The invention relates to a cryogenic storage device (100), in particular for storing biological samples (1) in the cryopreserved state, comprising a storage container (cryogenic tank 10) for cooling the samples in a reservoir (12) of liquid nitrogen or in a nitrogen vapour above the reservoir, a hood (21), and a flushing device (30) for introduction of a coolant (preferably cold nitrogen gas) into the hood space (22). The storage container is closed by a lid section (13). The coolant conduit (31) of the flushing device opens in the hood space (22). The storage temperature is adjustable in a locally delimited cooling section (24) by the refrigerant stream (2). The flushing device comprises a coolant vessel (32), which is formed by the storage container (10) with the reservoir of liquid nitrogen and/or an additional container. The invention further relates to a method for operating the cryogenic storage device.
