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Spree
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River
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Highlights of 2026
7
Brews Cruise Vol. 5 – The Big Collab Cruise
Exclusive collaboration brews from leading breweries in a unique atmosphere on the Spree.
Brews Cruise Vol. 6 – One Last Ride: All Stars
The grand finale of the Brews Cruise series featuring the best beers and an all-night party.
Brews Cruise Vol. 4 – Tradition meets Rebellion
German brewing art between the classic purity law and modern craft experiments.
Brews Cruise Vol.2: One Continent. Many Cheers.
A European beer journey featuring Störtebeker, BRLO, and friends on Berlin's waterways.
Brews Cruise Vol. 3 – Across the Atlantic
Discover American craft beer specialties during a relaxing boat cruise through Berlin.
The Spree, extending approximately 400 kilometers, is the primary tributary of the Havel and the central flowing waterway of Germany's capital, Berlin. It rises in Upper Lusatia in the state of Saxony from three distinct sources and flows northwest through the Spreewald and numerous lakes. Its drainage basin spans about 10,000 square kilometers and is ecologically defined by the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, a unique inland delta featuring a labyrinth of over 300 kilometers of waterways. Historically, the Spree was the heart of the twin city Berlin-Cölln and served for centuries as a vital transport link for building materials and food supplies from the surrounding countryside. In Berlin, the river flows through the historical center, passing Museum Island and the government district before joining the Havel in Spandau. Today, the Spree is not only a key federal waterway but also a defining feature of the Berlin cityscape and a hub for urban life, culture, and tourism. In recent years, extensive cleanup measures have significantly improved the river's water quality, restoring the Spree as a valuable habitat for local flora and fauna.
- Location: Germany
- Top sights: Menschen Museum · IKONO · Fernsehturm Berlin
- Nearby: Neukölln (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 38 | 41 | 29 | 53 | 57 | 81 | 58 | 48 | 48 | 50 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Spree can be accessed at many points across Berlin and Brandenburg, often directly via public transport. Inner-city riverside promenades are typically seamlessly integrated into the transit network.
Best season
Typically, the months from May to September offer the most pleasant conditions for activities along the water. During this time, most boat tours and riverside cafes are usually in full operation.
Terrain & paths
The terrain along the river is flat in urban areas and provided with well-developed walkways. Outside city limits, the paths often transition into unpaved but easily walkable natural trails.
What to bring
In the urban area, normal casual attire combined with solid shoes is usually sufficient for longer tours. Those planning excursions into the Berlin surroundings benefit from light outdoor clothing.
Parking
Within the city districts, parking is often subject to fees and spaces are generally quite limited. In the more rural sections of Brandenburg, it is usually easier to find free parking zones.
Safety
Boat and ship traffic can be very dense in certain sections, so caution is advised during water sports. Swimming is generally strictly prohibited in the heavily trafficked and industrial zones.
Time needed
A short walk on the bank usually takes just an hour, while extensive boat tours can easily fill half a day. For exploring multiple shoreline sections, a full day trip is highly recommended.
Geography
Facts
- Length: Approximately 400 kilometers from Upper Lusatia to Berlin-Spandau.
- Basin Area: 10,105 square kilometers are drained by the Spree system.
- Sources: There are three recognized sources in Ebersbach, Neugersdorf, and Kottmar.
- Spreewald: A 475 km² inland delta with more than 300 km of waterways.
- Mouth: The Spree joins the Havel in Spandau at an elevation of 29 meters.
- Museum Island: Berlin's historical core is located on an island in the Spree.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Spree (10)
Culterim Spaces
Culterim Spaces is a gallery in Berlin for contemporary art.
Saint Mary's Church
Saint Mary's Church is a church in Berlin, near Alexanderplatz.
Red City Hall
Red City Hall is the city hall of Berlin, a historic building on Alexanderplatz.
Klosterruine Berlin
Klosterruine Berlin is a gallery located in the ruins of a Franciscan monastery.
Ruine der Franziskaner-Klosterkirche
Ruine der Franziskaner-Klosterkirche is a church ruin in Berlin.
neue Gesellschaft für bildende Kunst (nGbK)
nGbK in Berlin is a centre for contemporary art and discourse.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which major city is the Spree known for?
The Spree is the main river of Berlin and shapes the cityscape in the center.
Can you take boat tours on the Spree?
Yes, numerous boat tours through the government district are offered in Berlin.
Where is the Spreewald located?
The Spreewald is located south of Berlin in Brandenburg and is a biosphere reserve.
Into which river does the Spree flow?
The Spree flows into the Havel in Berlin-Spandau.
Are there canoes in the Spreewald?
Yes, paddling with a canoe or kayak is the most popular activity in the Spreewald.
Spree: where is it located?
Spree is located in Germany.
Spree: what is there to see?
Highlights include Menschen Museum, IKONO, Fernsehturm Berlin.
Spree: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Spree: why is it worth visiting?
The Spree, extending approximately 400 kilometers, is the primary tributary of the Havel and the central flowing waterway of Germany's capital, Berlin.
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