About this place
About Dry Lake
Dry Lake lies in the northeastern part of Rila Monastery Nature Park and is one of the lowest glacial lakes in this part of Rila.
Unlike typical permanently water-filled alpine lakes, its water level changes dramatically through the year and during dry periods the lake can become almost or completely dry.
Access
How to get there
1
START: The classic route begins at Kirilova Polyana above Rila Monastery.
2
ROUTE: The Kirilova Polyana – Dry Lake trail is an official botanical route of Rila Monastery Nature Park and forms part of the European E4 hiking route.
3
MARKINGS: Follow the green hiking route and the park's trail signs.
4
TIME: The walk from Kirilova Polyana to the lake area normally takes approximately 2 hours in snow-free summer conditions.
5
SEASONALITY: If visiting late in a dry summer, do not be surprised if very little water remains or the lake is completely dry.
6
WINTER: Snow changes the character of the route considerably and it should be planned as a winter mountain hike.
Map
BGMountains
Interactive topographic map showing the location of the lake.
Details
Basic information
Mountain
Rila
Elevation
1892 m
Area
approx. 30 decares
Max. depth
—
Interesting
Interesting facts
1
The lake lies at approximately 1,892 m above sea level.
2
At high water its surface area is approximately 30 decares.
3
Its dimensions are approximately 270 by 120 metres.
4
It has no permanent visible surface outflow, as water filters through the moraine deposits.
5
During hot and dry summers the water level may fall dramatically or the lake bed may become almost completely dry, which explains its name.
Nearby
Nearby places
Kirilova PolyanaKobilino BranishteRila MonasteryPopova Kapa PeakVodni Chal
BGMountainGuide
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Map, access and useful information directly in the app.