Pleiße

Pleiße
The Pleiße in Markkleeberg, near Leipzig
Location
CountryGermany
StatesSaxony and Thuringia
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationDrei-Linden-Brunnen (formerly Alboldsbrunnen) in Ebersbrunn near Zwickau
 • coordinates50°38′51″N 12°25′31″E / 50.64750°N 12.42528°E / 50.64750; 12.42528
 • elevation443 m
Mouth 
 • location
White Elster (Elster flood plain) in Leipzig
 • coordinates
51°19′21″N 12°21′27″E / 51.32250°N 12.35750°E / 51.32250; 12.35750
 • elevation
103 m
Length90 km (56 mi)
Basin size1,876 km2 (724 sq mi)
Basin features
ProgressionWhite ElsterSaaleElbeNorth Sea
Landmarks
Tributaries 
 • leftKoberbach, Sprotte
 • rightParadiesbach, Wyhra, Gösel
Inland portsnone
Navigableno

The Pleiße (German pronunciation: [ˈplaɪsə] ) is a river of Saxony and Thuringia, Germany. It flows from south to north into the White Elster in Leipzig. Originally, its natural length was 115 km (71 mi); however, south of Leipzig, it has been straightened, which shortened it to around 90 km (56 mi).

The river is well accessible via the Pleiße cycle path.

The name Pleiße is of old Sorbian origin and means: "the swamp-forming water". It gave its name to the Pleissnerland (Plisni) on its lower reaches, which was important in the Middle Ages.