Barth is a small, rural town in the district of Vorpommern-Rügen, situated at the southern shore of the Barther Bodden (Barth Salt marsh).

The Old Town Quarter of Barth was renovated in 1991. Quite a few restaurants and shops were integrated in the traditional old buildings. Visitors should not miss the Fräuleinstift, a former religious foundation for unmarried damsels of aristocratic families. Here used to live old spinsters stemming from Pommerian manors.

Church St. Marien was built in 1300 in the early Gothic style, using the typical bricks predominant in the region. During summer organ concerts are given in St. Marien.  The Dammtor, a big door belonging to the medieval walls, measuring 35 metres in height and built in the 14th century, is one of the few remaining parts of the walls of the town and quite impressing.

Around the Marktplatz (market square) flock the many historic homes of citizens, all renovated.  The market square itself is adorned with a fountain, the Marktbrunnen.

In the Harbour of Barth, the biggest in the Bodden salt marsh, tourists and inhabitants of the town as well like to take a stroll and look at the yachts and sporting ships at the moorings. This also is the starting point for trips with ships and also with small canoes and kayaks. Yachting services with gas station and motor repair facilities are provided as well.

To cross the “Darß” car drivers use a two-track makeshift bridge, which is also used by pedestrians and cyclists.

More information: http://www.stadt-barth.de/englisch/home.htm

Photo: St. Mary, guentermanaus/Shutterstock