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The Spree is Berlin’s best-known river. It rises in Upper Lusatia and is 398 km long. The Spree winds its way through Berlin for 46 km. In the southeast of the city, it flows through Müggelsee, the largest of Berlin’s lakes. From Fürstenwalde to Köpenick, it is known as the Müggelspree. Near Köpenik, the Müggelspree joins the tributary Dahme. In the Spandau district, the Spree flows into the Havel. Especially in summer, many people come to relax by the river. You can take a sightseeing boat trip through the city or unwind at one of the many cafés and restaurants along its banks. In some places, you can even swim in the river. The Spree flows very slowly because it has only a slight gradient and a great deal of water is taken from it. In hot summers, the Spree has even been observed flowing backwards. Much of the river water then comes from the wastewater of the city of Berlin. It is treated, purified and returned to the Spree.