About this place
About Samodivski Lakes
The Samodivski Lakes, also known as the Kralevdvorski Lakes, are a small group of three high-mountain lakes hidden inside one of Pirin's beautiful granite cirques.
They lie close together between Dzhangal, Momin Dvor and Kralev Dvor peaks. Small streams connect the lakes, while the surrounding granite terrain gives the area a remote and distinctly alpine character.
The Samodivski Lakes form a natural extension of the hike to Popovo Lake and are an excellent destination for hikers who want to continue deeper into the high Pirin Mountains.
Access
How to get there
1
BEST APPROACH: The most popular approach begins at Bezbog Hut and passes Popovo Lake. Allow approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from Bezbog Hut to Popovo Lake.
2
FROM POPOVO LAKE: After reaching Popovo Lake, continue around its right-hand shore. Parts of this section are rocky and require slightly more attention than the main approach to Popovo Lake itself.
3
BEYOND THE LAKE: After passing around Popovo Lake, the route emerges onto broad and relatively open high-mountain terrain. Continue toward an important trail junction.
4
IMPORTANT JUNCTION: At the junction, the route continuing ahead leads toward Dzhano Peak, while the branch to the right heads toward the Samodivski Lakes and Tevno Lake shelter. Turn right and follow the blue trail marking.
5
FINAL CLIMB: Beyond the junction, the route begins to gain elevation again. It alternates between gentler ground and several steeper sections. The first lake reached is the lowest of the three Samodivski Lakes.
6
THE THREE LAKES: From the lowest lake, you can continue farther uphill to explore the other two. The distances between the lakes are short, although the terrain is rocky and requires careful footing.
7
TIME: Allow approximately 40–50 minutes from Popovo Lake to the Samodivski Lakes. From Bezbog Hut, the total one-way hiking time is around 2 hours at a normal pace.
8
DIFFICULTY: In dry summer conditions the route is of moderate difficulty. The approach to Popovo Lake is relatively straightforward, while the section beyond it contains more rocky terrain and additional elevation gain.
9
NAVIGATION: Beyond Popovo Lake, follow the blue markings and the BGMountains map carefully. At the main junction, take care not to continue along the route toward Dzhano Peak.
10
EQUIPMENT: Carry sturdy hiking footwear, sufficient water and food, sun protection, waterproof clothing and a warm layer. The lake cirque is entirely high-mountain terrain with very little shelter during sudden bad weather.
11
WINTER CONDITIONS: This description applies only to snow-free conditions. When snow is present, the high cirque and surrounding slopes require suitable winter experience, equipment and an assessment of avalanche conditions. Do not automatically follow the summer line.
Stories
Legend
The lakes take their name from an old belief that samodivi – mysterious female spirits of Bulgarian mountain folklore – descend to their shores after dark and dance in secluded places far from people.
Another Pirin legend tells that the daughter of the god Perun lived near these lakes. Her beauty attracted the god Bes, while her brother Dzhangal pursued him in order to protect her. Different versions of this old story became associated with several of the surrounding peaks.
Map
BGMountains
Interactive topographic map showing the location of the lake.
Details
Basic information
Mountain
Pirin
Elevation
—
Area
approx. 6.4 decares total
Max. depth
—
Interesting
Interesting facts
1
The Samodivski Lakes are of glacial origin and form part of the wider Popovo Lake cirque system.
2
The group consists of three main lakes situated at approximately 2,378, 2,375 and 2,372 metres above sea level.
3
The upper lake covers approximately 3.2 decares and has a distinctive shape resembling a small boat.
4
The middle lake is more elongated and covers approximately 2.2 decares.
5
The lowest lake is the smallest of the three, covering approximately 1 decare.
6
A small alpine waterfall forms between the two upper lakes.
7
The group is also traditionally known as the Kralevdvorski Lakes.
Nearby
Nearby places
Popovo LakeDzhangal PeakMomin Dvor PeakKralev Dvor PeakDzhano PeakPopovo Lake CirqueTevno Lake ShelterBezbog Hut
BGMountainGuide
Take the lake with you
Map, access and useful information directly in the app.