The hike to the Banderishki lakes is fairly easy and very rewarding because of the many beautiful glacial lakes. If you’re in the Bansko area it is the perfect opportunity to explore a beautiful part of the Pirin mountains in Bulgaria.
Answer Summary
Banderishki Lakes hike is a short, scenic out-and-back from Vihren Hut in Bulgaria’s Pirin Mountains, passing rivers and multiple glacial lakes with big-mountain views. Expect about 5.5 km total with ~286 m ascent on generally easy terrain; use the GPX for straightforward navigation.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 5.5 km (out-and-back)
- Elevation gain: ~286 m
- Time: ~1h50 moving; ~3h30 total (photostops, lakes)
- Start/Parking: Vihren Chalet (near Bansko)
- Difficulty: Easy to intermediate (short snow patches early season)
- Season: Late June–September best for snow-free trails
- Highlights: Bunderitsa river crossing, Okoto Lake, Ribno Banderishko Lake views
- Navigation: Follow GPX; lift/bus operate mainly in high seasons
DETAILS of the HIKE TO Banderishki Lakes
Distance: The total distance for this hike is 5,5 kilometers (out-and-back hike)
Elevation gain: The total incline was 286 meters
Moving time: According to Strava my moving time was 1 hour and 51 minutes (total time was 3 hours 27 minutes)
Difficulty: I would rate this as an easy/intermediate hike.
Address start: Vihren Chalet – Пирин планина, 2770 Bansko
Price: Free
Use the pinned location below so you can navigate straight to where the hike starts. There is parking around the hut but not in abundance. If the parking would be full you could most likely park somewhere in the area next to the street.
HOW TO GET TO THE STARTING POINT?
I would assume that most of you would be staying in the Bansko area. From the center of Bansko with the car it is about 45 minutes. Vihren hut is at an altitude of almost 2000 m so keep in mind that the roads are pretty steep to get there.
The gondola in Bansko can take you close to Vihren hut it will add some time to the total hike and I can imagine quite some incline as well. Don’t forget that generally gondolas are only open during high season which mean December till March for winter season and end of June till September for the summer season. To be sure of the schedule check out this website of the Bansko gondola. The gondola will leave you at Banderishka Polyana (Banderishka meadow) which is still about an hour away from Vihren chalet.
Another possibility is to use the bus from Bansko to Vihren hut, similar to the gondola this bus only operates during the high seasons. Consult this website to know the schedule.
If you’re staying in Sofia prior or after visiting Bansko this hike could be interesting as well: HIKE TO BLACK PEAK, THE HIGHEST IN VITOSHA NATURE PARK
HIKING MAP AND GPX-FILE
Generally speaking for all hikes, the easiest way is to download a GPX file that you can view on a gps device, a smartphone or smartwatch. It will tell you step-by-step how to walk. It also includes an elevation profile of the hike which can help you to decide if this hike is for you or not.
Download the GPX file right here: Vihren-to-Banderishki-lake.gpx
Bansko
Bansko has a population of almost 13000 and is one of the most famous ski resorts in Bulgaria, it is located at the foot of the Pirin mountains. There’s lots of accomodation available and during summer it’s a great destination for hiking.
Pirin National Park
Pirin National Park is located in the South-West of Bulgaria and covers more than 400 square kilometers. In the park at an altitude of 2914 m is the second highest peak of Bulgaria the Pirin Peak. Furthermore the park has 118 glacias lakes with the largest and deepest being Popovo lake.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING TO THE Banderishki lakes
While I was staying in Bansko I wasn’t too lucky with the weater. It was the end of May and there were a few rainy days. When I finally had a clear day I decided that it was the perfect time to go hiking in the Pirin Mountains. So I drove to Bezbog hut. Yes, you read that correctly. I was planning to do a hike to Popovo lake which seemed absolutely gorgeous. Upon my arrival however I quickly realized that the chairlifts were closed until the 20th of June. After spending a few weeks in Bulgaria I learned that most of the lifts only open around that time. Except the one for 7 Rila lakes apparently. Because it was such a beautiful day I decided to look for another hike and it seemed that the hike to the Banderishki Lakes would be equally if not even more beautiful as the one to Popovo lake.
It was already pretty late when I arrived at Vihren hut but I absolutely wanted to hike. As it’s an out an back trail you can decide when you actually want to return. Also if you use your car to get to Vihren hut you’re not dependent on a gondola to get back down which added to my flexibility.
Vihren hut is situated at almost 2000 meters above sealevel which means you immediately start above the treeline and have clear views over the stunning valley and the Bunderitsa river.
The hike started of with a small ascent from Vihren hut but after that it was quite flat considering your hiking in such impressive mountains.
The first obstacle was crossing a pretty dodgy bridge over the Bunderitsa river that was flowing pretty wild underneath. After crossing the bridge I saw that there’s actually still quite some snow. I guess, I should’ve known as we are above 2000 m. I was hiking with trail running shoes, they had Goretex but after hiking through a few snow patches the Goretex didn’t hold up anymore and my feet got a bit wet. So if you’re there in the early summer season I would recommend hiking boots for sure.
After hiking for only about 1 kilometers I reached Okoto lake which requires a tiny detour but is well worth it. Okoto lake is almost circular and with the backdrop of the snowy high peaks it made for a beatiful view. It was already passed noon so I decided to get my packed lunch there. Tortellini for the win 🙂
The hike started off pretty easy and in all honesty it never became really hard. Just the many snow that was still there, especially during ascents, made it much harder. I’m sure if there wouldn’t be snow you could reach the first of the Banderishki lakes in about an hour.
When I reached the lake called Ribno Banderishko lake (I know confusing) which translates to Fish Banderishko lake I was really impressed. The fact that I had just ploughed through the snow, sinking in once in a while, and then see the beautiful glacial lake surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Balkan still partially covered in snow. I was in awe of this scene. And to make it complete, there were actually some guys fishing there. Which really made me wonder if fish can survive in a glacial lake. Apparently in some places they can.
At least an hour I spent there taking photos and videos and just taking it all in until I realized that there are actually a few more lakes that can be visited. The proble; though was that I had to cross the Banderitsa river which seemed not really easy. The other issue was that it was getting quite late so I decided to return on my steps. The long Banderitsa lake which lies a bit further will be for another time, I guess/hope.
My recommendation would be to hike to the Banderishki lakes around the end of June at the earliest. There will be less snow and you could see the other lakes as well without having to cross a pretty wild river.
Let me know in the comments or through my Instagram if you enjoyed this hike!
FAQ
Where does the Banderishki Lakes hike start?
The hike starts from Vihren Hut (near Bansko) in Pirin National Park. Limited parking is available around the hut.
How long and how hard is the hike?
About 5.5 km out-and-back with roughly 286 m of ascent. It’s generally easy to intermediate, suitable for most hikers with basic fitness.
When is the best time to go?
Late June to September offers the best conditions with minimal snow. Early season may have snow patches that make progress slower.
Is public transport or a lift available?
Seasonal options exist: the Bansko gondola (to Banderishka Polyana) and a bus to Vihren Hut run mainly in high seasons. Check the operators’ schedules before you go.
Do I need special gear?
Regular hiking shoes are fine in summer. Early season snow can soak shoes; waterproof boots are recommended then. Carry the GPX and basic layers.
Which lakes can I see?
Okoto (with a short detour) and Ribno Banderishko are commonly reached on this route. With safer crossings and low water, you can continue toward the Long Banderitsa Lake.