Popovo Lake

The largest of the eleven Popovi Lakes is Popovo Lake. The lake and its surroundings are among the most popular hiking destinations in the Pirin.

Popovo Lake (2234 m above sea level) is the absolute leader among Pirin Mountain's lakes, being the largest (with an area of 12.4 ha), deepest (29.5 m in its southwestern part), and widest (336 m). It gets its water from heavy rains, melting snow that stays in the foothills of the surrounding peaks until late summer, and two flowing brooks with well-shaped deltas that flow into its southern part. The volume of water is estimated to be 1.27 million m3. Around the lake, the steep slopes of five peaks rise - Sivria, Djano, Kralev dvor, Momin dvor and Djengal (the Fairy peak).

Among the impressive peaks, the vast Popovo Lake resembles a small sea. It attracts hundreds of nature lovers from all over the world with its clear waters and colorful coast - at times low, at times steep, covered in fragrant meadows, dwarf pines, and amazing rock figures.

Popovo Lake is about an hour and a half hike from Bezbog hut. Its waters flow to the six Ribni Popovi lakes (Fish lakes) from the northeastern end of Popovo Lake. The lakes form the source of the Retizhe River, which flows into the Mesta River near Momina Klisura.

Popovo Lake is shaped like an irregular pentagon. The small round island (35-30 m) covered with dwarf pines called 'Kalimyavkta' is located in the middle of the lake.

Samodivski Lakes are a picturesque group of three small lakes located between Djengal and Momin dvor. There is a legend that once lived nearby the most beautiful daughter of god Perun, and her brother Djengal's palace was on a nearby peak, now known as Samodivski peak (The Fairy peak). Bes, the evil god, fell in love with Dzhengal's sister and considered kidnapping her. Djengal became enraged and gathered his god-brothers, who covered Bes with stones on the top, which is now named after him (Bezbog - Bes-bog; 'bog' means 'God'). Bezbog is northeast of the Popovski Circus.

Location: Popovo Lake, Pirin National Park, Bulgaria