Bansko - Lake Country
The mountainous area around Bansko is said to have between 150 and 250 glacial lakes. This is a summer water wonderland perfect for summer hikes and camping. In fact, the backcountry around Bansko is a maze of trails and routes especially designed with recreational hikers in mind. While day trips can be custom planned for hikers of all skill levels wishing to get away for a shorter trip, the landscape around Bansko is dotted with back-country huts for those planning trips longer than a day... Ask at the park headquarters for special maps and routes for hikers. But remember, never set out into Bansko backcountry or anywhere else, without telling someone the route you plan to take and when you expect to return.
Guided tours
A number of outfitters and companies in the Bansko area provide guided day trips as well as longer excursions into the mountain ranges of the Bansko area. More information about these options is available from the Pirin National Park headquarters in Bansko. Camp under the stars, picnic in a beautiful mountain meadow, take pictures of alpine flowers, horseback into some of the wilder back country, or fish the icy clean glacial lakes of Pirin National Park. All these options and many more are available to those looking for an unforgettable Bansko summer adventure!
Scenic, wild and breathtaking!
Two of the largest lakes in the area - Popova and Otoko - are popular tourist destinations. Both lakes are impressive in terms of their size and depth. At altitudes above 2000 metres, both lakes offer amazing views and great photo opportunities for professionals and amateur photographers alike. Popovo Lake (2234m) is the deepest lake in the Pirin area with a maximum depth of almost 30 metres! It covers an expanse of more than 12 hectares and for this reason is often referred to as the "Pirin Sea." In comparison, Okoto Lake (2200m) (Eye Lake) is the deepest in the Rila Mountain range and is said to have a depth up to 39 metres! Both of these lakes are said to be great places for trout fishing.
