Popovo Lake
Welcome to one of the most magical places in Pirin – Popovo Lake! Located at 2234 meters above sea level, this is the largest and deepest lake in Pirin, hidden among mighty peaks and alpine silence. If you've ever dreamed of being in a Studio Ghibli movie – this is it! Only with a Bulgarian landscape and without animated creatures… or at least not quite 😉
How to get there
📍 Starting point: Gotse Delchev Hut
The journey to Popovo Lake begins at Gotse Delchev Hut, which is located about 12 km from the town of Dobrinishte. The hut is reached by an asphalt road - relatively good, but with some unevenness in the last few kilometers. At the hut there is a convenient parking lot where you can safely leave your car.
Route
🚡 Chairlift to Bezbog Hut
Next stop – Bezbog Hut, but not on foot! You will reach it by chairlift, which operates seasonally (usually from June to September and sometimes on weekends in May and October – it is advisable to check opening hours in advance).
25–30 minutes
20–25 BGN for a two-way ticket
🏔️ From Bezbog Hut to Popovo Lake
Here begins the actual part of the hike. The distance from Bezbog Hut to Popovo Lake is about 4 km in one direction, or approximately 1:30 – 2 hours at a relaxed pace. The trail is well marked (white-red-white), wide and with a clearly distinguishable route almost all the time.
Stage 1: Gentle Ascent
the plateau between Bezbog and Polezhan peaks – the view begins to become increasingly impressive.
Stage 2: The Saddle
a saddle from which the first more serious panorama of the lake opens up – you will fall in love right from here.
Stage 3: Final Descent and Arrival
Popovo Lake.
the largest in Pirin, with an area of about 123 decares and a depth of over 29 meters.
🥾 Difficulty Level and Tips
there is a slight ascent and descent – suitable even for beginner hikers with normal physical fitness.
hiking boots with good soles, especially if there is moisture.
the weather in the mountains changes quickly – always carry a jacket and something for rain.
plenty of water and something to eat – a picnic by the lake is an essential part of the experience.
What not to miss
Bird's-eye view: If you have the energy, climb to the saddle above the lake – the view will leave you speechless (and with many Instagram likes).
Lakeside picnic: Shade from a dwarf pine, the scent of thyme, and crunchy sandwiches... the perfect combination.
Photo with a reflection: The lake is like a mirror – capture the symmetry of the peaks and lock it into eternity in a single shot.
Fun fact
Do you know why it's called Popovo Lake (Priest's Lake)?
💔 According to legend, during the Ottoman rule, pursued by patrols, a priest reached the lake with his daughter. To avoid capture and to preserve her honor, he threw himself and her into the depths of the lake. Since then, it is believed that the waters preserve the memory of their sacrifice, and the mist over the lake sometimes resembles a cloak of forgotten stories...
But some claim that at night, the shadow of a person in a cassock can be seen by the shore. Perhaps he is looking for a way home. Or perhaps he is just resting from the tourists 😉
