After passing through Cottbus, it forms the Spree Forest (German: Spreewald), a large inland delta and biosphere reserve.

For a very short distance close to its sources, the Spree constitutes, as Spréva, the border between Germany and the Czech Republic.

[2] For a stretch of about 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of and flowing through Fürstenwalde, the river forms part of the Oder-Spree Canal.

In Berlin, the Spree forms part of a dense network of navigable waterways, many of which are artificial, and which provide a wide choice of routes.

Several important commercial harbors can be found on this network, and tugs and barges move sand, grain, bricks, and beer.

[2][4] Many people died in the Spree during the Cold War while trying to cross the Berlin Wall, including children who drowned when rescuers were not allowed to enter the river to save them.