The Streu arises in Thuringian part of the Rhön Mountains, below the Ellenbogen mountain, northwest of Melpers. It flows southeast for about through Ostheim to Mellrichstadt, then flows southwest for another to join the Franconian Saale at Heustreu near Bad Neustadt. From Fladungen to Mellrichstadt the Streu proceed through a valley, wide, between low hills. This region is known locally as the Streutal.