Spree River

The Spree River runs for 250 miles, starting in the Lusatian Mountains in northern Bohemia, Czech Republic, just before Neugersdorf, Germany. It flows into Germany's Elbe River before emptying into the North Sea.

The Spree River flows across Germany, and a portion of it creates the Spree Forest, or Spreewald, a marshland forested biosphere reserve. Wetlands with alder forests, sandy dry areas with pine forests, grasslands, and fields make up Spreewald. There are over 18,000 species of flora and wildlife found here.

The Spree River also serves as the site of the Badeschiff ("bathing ship"), a floating public swimming pool in Berlin. The Badeschiff first opened its doors in 2004, providing a safe swimming environment near the river. Spreeinsel, or Spree Island, is also home to the River Spree. On the island, there are five important Berlin museums and one exhibition complex. "Museum Island" is a popular nickname for this area. Museum Island is one of Berlin's most popular tourist destinations.

Length: 403 km