They have some mountains in Bulgria. So you don’t need to go so far from Sofia to climb a bit. They have the mountain right in the city (Vitosha). Well, the city itself is located 500 meters above the sea level.
Though quite close to Sofia there are mountains much higher than Vitosha. Just about a hundred kilometers from Sofia and here you are. 2500 meters above the sea level.

A lot of tourists come in this place, as here is one of the most notable sight in Bulgaria: Rila lakes. There are 7 mountainous lakes. To see it in the right view, you have to hike for a bout 3 hours with height difference in about 400 meters (and that is without the lift in the very beginning from 1560m to 2100m).

Right after the lift trail goes quite steeply up. Though you can see there packhosrese as well with bales. Looks like it is for monastery which is not too far from here.

The first lake is visible almost immediately. Others can be seen only later when you move forward on the trail.

It is quite hard to go up there. It is mountains in the end. Nevertheless there are too many aged tourists here. Even in the end of route trail!

There is a plenty of tourists here. The lift was installed there about 3 years ago and Bulgarian say now that Rila lakes will never be the same. Now there are too many tourists here, as the route is much easier now.
Though even the part which left without the list is still quite a challenge. Around 3 hours one way. And then 3 hours back.

The most spectacular view you can find in the trail end. It is about 2500m above the sea level. Really amazing.

Unfortunately there is no place from where you can see all 7 lakes at the same time (I'm not sure if there is one). Though I managed to see 6 lakes
I was told there is also some local religion community "White brotherhood" which every year holds a mass physical exercises exactly in this area. Photos from the internet look cool. The event is called "panevritmiata".