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RilaSummer route
Ribni Ezera Hut from Kirilova Polyana
The hike from Kirilova Polyana to Ribni Ezera Hut follows the long valley of the Rilska River and gradually moves from the forest belt into one of Rila's beautiful high-mountain cirques.
Time
3 h 30 min – 4 h 30 min
Distance
11.8 km
Elevation gain
+850 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Risk
2/5
Route
Description
The hike from Kirilova Polyana to Ribni Ezera Hut follows the long valley of the Rilska River and gradually moves from the forest belt into one of Rila's beautiful high-mountain cirques.
The route is sustained, but the change in scenery is gradual — broad mountain road, river and forest in the lower part, followed by more open slopes and alpine terrain higher up.
The final section around the Ribni Lakes is the most scenic. The hut sits between the Lower and Upper Ribno Lakes, creating the feeling of a true high-mountain destination after the long approach.
In normal summer conditions there are no technically difficult passages; the main challenge is the length and steady elevation gain.
Access
How to get there
Kirilova Polyana is reached by road through the Rila Monastery area. The main GPX route begins at Kirilova Polyana.
With a standard passenger car, it is recommended to leave the vehicle in the Kirilova Polyana area and begin the hike from there. The route from Kirilova Polyana to Ribni Ezera Hut is approximately 11.8 km and normally takes around 3 h 30 min – 4 h 30 min one way in summer conditions.
From Kirilova Polyana, follow the yellow hiking markings along the Rilska River valley toward Tiha Rila. The first approximately 8–8.5 km mainly follow a rocky mountain road with a gradual ascent.
With a high-clearance vehicle or SUV, and only when the road is dry and in suitable condition, it may be possible to drive farther to the Tiha Rila area. The vehicle can be left there and the same GPX route followed on foot. From Tiha Rila to Ribni Ezera Hut, approximately 3.5 km and 1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min of hiking remain.
⚠️ The road from Kirilova Polyana to Tiha Rila is unpaved, rocky and narrow in places. Its condition may change after heavy rain and between seasons. Do not assume it is suitable for a low-clearance car and assess the conditions on site.
Beyond Tiha Rila, the vehicle road gradually becomes a hiking trail. Continue uphill along the yellow markings. The Rilska River is crossed by small bridges at several points, while the terrain becomes more open higher up.
The route first reaches the Lower Ribno Lake area and shortly afterwards Ribni Ezera Hut, located between the two main lakes. If planning to stay overnight, check the hut's current operating conditions and availability in advance.
Navigation
Key points
1
Kirilova Polyana – start of the GPX route and the recommended place to leave a standard passenger car.
2
Follow the yellow markings along the Rilska River valley toward Tiha Rila.
3
Kirilova Polyana → Tiha Rila – approximately 8–8.5 km along a gradually ascending mountain road.
4
Tiha Rila – an important landmark and an optional starting point for hikers arriving with a high-clearance vehicle or SUV.
5
Beyond Tiha Rila, the wide road gradually becomes a hiking trail.
6
The Rilska River is crossed several times by small bridges on the way toward the lakes.
7
Lower Ribno Lake – reached shortly before the hut.
8
Ribni Ezera Hut – located between the Lower and Upper Ribni Lakes.
9
In fog or low cloud, follow the yellow markings and GPX track carefully.
10
💧 Water: there is a fountain at Kirilova Polyana, and Ribni Ezera Hut is supplied with water. The route follows the Rilska River valley, but river water should be used only after treatment.
Map
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Details
Trail markingBasic information
Trail marking
Yellow
Time
3 h 30 min – 4 h 30 min
Distance
11.8 km
Elevation gain
+850 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Risk
2/5
Preparation
Equipment
Enough water
Food for the entire hike
Hiking boots
Windproof / waterproof jacket
Warm layer
Sunglasses
Hat
Sun protection
Phone with offline map + power bank
Trekking poles if preferred
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