The source of the Spree is a small pond in the Lusatian Highlands near the Czech border. The Spree runs on the border for a short distance at two points (near Ebersbach and Oppach) before leaving the hills and passing through Bautzen/Budyšin in Upper Lusatia. Just to the north of Bautzen the river flows through the Bautzen Reservoir. Further north the river passes through the city of Spremberg before reaching the city of Cottbus. To the north of Cottbus the river enters the Spreewald, a large wetlands area in Lower Lusatia.