Attractions and places to see around Barby are situated in the historic Elbe-Saale-Winkel region of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The town, first mentioned in 961 AD, is located at the confluence of the Elbe and Saale rivers, offering a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. Barby's historic center features preserved buildings and churches, while its position within the UNESCO Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve provides a rich natural environment.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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This path along the Aisne runs a beautiful single track in the shade of the vegetation. An ideal bucolic route when the sun is at its peak!
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The Sud-Ardennes greenway follows the Canal des Ardennes for more than 110 kilometers. This old towpath was developed to take advantage of the bucolic waterside setting. An ideal place for those looking for something sweet!
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With a rich historical heritage, the town of Rethel is crossed by the famous Canal des Ardennes. This ancient city experienced significant economic expansion before being 80% destroyed by the Great Wars.
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At the crossroads, the Thugny-Trugny lock is one of the many locks that line the Ardennes canal. You might be lucky enough to see a boat passing by...
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The Church of St. Thibault is the former church of a priory, which was built in 1143 under Archbishop Samson von Mauvoisin. The most notable element of this church is the western tower, the ground floor of which serves as a veranda and opens onto a nave of four spans. It was built in the 16th century and the corners of this tower are fortified by mighty buttresses. This veranda tower opens with a portal that is crowned by a railing and a rose window. Source: according to Wikipedia
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Barby's historic town center features a restored Town Hall, the Gothic 14th-century Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church), and the St. Johanniskirche (St. John's Church), a former Franciscan Monastery Church from the 1260s. You can also see the historic town wall and the 'Prinzeßchen,' a former 13th-century fortification tower now serving as a viewing tower and gallery.
Yes, the settlement of Rethel has a rich historical heritage, having experienced significant economic expansion before past conflicts. Another notable site is the Saint-Thibault Church in Château-Porcien, a former priory church built in 1143.
Barby is uniquely situated at the confluence of the Elbe and Saale rivers, within the picturesque Elbe-Saale-Winkel. The area is part of the UNESCO Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich wildlife and scenic river landscapes. The Seepark Barby also offers a hub for water tourism.
The region is excellent for cycling and water tourism. You can explore routes like the Elbe Cycle Path or the Saale Cycle Route. For specific outdoor activities, there are numerous options for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking, with trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Yes, the Trail along the Aisne is categorized as family-friendly, offering a beautiful single track in the shade of vegetation. The Seepark Barby is also popular in summer for swimming and beach volleyball, providing a fun environment for families.
You can experience the Barby Reaction Ferry, a yaw ferry that uses the Elbe's current to cross the river, connecting Barby with Zerbst-Walternienburg. The nearby Aken Ferry also offers a relaxed way to travel across the Elbe.
The Voie verte du canal des Ardennes is an old towpath that has been developed for cycling and walking. It follows the Canal des Ardennes for over 110 kilometers, offering a tranquil, bucolic waterside setting ideal for leisurely rides or strolls.
Yes, at Thugny-Trugny, you can visit the Lock crossing, which is one of the many locks lining the Ardennes canal. You might be lucky enough to observe boats navigating through it.
Barby is enjoyable throughout the year. Summer is ideal for water tourism at Seepark Barby, while the Elbe Cycle Path and Saale Cycle Route are pleasant for cycling in warmer months. The town's historic sites can be explored year-round. In winter, the Seepark Barby hosts a unique 'Polar Bear Swim' event in January.
Beyond the historic churches and castle, you can visit the Lichtmess-Museum Glinde, located in the Barby district of Glinde, which focuses on the return of light. Additionally, the idyllic half-timbered row houses directly on the banks of the Elbe offer a glimpse into historical architecture.
There are various hiking trails available, including easy to moderate routes. For example, you can find a 'Nature trail – Rethel' or a 'Rethel loop from Rethel'. Many trails offer scenic views along the rivers and through natural landscapes. You can find more details on hiking around Barby.


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