The Seven Rila Lakes, nestled in the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria, offer a stunning hiking experience typically accessed via a chairlift from Panichishte (round trip ~20-25 BGN), requiring moderate to good fitness for the often steep and rocky trails. While experienced hikers can navigate solo, guided tours (from ~50-100+ EUR for a day trip from Sofia) are recommended for less experienced visitors or those desiring local insights. The best time to visit is from late May/early June to late October, as winter access requires specialized equipment and avalanche awareness; the chairlift operation is also seasonal. A typical visit, covering most lakes from the chairlift station, takes 5-8 hours of hiking, making it a full-day excursion from Sofia. Be prepared for changing mountain weather with proper hiking gear, water, and snacks, and consider starting early during peak summer months (July-August) to avoid crowds.