and recent history Kreis Franzburg-Barth was dissolved in 1952, when it was partitioned between Kreis Ribnitz-Damgarten (with Barth) and Kreis Stralsund, both belonging to the newly created district of Rostock (Bezirk Rostock). With the Fall of the Iron Curtain and German reunification, an extensive renovation of the old town centre of Barth was initiated - mainly due to the urban development promotion programme of Germany. The town harbour and surrounding areas were revitalized with residential and commercial buildings. The city is a popular destination for tourists now, especially in connection with the Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Stralsund. In 2005, Barth celebrated 750 years of its town ordinances and privileges. Since the local government reform on September 4, 2011, Barth has belonged to the Vorpommern-Rügen district in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Climate Barth has a moderate climate. Average temperature and precipitation between 1961 and 1990 are shown below. Transport Barth railway station is served by local services to Stralsund. Stralsund Barth Airport (also referred to as Baltic Sea Airport) is serving Barth and the UNESCO World heritage city of Stralsund and the adjacent economy and tourism regions of the Vorpommern-Rügen district. Vineta According to a theory by Goldmann and Wermusch, Barth is the site of the sunken town of Vineta. Barth is attracting tourists with the Vineta legend. Nowadays, there is a Vineta museum and a Vineta festival in the town. Famous persons Anna of Pomerania, (1590-1960), daughter of Bogislaw XIII, Duke of Pomerania, who married into the Imperial House of Croÿ, was born in Barth Francis, Duke of Pomerania (1577-1620), Duke of Pomerania Bogislaw XIV, (1580-1637), last duke of Pomerania George II, Duke of Pomerania Ulrich, Duke of Pomerania (1589-1622), Protestant Bishop of Pomerania and non-reigning Duke of Pomerania Georg Ludwig Spalding (1762-1811), philologist Ferdinand Jühlke (1815-1893), horticulturist Werner Fuetterer (1907-1991), film actor Helmut Losch (1947-2005), world class weightlifter Sylvia Rose, née Smith (born 1962), rower and Olympic champion See also History of Pomerania References External links Vorpommern-Rügen Populated places established in the 13th century 1250s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire 1255 establishments in Europe Populated coastal places in Germany (Baltic Sea)