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Sofia Hot springs

Our most recommended Sofia Hot springs

From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour

1. From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour

Explore the Seven Rila Lakes, the jewel of the Rila Mountains National Park and admire breathtaking alpine scenery. Escape the summer heat in Sofia and enjoy the refreshing mountain climate of the highest mountain of the Balkans. Join a pleasant, easy to moderate walk and relax deeply at the end of the day in the thermal pools fed by hot spring waters. All this within a day tour from Sofia. You will be picked up early in the morning from your hotel or address in Sofia for a wonderful journey in the Rila Mountains. Within 1.5-hours, you will arrive at Pionerska Hut (1520 meters), from where the group will take a chairlift to the Rila Lakes Hut situated above the tree line at 2150 meters above sea level in the Rila Mountains National Park. Here, the circular walk will begin passing by Ribnoto (The Fish), Trilistnika (The Trefoil) and Bliznaka (The Twin) Lakes. When the group reaches Bubreka (The Kidney) Lake, situated at 2282 meters above sea level there will be 2 options: the group can choose to take the long route or the short route. For the long rout, continue uphill passing by Okoto (The Eye) Lake, you will reach the Lakes Peak (2550 meters), offering you a great panoramic view of all the Seven Rila Lakes. Then, you will walk back the same way you came to Kidney Lake. For the short route, you will head towards the top station of the chairlift along a scenic route offering a great panoramic view of the Seven Lakes area. At the end of the hike, you will reach the Rila Lakes Hut and via the chairlift, you will descend to Pionerska Hut. The minivan will take you for a short transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to Sapareva Banya Spa Resort, famous for one of hottest thermal springs in Europe (~103°C). Enjoy and take the time to relax deeply after the walk in some the numerous thermal pools with temperatures of varying degrees from 15 to 45 °C. In the late afternoon, the group will head back to Sofia, where you will be dropped back off at your preferred locations.

From Sofia: Private Transfer to Spa in Sapareva Banya

2. From Sofia: Private Transfer to Spa in Sapareva Banya

Start your tour at 9:00 AM and your guide will take you from your hotel in Sofia to the region of Sapareva Banya. Have the unique opportunity to dive into the hot thermal waters and enjoy the magnificent panorama at the bottom of the mountain. Explore the place with the hottest geyser in Europe. Discover why the mineral water of Separeva Banya is highly regarded and was used as a cure by Thracians and Romans. It is claimed that the water treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and upper respiratory tract. Enjoy 3-4 hours in the spa to completely relax. Nearby are situated many restaurants where you can enjoy lunch. At about 3:00 PM board your transfer to Sofia.

From Sofia: Zlatna Panega River Hike with Springs Visit

3. From Sofia: Zlatna Panega River Hike with Springs Visit

Early in the morning we will take the highway to Lukovit city. After 1:30h drive we will reach the Spring of Glava Panega. There are many karst springs in Bulgaria, among all the springs, there is one that is distinguished by the largest water quantities and scale - the Glava Panega spring in the Pre-Balkans, which gives the beginning of the Panega River (a right tributary of the Iskar River). The karst spring itself forms two lakes: upper and lower. At the lower lake there is also a bar for washing carpets, rugs, etc., which is used by the local population. To the Spring you will through cave. We will continue to Ecotrail Iskar - Panega. The eco trail is around 16 km but we will see only first kilometers of the eco trail. At the end of the first part, there is an option wo take boat to the end of the trail. After that we will return back and continue to the stone houses close to Lukovit city. We will make short walk. At the end of the day we will take the car back to Sofia.

Rila Mountain Winter Day Trip

4. Rila Mountain Winter Day Trip

Start the tour at 9 AM when the guide will pick you up from your hotel in Sofia and take you to the Rila Mountain. The transfer time to the mountain region is about an hour and a half.  Choose between 2 of the 5 following options for activities: 1 or 2 hour ski-doo ride in Borovets; take the cabin lift in Borovets and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views; visit the restored fortress of Tsari Mali Grad, located on a hill near the village of Belchin; experience the afternoon skiing or snowboarding with a private teacher; enjoy a spa afternoon in the village of Sapareva Banya, famous for its hot thermal springs. Return to Sofia between 5 PM and 6 PM.

Sofia: Spa Nature Tour to the 7 Rila Lakes & Sapareva Bany

5. Sofia: Spa Nature Tour to the 7 Rila Lakes & Sapareva Bany

Your day trip will start early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel. Your professional guide will take you to the the highest mountain on the peninsula, Rila, just 1.5-hours away from the capital Sofia. Then, with the Panichishte resort cable car, you will head to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. The hike will take around 3-hours.  If you wish to make your walk harder or easier, your guide will be able to adjust the group program accordingly. All seven of the lakes have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. They are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. The day trip will continue with a visit to the capital of the thermal spa on the peninsula called Sapareva Banya. There, you will have the unique opportunity to dive into the hot thermal waters and enjoy the magnificent panorama at the outskirts of the mountain. You'll also find the hottest geyser in Europe there. Mineral water is highly regarded and used as a cure by Thracians and Romans. Saparevian mineral water is clear and colorless with a smell of hydrogen sulfide, hyper thermal (temperature 103 °C), hydro carbonate, sulphate sodium, fluorine, silicon and sulfate. Hydrogen sulfide is 15.5 milligrams/ liter. It is claimed that the water treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and upper respiratory tract. After the spa, your guide will take you back to your hotel.  

Frequently asked questions about Sofia Hot springs

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Other Sightseeing Options in Sofia

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What people are saying about Sofia

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 21 reviews

I am 78 years old so I took a personal guide and was able to go at my pace. We took the lower loop which was just enough. The ride on the ski lift was beautiful and I never saw such big evergreens. I bought a waterproof windbreaker, and it was necessary while sitting on the lift and we had great weather for October. I can see how dangerous the weather can be so I recommend layers, gloves, warm hat and one for the sun too. Atfter we got going, I was down to one layer and sweating a bit. Stopped for a rest, cooled down and put on a warm covering. This is a truly beautiful and special place but make sure you have warm clothing, in layers, and some energy food for the hike.

Very nice day trip. You start with mountain snow at the Borovets resort and finish with a very nice and relaxing 2 hours in the thermal pools. A very nice option for those of us who like to enjoy nature and not only churches. Ivan the local guide was very welcoming, had lot's of information to share with us, professional and puntual. Very recommended day tour.

A day well spent...Ivan our tour guide was very good...He was very punctual, friendly and warm..He gave us a detailed description of the Borovets day activities and something about Bulgaria...I would highly recommend him and the Get me your guide for tourist that needs assistance regarding day trips here in Bulgaria..

Un’esperienza da fare assolutamente.. Ho trovato la neve ma è ancora più affascinante

What a fantastic experience thanks to Dobrin, a truly exceptional guide.