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Cruise along River Spree | Things to do, history, & nearby attractions

​Berlin, with its burst of street art, graffiti, and hallowed structures perfectly blends the aspects of its rich history with modernity. Most of the buildings and tourist attractions in this city reflect its history. Among all the main attractions in the city is the River Spree, the heart of the city. The banks of this culturally relevant river are home to some of the city's significant structures and historical sites.

Here’s all you need to know about this important river.

Why visit the River Spree in Berlin?

River Spree Boat Tour - Treptower Park
  • Berlin’s soul: The Spree River banks are home to many significant structures and historical sites like the Palast der Republik, Schloss Charlottenburg, and the 13th century Nikolaiviertel. 
  • A lot of bridges: River Spree is an integral channel that connects the places in the city. There are around 50 bridges that span the Spree, and you may see 14 of them on a boat ride.
  • A mind-blowing place to relax: There are several parks along Spree, such as Schloss Charlottenburg, Treptower Park, etc., which makes for a great place to spend relaxing time or take a stroll. 
  • Boat rides: A boat ride through the river is the best way to take in the beautiful skyscrapers and the riverside views of various landmarks.
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Where is the River Spree located?

The Spree, which spans around 400 km, flows across northeastern Germany. It begins in the Lusatian Mountains and then, after passing through Bautzen and Spremberg, momentarily divides into two sections. After passing through Lake Schwielochsee, it enters Berlin as Müggelspree.

​Find on map

  • Starting point: Lusatian Mountains
  • Ending point: River Havel
  • Major attractions along the river: Museum Island, Tiergarten Park, Chancellery, etc. 

Things to do on the Spree River

Spree River Cruises

River Spree cruise boats are well-equipped with all the amenities that ensure your comfort during the sail, as you see several attractions such as Mercedes-Benz Arena, East Side Gallery, Nikolaiviertel, Media Spree Area, Berlin Cathedral, and more.

The Spree River cruises come with several options such as sightseeing tours, where you can catch a glimpse of the iconic sights of the city, dinner/lunch cruises where you can relish the flavours of various cuisine while taking in the attractions of the city, and more.

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Walk Across Bridges

Around 50 bridges pass through the river, each connecting different river banks. The Oberbaum Bridge, regarded as Berlin's most beautiful bridge, links the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain neighbourhoods.

The Moltke Bridge, which crosses the Spree, links Alt-Moabit, which is on the north bank near the major train station, to Willy-Brandt-Strasse and the Chancellery, which is on the south bank. The Oberschöneweide and Niederschöneweide neighbourhoods are connected by the Treskow Bridge, a beautiful bridge that spans the Spree.

A brief history of River Spree 

The name “Spree” first appeared in 965 as “Sprewa” in a document by Otto I. Derived from Germanic verbs meaning “spread” or “spray,” it was later rendered in Slavic as “Sprva” before reverting to German as Spree.

Due to the Spree's ability to maintain life through trade, food, and protection, both the settlements of Berlin and Cölln were established along its banks centuries ago. A community of fishermen lived in Cölin on the Spree River's left bank, inhabited around St. Peter church. Berlin, on the other bank, was a trading town centred on the St. Nicholas church.

The Spree's use was practically nonexistent in the 20th century. Berlin's connection to its river was neglected for decades, since its function as a boundary overshadowed all other potential uses. However, over the years, it has become an identity of the city, fulfilling almost all the roles.

Plan your visit to River Spree

River Spree Boat Tour - Spree banks cruise

Visitors are welcome to enjoy or walk along the Spree banks at any time. However, most of the cruises through the river start at around 11 AM. The total duration of these cruises vary according to the option you choose.

River Spree Boat Tour - Eat

There are several eateries offering delicious food items on the Spree riverside, where you can sit and enjoy the flavours of various cuisines while enjoying the riverside beauty. Here are some riverside restaurants you can opt for.

  • RIVO Spreeterrassen
  • Brasserie Ganymed
  • Klubrestaurant Spindler & Klatt
  • Carl & Sophie
  • Katerschmaus
  • Bistro Heidi's Café

There are several restaurants that offer meals or buffet lunch and dinner at the Spree riverside.

River Spree Boat Tour - Stay

Here are some of the best hotels near the banks of the river Spree that offer a breath-taking view of the river.

Budget hotels: Arte Luise Kunsthotel, InterCity Hotel, Hotel AMANO Grand Central.

Mid-range Hotels: Steigenberger Hotel am Kanzleramt, Ibis Berlin Hauptbahnhof, nhow Berlin.

Luxury Hotels: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, SO/ Berlin Das Stue, Hotel Indigo Berlin

River Spree Boat Tour - Visitor Tips
  • The peak season for the Spree river activities starts in April.
  • While at Berlin, ensure to go on a cruise tour to witness the riverside view of iconic attractions.
  • Every day, boats leave the boarding point at regular intervals. When booking, make sure to specify the time you want.
  • Purchase your cruise tickets well in advance, and keep following up. Short notice cruise cancellations can be expected for various reasons.

Interesting facts about River Spree

River Spree Boat Tour - Jannowitzbruecke
  • Berlin’s lifeline for centuries: The Spree has been central to Berlin’s trade since medieval times, connecting the city to the Elbe and North Sea via canals.
  • A river of borders: During the Cold War, parts of the Spree literally formed the border between East and West Berlin, making it one of the most politically significant rivers in Europe.
  • Museum Island’s setting: Berlin’s UNESCO-listed Museum Island sits in the middle of the Spree, with the river splitting and rejoining around it.
  • Unusual river flow: Unlike many rivers, the Spree flows slowly enough that in summer you can often spot rowers and even open-air swimming events in certain sections.
  • Art on the water: Berlin’s famous “Molecule Man” sculpture stands directly in the Spree, symbolising the unity of the city after decades of division.

Frequently asked questions about River Spree

The original Berlin city centre was constructed along the Spree. It is an integral part of Berlin, where a lot of the city’s iconic attractions are located.