Banderishki Lakes

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Vihren seen from the Long lake

The Banderishki Lakes are a large group of lakes in the Pirin mountains, southwestern Bulgaria. They are situated in the Banderitsa valley and mark the beginning of the Banderitsa river. There are 17 lakes in all from which only 5 have names.

The Frog lake (Bulgarian: Жабешко езеро) is the highest in the group, nestling on the Malkoa Todorka peak slope at an altitude of 2,322 m. Its surface is only 5,6 decares and is 2 m deep. The lake is elongated (138x63 m), the water is warm.

The Long lake (Bulgarian: Дългото езеро) is situated at 2,310 m and is called the Upper Banderishko lake. It is 450 m long and 150 m wide and has a surface area of 45,5 decares. The maximum depth is 10 m and the volume of water is 177,000 m³.

The Fish Banderishko lake (Bulgarian: Рибно Бъндеришко езеро) is located at 2,190 m. Fish is abundant in the lake, and this is where it derives its name. With its surface of 65 decares (384x230 m) the lake is the largest in the valley. Its depth is 12,2 m. South of the lake the river drops down a steep slope which separates it from the Long lake, and to the north there is a small peninsular with pine-scrub.

The Moratovo lake (Bulgarian: Муратово езеро), called also the Juniper lake is situated below the Moratov peak in a small cirque. There are three tiny lakes around. Its altitude is 2,230 m and has an area of 12,3 decares. The lake is only 3,2 m deep and the amount of water is 22,700 m³. In front of the lake rises proudly the Todorka Peak.

The Eye lake (Bulgarian: Окото) is a small lake located above the Vihren refuge, the lowest in the group (2,062 m). It is called like this due to its rounded shape and shining surface. It is so small that it can only be seen on the track at a distance of 100 m. Its area is 2,6 decares, the depth is 5,4 m and the amount of water- 6,600 m³.