Banderishki Lakes

Banderishki Lakes are a group of lakes located in the Pirin Mountains.

The lakes are of glacial origin and are situated on a granite base. There are 16 lakes in total, with a combined area of approximately 126 decares.

Popular tourist routes in the Pirin National Park pass near these lakes:

• Vihren Hut – Okoto Lake
• Vihren Hut – Muratovo Lake
• Vihren Hut – Ribno Banderishko Lake
• Vihren Hut – Dalgoto Lake
• Vihren Hut – Sinanitsa Hut
• Vihren Hut – Demyanitsa Hut
• Vihren Hut – Tevno Lake Shelter

The elevation difference between the lowest (Okoto) and the highest (Zhabeshkoto) lake is about 250 meters, with only five lakes in the group having individual names.

Okoto Lake
Okoto, also called Ravnashko, is a small lake located about 600 meters from Vihren Hut. It is the lowest of the lake group, situated at an elevation of 2,026 meters. Its name comes from its almost perfectly round shape and crystal-clear waters. Its proximity to the hut makes it one of the most popular lakes for tourists in Pirin National Park.

The lake has a maximum depth of 5.5 meters, making it relatively deep given its small size and total area of about 2.5 decares. Its steep banks and abundant vegetation make it difficult to spot from afar, but as you approach, it gradually reveals its beauty.

Muratovo Lake
Muratovo Lake, also known as Hvoinato or Ovinato, is located just below Muratov Peak, from which it takes its name. It lies at an elevation of 2,230 meters, with a total area of about 12 decares and a depth of 3 meters.

A hiking route from Vihren Hut to Sinanitsa Hut passes near the lake. From the lake, there is a picturesque view of Todorka Peak and Malkata Todorka Peak.

Ribno Banderishko Lake
Ribno Lake (also known as the Great and Lower Banderishko Lake) is the largest and deepest lake in the Banderishki group. It is located at an elevation of 2,190 meters, with a total area of 65 decares and a maximum depth of 12 meters.

The lake is calm and clear, and its name comes from the fact that it has a large fish population. South of it lies another lake from the group, which is very small and shallow, and the two are connected by a narrow stream.

The hiking route from Vihren Hut to Tevno Lake Shelter passes near Ribno Lake but not directly by it, so reaching the lake requires a detour from the main path. About 500 meters before reaching the lake, coming from Vihren Hut, you need to take the right fork towards Raztsepniya Kamak, which leads to the lake.

Zhabeshko Lake
The highest lake in the Banderishki group is Zhabeshko Lake. Located just below the southern slope of Malkata Todorka Peak, it has an elongated shape and lies at an elevation of 2,322 meters, with an area of about 5.5 decares and a depth of about 2 meters.

The lake does not have a large water outflow, and it has the highest water temperature among the entire group. All of this creates a favorable environment for a large population of tadpoles and frogs, which is where its name comes from.

From the shores of Zhabeshko Lake, one can enjoy one of the most beautiful and popular panoramas in the mountains—towards Muratov Peak and the surrounding area.

Right by the lake, the routes diverge from Vihren Hut to Demyanitsa Hut (left, eastbound) and from Vihren Hut to Tevno Lake Shelter (right, southbound).

Dalgoto Lake
About a kilometer from Banderishki Chukar Peak and at an elevation of 2,310 meters lies the innermost lake in the valley—Dalgoto Lake. Also called Gornoto Banderishko Lake, it has a total area of 45 decares and a maximum depth of 10 meters, making it the second deepest and largest among the Banderishki lakes.

As the name suggests, the lake has an elongated shape, and its icy, blue-green waters make it exceptionally beautiful. Of the entire Banderishki group, Dalgoto Lake is the farthest from Vihren Hut. Its proximity to the hiking route from Vihren Hut to Tevno Lake Shelter makes it a frequent destination for visitors.

Scattered around the main five lakes are numerous smaller ones, which are also part of the Banderishki Lakes. Early September is considered a suitable time to visit the lakes. Vihren Hut serves as the most convenient starting point for reaching them. Beautiful panoramic views of the Banderishki Lakes can be enjoyed from Bashliyska Porta and Muratov Peak.