Smradlivo Lake, Glacial lake in Rila, Bulgaria
Smradlivo Lake is the largest glacial lake in Bulgaria, stretching 900 meters in length and 260 meters in width. It sits at an elevation of 2,294 meters (7,527 feet) in the Rila mountains, surrounded by steep alpine slopes.
The lake formed during the last glaciation period roughly 10,000 years ago, fundamentally shaping the Rila landscape. Glacial carving created the steep valleys and rocky peaks that define this mountain region today.
The name Smradlivo comes from a local legend about a storm that washed fish onto the shore, leaving a strong smell behind. This story remains part of how mountain communities talk about the place and its history.
The lake is reachable via marked hiking trails starting from Kirilova Polyana and following yellow markers toward the Tiha Rila mountain hut. From the hut, a final path ascends to the lake, requiring moderate hiking ability and proper mountain preparation.
The lake is home to brown trout that thrive in its cold waters, and visitors often spot chamois and red deer on the surrounding rocky slopes. Wildlife viewing here is a quiet reward for those willing to venture into this remote alpine environment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
