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Balchik Main Lighthouse

🇧🇬Osenovo, BGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Balchik Main Lighthouse

A square skeletal tower carrying radar and communications gear was built in 1961. The structure stood 16 meters tall and its focal height was 202 meters, offering a geographic range of 33.8 nautical miles. Located on a bluff about 20 km northeast of Varna, near Osenovo, it was situated 6.5 km from the nearest port of Balchik. The lighthouse was operational from 1961 until 2005, when it became inactive due to creeping landslides. These geological issues ultimately led to its collapse on October 14, 2012.

Why it matters: The lighthouse provided guidance for ships navigating the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in the vicinity of Varna.

Light & Optic

Focal Height
202m
Geographic Range
33.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1961

Significant events: Inactive since 2005, abandoned due to creeping landslides, collapsed on 14 October 2012

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white

Structure: square skeletal tower carrying radar and communications gear

Location

City
Osenovo
Country
🇧🇬Bulgaria
Region
Varna
Sea Region
bluff about 20 km northeast of Varna
Latitude
43.3204°
Longitude
28.0607°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Balchik(6.5 km)
Admiralty No.
E5009
ARLHS No.
BUL-005
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Balchik Main Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Balchik Main Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Balchik at 6.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Varna (10 NM SW), Ignatievo (13.5 NM WSW), KAVARNA (13.9 NM ENE), Varna-Zapad (19.5 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Balchik Main Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Balchik Main Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Balchik Main Lighthouse?+
Balchik Main Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Balchik Main Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Balchik Main Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.