Cold pools over Europe and the surrounding seas during the years 1974 to 1983 are briefly analysed regarding their seasonal and geographical distribution as well as their motion, size and other features. Certain criteria are established to identify cold pools. 486 of these have been observed, with a modal life of two days and mean diameters ranging from 5 to 10 degrees of latitude. Usually they reach the 300-hPa level and about half of them appear to form behind a cold front. Preferred areas for cold pool genesis are generally associated with either high ground or warm seas. These areas shift from the eastern Atlantic in spring to a poorly defined distribution in summer, whereas in autumn and winter preferred areas shift southwards to the Mediterranean Sea. The pools generylly follow complicated and irregular tracks. Path lengths are variable and depend on the place of birth and the time of the year.