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.