The Frozen Black Sea – 1929

The freezing of the Black Sea is a notable occurrence, particularly along its western coast, during extended periods of cold weather. In January 1904, Varna Bay experienced a freeze lasting 15 days, while Sozopol Bay remained frozen for roughly a month. In the winter of 1907/1908, Varna Bay experienced a rare freeze, lasting for a brief spell of 2-3 days.

The winter of 1928/1929 witnessed one of the most significant freezes along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. During that period, the freezing of water was noted all along the coast, extending beyond just the ports. On February 11, 1929, the port of Varna saw the ice thicken to an impressive 30 cm, with sizable ice floes drifting in the open sea.

The sea currents gathered them in Varna Bay and along the shoreline. Operations at the Varna port have come to a halt because of the plummeting temperatures, with ice now extending all the way to Cape Emine.

The passage from the sea to the lake has also succumbed to the freeze. The ice cover thickened to a solid 30 cm. The ice gave way after the 8th of March. Citizens of Varna have a unique chance this season – to stroll and glide on the ice nestled among the ships ensnared in the frozen waters of Varna port.

The warming climate we’re witnessing today has led to phenomena that haven’t been seen for decades.

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