Beginning of the year in Europe was marked by severe cold weather and heavy snowfalls. In some cities the local authorities have to take emergency measures, and even evacuate residents. In airports, domestic and international flights are cancelled.

In Istanbul, the snow also covered the Hagia Sophia, located on the European shore of the metropolis. Continuous snowfalls and long blizzards hid the historic building under the white cover.

In Kosovo (Serbia), abnormal snowfalls and low temperatures more than 26 degrees below zero resulted in freezing waterfalls. Frozen, hanging in the air water jets represent a fantastic spectacle.

Snow and beach umbrellas are seemingly incompatible things. However, in Greece there are both. Greek beaches, as well as umbrellas on the sand, are covered with snow.

Bulgarian resorts do not differ from the Greek ones. The winding arches, steps and rails on the quay frozen over from top to bottom. Once solar Bulgarian beaches have become akin to the fairy realm of the Snow Queen.

The Adriatic coast of Croatia has not been immune by snow and cold, too. Icy leaves of palm trees, as well as machines, which represent the ice wagons look unusual at the resort. Bright but cold winter sun completes the picture.

Unusually long and severe frosts have come to Russia. Moscow, where temperatures fall below 30 degrees, froze, too, as well as Suzdal. Its inhabitants have learned how quickly their hair and eyelashes freeze and the collars of coats turn into icicles when going outdoors.

It was also hard for Polish citizens. Anomalous cold in the country claimed the lives of at least 10 people.