Валявишки езера Travel Guide

The Valyavishki Lakes, a collection of twelve permanent and three temporary glacial lakes, are situated in the northern part of Pirin Mountain. These lakes are arranged in a cascading manner within the Valyavishki cirque, resting on a granite foundation. Their altitude varies from 2,300 to 2,475 meters, contributing to their rugged, rocky shorelines. The lakes are divided into six groups, with the largest, known as the Big Lake, centrally located. The waters of Valyavishki Lakes are home to trout, with past attempts to introduce brook trout. The lakes are interconnected, with higher ones draining into lower ones, a natural consequence of their stepped arrangement. This network forms the source of the Valyavitsa River, a key tributary of the Demyanitsa River.The largest of the lakes is the Big Valyavishko Lake, the second largest lake in Pirin, after Popovo Lake. It sits at 2,379 meters, with a depth of 18 meters. The lake stretches 270 meters in width and 480 meters in length, covering an area of 81.5 decares and features a small island covered in pine-scrub. The closest refuge is Demyanitsa, roughly a two-hour hike from the lakes, making them a popular hiking destination.Visitors can enjoy the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, making it a memorable experience in the Pirin Mountains.