Missed Flight in Bulgaria: Lars Mittank | Episode 06
🛫 Destination: Varna, Bulgaria
Lars Mittank, a 28-year-old German tourist, set off with friends for a sun-soaked getaway to the beaches Bulgaria. But after a mysterious altercation left him with an ear injury, doctors advised him to delay his return home. Alone and awaiting recovery in Bulgaria, Lars’s behavior grew increasingly erratic—haunted phone calls to his mother spoke of someone stalking him.
🔍 Then, on the day of his rescheduled flight, airport cameras captured his chilling final moments: abandoning his luggage, he sprinted into the surrounding wilderness and vanished without a trace. Why did Lars run and where is he now?
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What the hell happened to
Lars Mittank in Varna, Bulgaria
Lars Mittank disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Varna, Bulgaria, in July 2014. During a vacation with friends, he suffered a ruptured eardrum and was advised against flying home. After his friends returned to Germany, Lars stayed behind, exhibiting increasingly paranoid behavior. He told his mother he was being followed and claimed people wanted to harm him.
On July 8, 2014, Lars visited Varna Airport to attempt his return. However, he abruptly fled the airport after reportedly acting erratically. Surveillance footage captured him running out of the terminal, climbing a fence, and disappearing into a nearby forest. Despite extensive searches and global interest in his case, Lars has never been found, and his disappearance remains unsolved. His sudden behavior change and disappearance have sparked various theories, ranging from drug-related psychosis to foul play.
Listen to the full episode and let us know what you think happened!
Everything we mention on
Episode 06 of True Crime Travelers
After suffering a minor ear injury during a fight, Lars went to a local doctor, and he was advised not to fly home immediately, so he stayed behind while his friends flew back to Germany. Alone, he checked into a hotel near Varna Airport, where his behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic. Security footage later captured Lars running out of the airport in apparent panic, leaving all his belongings behind.
Cefprozil, the medication that Lars took for his ear, that may or may have not influenced his behavior.
WHERE IT HAPPENED…VARNA, BULGARIA
The Golden Sands Resort, where Lars stayed with his friends.
SOURCE: GOLDENSANDS.BG
Lars then stayed at the Color Hotel.
SOURCE: BOOKING.COMHey witches, do you have a tip or a piece of information
related to the case that we should know?
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A mini-bucket list to explore Varna, Bulgaria
While this story is shocking, Varna is a generally safe destination.
Varna is a cool coastal city in northeastern Bulgaria, right on the Black Sea. It’s a popular destination in Europe for summer getaways, mostly for its soft beaches and vibrant nightlife, which attracts a lot of young visitors, like Lars and his friends. It’s a pretty laid-back city with lots of historic sites, cool cafes, beautiful seaside views, making it a perfect mix of chill and culture.
While it’s not on the map for many people on our side of the world, if you’re looking for a very off-the-beaten-path European destination, take note. These are some of the things you can do, see and enjoy in Varna:
Hit the beach for some sun and fun! Varna Beach is great, but if you want something a bit quieter, check out Golden Sands or Albena.
Take a stroll down the Sea Garden (Morska Gradina), a relaxing park by the sea.
If you’re into history, then don’t skip the Varna Archaeological Museum, they have the world’s oldest gold treasure and tons of cool artifacts.
Wander through the ruins of the ancient Roman Baths for a little dose of history.
Visit the Varna Orthodox Cathedral. The frescoes inside are absolutely breathtaking.
Visit the Varna Aquarium, where you can learn about all sorts of marine life from the Black Sea and beyond.
⚠️ However, I will tell you this: There’s a dolphinarium that’s pretty popular in Varna. Skip that one. While they might appear cheery, dolphins in captivity suffer tremendously. Don’t support animal tourism!
Travel insurance, avoiding scams, the safest destinations, even a curated safety travel shop…
I have so much more travel safety waiting for you on my website.
Stick with me and you will learn both what NOT to do and the shortcuts to traveling safely and comfortably. I'll never bullshit you. I will only guide you in the right direction.
love, Alexa
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What do you think happened?
Do you have any other theories?
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See you on the next episode of True Crime Travelers…
xo, Alexa & Emilia
