As the most westerly district of Berlin, Spandau – framed by the Havel river, the Groß Glienicker See, the Sakrower See and the Stößensee lakes – is one of the most beautiful and greenest areas of the capital. The charming Spandau old town exudes historical flair with its medieval churches and buildings and offers a wide range of shopping facilities as well as pretty cafés and restaurants. Every year, the historical centre is a magnificent backdrop to the famous Spandau Christmas market. Around the old town, the residential areas extend to Gatow and Kladow. The north of Spandau is characterised by magnificent villas and the well-known Johannesstift. To the west, Staaken is considered a family-friendly residential area with very good facilities and utilities. The high standard of living in Spandau comes from the quiet location in the countryside with very good connections to the inner city at the same time. The Kladow marina and the Scharfe Lanke with its sailing school are particularly attractive to water sports enthusiasts. The riding stables and the Gatow golf club provide other leisure options. Schönwalde, Falkensee, Dallgow, Wustermark, Seeburg and Groß Glienicke, the bordering communities of the Havel Valley, provide spacious and relaxed living directly in front of the gates of Berlin.