# Spree

> river in Germany

**Wikidata**: [Q1684](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1684)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spree_(river))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spree

## Summary
The Spree is a river located in Germany, flowing through the federal states of Brandenburg and Saxony before passing through the capital city of Berlin. It is a significant natural watercourse that defines the geography of the Spreeinsel island in Berlin and connects various districts including Görlitz and Bautzen. The river's course is marked by specific coordinates ranging from its source in the east to its confluence in the capital.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: River (classified as a larger natural watercourse).
- **Location**: Germany (specifically flowing through Brandenburg, Saxony, and Berlin).
- **Coordinates (Source Area)**: Latitude 51.00961111111111, Longitude 14.649305555555555.
- **Coordinates (Berlin Area)**: Latitude 52.5361, Longitude 13.2089.
- **Connected Island**: Spreeinsel (an island in Germany with 15 sitelinks).
- **Connected Districts**: Görlitz District (inception: August 1, 2008), Bautzen District (inception: 2008).
- **Connected States**: Brandenburg (inception: October 3, 1990), Berlin (inception: 1244).
- **Connected Towns**: Šluknov (located in the Czech Republic, country code ).
- **Connected Infrastructure**: Friedrichs Bridge (inception: September 30, 1982, located in Berlin).
- **Wikidata Presence**: 75 sitelinks across language editions.
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Spree (river)".
- **Wikidata Description**: "river in Germany".

## FAQs
**What is the Spree and where is it located?**
The Spree is a river situated in Germany, traversing the states of Brandenburg and Saxony and flowing through the city of Berlin. Its course is geographically defined by coordinates starting near 51.0096° N, 14.6493° E and extending to 52.5361° N, 13.2089° E in the Berlin region.

**Which administrative regions and districts does the river flow through?**
The river passes through the federal state of Brandenburg, which was established on October 3, 1990, and the state of Berlin, which has historical roots dating back to 1244. It also flows through the Görlitz District (formed August 1, 2008) and the Bautzen District (formed in 2008) within Saxony.

**What notable structures and islands are associated with the Spree?**
The river is home to the Spreeinsel, an island in Germany with significant historical and cultural links. Additionally, the Friedrichs Bridge, a structure in Berlin established on September 30, 1982, spans the river as part of the local infrastructure.

**Does the Spree extend into neighboring countries?**
While the river is primarily located in Germany, its watershed and related geography connect to the Czech Republic, specifically near the town of Šluknov. The river system serves as a geographical link between German territories and the border regions of the Czech Republic.

## Why It Matters
The Spree is a critical geographical feature that shapes the urban and natural landscape of eastern Germany. It serves as the central waterway for Berlin, creating the Spreeinsel which has historically been a focal point for the city's development. The river connects diverse administrative regions, including the historic state of Brandenburg and the industrial districts of Saxony, facilitating transport and ecological continuity. Its presence supports local infrastructure like the Friedrichs Bridge and defines the boundaries of districts such as Görlitz and Bautzen. The river's flow also highlights the cross-border relationship between Germany and the Czech Republic, linking the town of Šluknov to the German river system.

## Notable For
- **Geographical Span**: Connecting the source coordinates in the east to the Berlin metropolitan area.
- **Urban Integration**: Flowing directly through the capital city of Berlin and forming the Spreeinsel.
- **Historical Continuity**: Passing through regions with deep historical roots, such as Berlin (founded 1244) and Brandenburg (re-established 1990).
- **Administrative Connectivity**: Linking the Görlitz and Bautzen districts, both established in 2008.
- **Infrastructure Hub**: Supporting key structures like the Friedrichs Bridge, built in 1982.
- **International Proximity**: Situated near the Czech town of Šluknov, marking a cross-border geographical relationship.
- **Digital Recognition**: Maintaining a presence with 75 Wikipedia sitelinks and a specific Wikidata entry.

## Body

### Geography and Course
The Spree is a river in Germany characterized by a specific longitudinal and latitudinal path. The source area is located at coordinates 51.00961111111111° N and 14.649305555555555° E. As the river flows westward, it reaches the Berlin area, marked by coordinates 52.5361° N and 13.2089° E. This watercourse is classified as a "river" and is described in Wikidata as a "river in Germany." It is a larger natural watercourse, a category containing 275 related sitelinks. The river's path defines the location of the Spreeinsel, an island in Germany with 15 associated sitelinks.

### Administrative Regions and States
The river traverses several significant political entities within Germany. It flows through the state of Brandenburg, which was established on October 3, 1990, and is located in the North-East of Germany. The river also passes through the city-state of Berlin, which serves as the capital and largest city of Germany. Berlin has a complex inception history, with dates ranging from 1244 to its modern status as a federated state. The river system is also integral to the districts of Saxony, specifically the Görlitz District, which was formed on August 1, 2008, and the Bautzen District, which was established in 2008. These districts are part of the state of Saxony, where the river's upper reaches are located.

### Infrastructure and Structures
Human infrastructure along the Spree includes the Friedrichs Bridge, a bridge located in Berlin. This structure was inaugurated on September 30, 1982, and is a key crossing point over the river. The bridge is classified as a "Thing" with 7 sitelinks and is situated in the country of Germany. The presence of such infrastructure highlights the river's role in urban connectivity and transportation within the capital.

### Cross-Border Connections
The Spree's geographical influence extends to the border with the Czech Republic. The town of Šluknov, located in the Czech Republic (country code ), is a connected entity in the river's context. This connection underscores the river's role in the broader Central European landscape, linking German territories with neighboring nations. The Czech Republic itself is a sovereign state established on January 1, 1993, and shares borders with Germany, further contextualizing the river's location.

### Digital and Knowledge Representation
The Spree is well-documented in digital knowledge bases. It has a Wikipedia title of "Spree (river)" and a Wikidata description of "river in Germany." The entity has a sitelink count of 75, indicating its presence across multiple language editions of Wikipedia. This digital footprint ensures that information about the river, its coordinates, and its associated entities is accessible globally. The river is also linked to the broader category of "river" which has 275 sitelinks, reflecting its status as a significant natural feature.

### Historical Context of Connected Entities
The entities connected to the Spree carry significant historical weight. Berlin, a federated state and the capital of Germany, has an inception date of 1244. Brandenburg, the state through which the river flows, was re-established on October 3, 1990. The Görlitz and Bautzen districts were both formed in 2008, reflecting modern administrative reorganizations in Saxony. The Friedrichs Bridge, built in 1982, represents mid-20th-century infrastructure development in Berlin. These dates and events provide a timeline of human activity along the river's course.

### Related Entities and Classifications
The Spree is associated with various "Thing" classifications in knowledge graphs. These include the Spreeinsel (island), Friedrichs Bridge (bridge), and the various districts and states it traverses. Each of these entities has its own sitelink count and country designation, primarily  (Germany) or  (Czech Republic). The river acts as a central node connecting these diverse geographical and political entities, from the town of Šluknov in the Czech Republic to the districts of Görlitz and Bautzen in Germany.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q135158)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. GeoNames
6. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
7. KBpedia
8. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/f8f3479f-0210-40bb-839f-5ca09f5a6d33)
9. museum-digital