Summer 2008

The Summer has now arrived with us here in the Rila mountains which means If it is peace and tranquility, beautiful scenery and wondeful weather you are looking for then the Rila mountains is the place for you.

15km from Samokov is the Iskar Lake. It is one of the largest lakes in Europe and is well stocked with fish for the angling enthusiast.

The lake also offers many water sport activities for those of you who enjoy more energenic pastimes. Lake Iskar will usually reach temps of around 32^oC along with air

temperatures reaching 45^oC, just great forwakeboarding, jet skiing and fishing. The water park on the banks of Lake Iskar is a great place for the kids, or why not rent a boat and go out fishing at your leisure.

But, if it's the peace and relaxation of this region that you seek then there is the 7 Rila lakes. Here you will find some of the best lakes anywhere in Bulgaria with 207

species of fish, 122 of them being fresh water. The peaceful surroundings make this tranquil place ideal for walkers and bird watchers and with around 429 species of birds native to Bulgaria, there will always be something to watch.

For those of you who are intrested in the natural history, naturism and wildlife of Bulgaria, there are between 3,550 & 3,800 species of flowering plants in Bulgaria.

Now that should keep even the most avid botanist interested. For walking and hiking

enthusiasts, you can enjoy walks through the picturesque Rila National Park.The park is also home to the stunning Tsarska Bistritsa Palace, which is well worth a visit.

The palace is located just above the resort of Borovets, and near to the banks of the Bistritsa river, it was built between 1898 and 1914 and served as the hunting lodge for

Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria and his son Boris III. With its amazing panoramic views and beautiful nature, The Rila National Park is an absolutely fantastic place to visit.

If it's golf that you are interested in, then just a twenty minute drive away from Samokov town there is the new pay and play golf course in the town of Ihtiman.

In Samokov town itself there are some very good places to dine out for example, "Bonitas" famed for serving the best pizzas in Samokov town, but if it is taditional

Bulgarian food that you'r looking for then look no further than "The Old House". This restaurant is highly recommended, just try it and see! (make sure you book in advance though). There are so many more things to see and do in and around the Rila Moutains, but if it is just a quiet, chilled out time you are seeking then a visit to us here at Rila Lodge is a must.

The panorama of the village is predominantly forest, just right for those peaceful walks through areas that many of the villagers use for their own time out.

A beautiful mountain river runs through this scenic and restful picnic area in Dospei. There are panoramic views from the plateau up in the forest, around the old copper mine.

The Rila Monastery (the monastery was founded in the l0th century by the Bulgarian monk St. John of Rila), is almost certainly one of the beautiful places to visit while you are in the Rila Mountain range too.