Chair Lakes
In the heart of the Western Rhodopes, high above the canyon of the Chairdere River, lies one of Bulgaria's most unusual natural wonders – the Chairski Lakes. Seven in number, surrounded by dark green coniferous forests and whimsical rock formations, they are a true capsule of time and nature. Here, the silence is thick, the air – damp and clean, and the feeling – as if you have stepped into another era.
These are not just lakes. These are peat bogs – rare, living ecosystems that form over hundreds of years and preserve unique biodiversity. A place that is not just visited, but experienced.
How to get there
Chairska Lakes are located between the villages of Trigrad and Mugla. The most popular starting point is the area of Osmanov vir, situated about 3 km before Trigrad, just before the tunnels of Trigrad Gorge. There is a convenient turn-off, a gazebo, and a fountain – an ideal place for parking and starting the trek.
Mugla can also be reached, but the road is difficult and often in poor condition. Another route starts from there, which is shorter but steeper.
Route
Route: Osmanov Vir – Chairski Lakes
This is the most popular and scenic route.
- Start: the turnoff at Osmanov Vir
- Distance: ~7.2 km
- Elevation gain: +518 m
- Time: approximately 2:30 hours one way
How the hike unfolds:
- The first 6.3 km
You walk along a wide, stable dirt road that follows the canyon of the Chairdere River.
The views are impressive – high cliffs, caves, overhanging rock formations. - The turnoff to the lakes
Shortly after the road makes a hairpin turn and crosses the river, you need to take a steep forest path to the left.
If you reach the bend, you've gone a little too far. - The last 20 minutes
The path is steep but short. The ascent leads directly to the "Chairski Lakes" hut, and the lakes are located around it – some lower, others higher up towards the road to Mugla.
What not to miss
✨ The Upper Lake
It's the furthest away, but also the most magical – mirrored, still, and surrounded by soft peat cushions.
🌱 The Round-leaved Sundew
One of the rarest plants in Bulgaria – carnivorous, beautiful, and miniature. It is found only in the peat bogs around the lakes.
🦋 The Dragonflies
They are the true acrobats of the area – flying low over the water and shimmering in blue and green.
🐾 Deer Tracks
Deer often come down to the water. If you're there early in the morning, the chance of seeing them is high.
📸 The Canyon Panorama
On the way back, just before you descend the steep path, there's a spot with an incredible view of the Chairdere valley.
Fun fact
The name "Chairo" comes from the Turkish word çayır, meaning meadow. The irony is that the Chairo Lakes are anything but a simple meadow – they are peat bogs that have formed over thousands of years and store more carbon than most terrestrial ecosystems. Small, but mighty natural heroes!