The Tear, Glacial lake in Rila Mountains, Bulgaria.
The Tear is a glacial lake in the Rila Mountains situated at around 2535 meters elevation with water so clear you can see deep below the surface. It forms part of a chain of seven connected lakes that together make up the remarkable lake group.
This water body formed during the last glacial period when retreating ice carved deep basins into the Rila range. The glacier movements thousands of years ago shaped the lake landscape you see today.
Local people named this mountain lake for its clear water that mirrors sunlight across the peaks and valleys. The name captures how the surface shimmers and defines the character of this high-altitude place.
You can reach this lake by following marked hiking trails that start from the Pionerska chairlift station, accessible mainly between July and September. The paths are generally well marked, but visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Water from this lake flows through small streams into the other lakes below it, creating a natural cascade system. This connection allows hikers to explore the different lakes in the chain and experience how each sits at a different elevation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
