the lakes – minnows ands trout – but in general these high mountain lakes are an unsuitable habitat for marine life because of their frigid water temperature, fed by rain and snowmelt.