Lower Kremensko Lake

BEST APPROACH: The usual starting point is Bezbog Hut. The hut is commonly reached by chairlift from the Gotse Delchev Hut area or on foot.

IMPORTANT BEFORE SETTING OUT: The approach to the Kremenski Lakes is not a standard marked hiking route like the trail to Popovo Lake. Pirin National Park lists the route through the Kremenski cirque among its existing unmarked hiking routes. Good navigation skills and a map or GPS are therefore particularly important.

FROM BEZBOG HUT: From the hut area, the route gradually descends toward the Retizhe River valley. The initial section passes through dwarf pine and more open terrain before reaching the lower valley.

RETIZHE RIVER: The river is an important landmark on the approach to the Kremenski cirque. After reaching it, take care to follow the correct direction toward the Kremenski stream and the cirque. High water can make river crossings more difficult.

TOWARD THE KREMENSKI CIRQUE: After leaving the Retizhe valley, the route begins to climb toward the lake group. The terrain alternates between dwarf pine, grassy ground and rocky moraine.

SMALLER LAKES: Before reaching the large Lower Kremensko Lake, the route passes smaller lakes belonging to the same group. They are a useful sign that you have entered the Kremenski cirque.

FINAL CLIMB: A large moraine threshold lies below Lower Kremensko Lake. The final ascent is steeper and rockier. Once above it, the broad surface of the lake appears suddenly ahead.

TIME: Allow approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Bezbog Hut to the Kremenski Lakes area. The actual time to Lower Kremensko Lake can vary depending on the chosen line, pace and navigation.

DIFFICULTY: In normal snow-free summer conditions the route does not require technical climbing, but it is more demanding than hiking on a clearly marked trail. Navigation, uneven terrain and the distance from mountain huts are the main challenges.

NAVIGATION: Use the BGMountains map in the app throughout the approach. In fog or low cloud, do not rely only on visual landmarks. Several paths and branches in the area can lead away from the intended direction.

EQUIPMENT: Carry sturdy hiking footwear, sufficient water and food, waterproof clothing, a warm layer and a fully charged phone with an offline map. Do not assume that mobile coverage will be available everywhere along the route.

WINTER CONDITIONS: This description applies only to snow-free terrain. In winter, the Kremenski cirque is serious high-mountain terrain where route choice, snow stability and avalanche conditions must be assessed by people with suitable winter experience.

Lower Kremensko Lake is of glacial origin.

With a surface area of approximately 98 decares, it is the second-largest lake by area in the Pirin Mountains after Popovo Lake.

Its maximum depth reaches approximately 27 metres.

The lake measures roughly 500 by 275 metres.

The Kremenski lake group consists of nine lakes, seven of which are permanent.

Upper Kremensko Lake lies higher in the same cirque and is also among the larger lakes in Pirin.

The lake group takes its name from the village of Kremen, within whose territory the lakes are situated.