Peacock Island Berlin - A Piece of Romance in the City

Explore Berlin's Peacock Island from its romantic side. The enchanting character of Peacock Island Berlin acts like a magnet, attracting tourists as well as those seeking tranquility, including residents from Berlin and Brandenburg. But what exactly makes Peacock Island Berlin so attractive and unique?

Peacock Island Berlin is an island in the Havel River. Visitors can only reach this beautiful island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by ferry. The island covers an area of approximately 98 hectares - 1.5 km long and 0.5 km wide. What makes Peacock Island Berlin stand out are the many free-roaming peacocks, which ultimately gave the island its name. However, it was once known as 'Kaninchenwerder' because King Frederick William I operated a rabbit farm on the island. It was only under King Frederick William II that peacocks arrived on the island, and their descendants still delight visitors today.

Frederick William II and his mistress Wilhelmine Encke were also responsible for initiating the architectural and landscaping design of Peacock Island Berlin in the late 18th century (figuratively speaking). They were primarily inspired by contemporary English and French models.

Visitors can still admire the results of this design today. For example, between 1794 and 1797, a castle was created on Peacock Island, intended to serve as a summer residence for the royal family. The Peacock Island Castle contributes significantly to the magical atmosphere on the island, built in a romantic ruin style and featuring two four-part towers. These frame the central structure of the castle and are connected by an iron walkway.

In addition to the beautiful castle of Peacock Island Berlin, the island also features the Russian Slide, where the royal family used to race down a 60-meter wooden ramp in small carts. Today, only the foundation, a cube-shaped wooden hut, remains to be seen. Additionally, Peacock Island has a dairy farm, which the king wanted to create as a form of rural leisure, the Louise Temple, the Swiss House, a frigate harbor, a greenhouse complex, and much more.

However, what primarily awaits you on Peacock Island is a true natural paradise that invites extended walks along its charming paths. Among oak trees that are up to 400 years old, the oldest rose garden in Berlin, numerous plants, and peacocks, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Havel River and a piece of diverse history.

And: At Peacock Island Berlin, you will not only find peacocks but also water buffaloes, which are not only beautiful to look at but also function as 'natural lawn mowers'. Indeed, Peacock Island Berlin is a world of its own that you should not miss, whether during a visit to Berlin or on a Sunday stroll.

For more information about Peacock Island Berlin, visit www.spsg.de.

Peacock Island Berlin is located in Berlin Steglitz-Zehlendorf in the Wannsee district in the southwest of Berlin. It is approximately 22 km from central Berlin to the island, and about 5 km from central Potsdam. To reach the island, you must take a ferry. The cost is 4 euros for adults and 3 euros discounted. Typically, the ferry runs every 15 minutes. You can reach the ferry terminal, for instance, by bus line 218. This bus departs from Berlin-Wannsee S-Bahn station and takes you to the 'Peacock Island' landing stage. If you want to visit the castle or the dairy farm on Peacock Island, you will need to pay admission again.

Peacock Island Berlin is accessible by ferry from Monday to Sunday at the following times:

Please note: The buildings on the island, such as the castle or the dairy farm, have separate opening hours. You can find further interesting information about attractions in and around Berlin here.

If you are now interested in visiting Peacock Island and exploring the German capital at the same time, you can surely find a suitable offer for a Berlin city trip at Travelcircus.