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.

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.