Peacock Island
Situated in the Havel River west of Wannsee is Peacock Island or Pfaueninsel in German. This peaceful 165 acre island escape is a true hidden gem.
Here you can relax and roam around the island pathways, checking out the numerous landmarks while photographing the different views, and, of course, the wild peacock that roam freely.
There is even a castle on the island (Schloss auf der Pfaueninsel). Built in 1794, it was the summer home for King Frederick William II and was intentionally designed to look like a ruined Roman country house. You can visit the inside of the castle from April through October after the restoration work is complete. Check the official website for updates. The restoration work does not affect access to the rest of the island and its landmarks.
Starting 1821 King Frederick William III, who loved collecting animals, brought about 900 wild animals from around the world to the island. He opened it up for public viewing which became popular to the point of having to restrict the number of people visiting. His heir, King Frederick William IV transferred the animals to Zoo Berlin which opened in 1844. Today the island is protected as a nature preserve.
Several other historic landmarks remain to be discovered as you stroll around the island - most of them were built for King Frederick William II as well. One such landmark is the dairy built to look like a Gothic Revival Church and surrounded by a beautiful English garden. All of the landmarks have informational signs describing them in both English and German.
The island has a grassy picnic area with plenty of surrounding trees to provide shade on a hot day. A beer garden is available to quench your thirst.
A lovely rose garden located near the castle bursts with colour from spring through early summer.
The Pfaueninsel Ferry is not free nor included in your BVG fare or day pass. It is operated independently by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation. At the time of writing fares are €4 for adults, €2 for kids over 6, and free for kids under 6 which includes admission to the island and Palace.
The ferry operates daily from March 1 to October 31. Sailings start at 9 am and end at dusk. Frequency depends on demand with the norm being every 15 minutes.
The proximity to House of the Wannsee Conference and Liebermann-Villa am Wannsee makes Peacock Island and ideal place to visit during a day trip from Berlin to Wannsee.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - €4 for adults, €2 for kids over 6, and free for kids under 6Peacock Island Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Nikolskoer Weg, 14109 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 0331 9694200
Official Website: Peacock Island
Peacock Island Reviews
Rated out of 5
Great place just on the edge of Berlin across from Wannsee to spend a day especially in summer. The island is very walkable and offers a lot to see and explore especially in the middle section where you see the peacocks and the other birds and small animals. There is a nice small coffee shop with a big area to sit and chairs. Top recommendation in Berlin.
Sam - 2 weeks ago
Such a serene, peaceful place. Though we went on a weekend in October, the bright sun on a cold day made it a pleasant experience. There’s a small cafe inside which sells coffee, tea, cakes and pastries. Great place for a picnic day out with friends and family.
Asha Gopal - 2 months ago
The entrance is 6eur, basically you buy a ticket which will then allow you on a small boat that takes you to the island.
There much to see so your 6 eur is well spent. The highliat is really the peacocks themselves. Huge birds, biggest I've seen are reared here.
Paul Toh - 4 months ago
The island itself is nice and quite small – I spent about an hour walking around. Entry and ferry rides cost a total of 6€. The peacocks are really beautiful.
Tickets can be pre-purchased online or onsite (machines, with credit card. No cash).
If I were rating just the island, I’d give it 4 stars. However, I’m deducting 2 stars due to the horrible experience getting there. Considering it’s a sightseeing destination, there should be more buses running, especially during high season. There are no seats at all while waiting for the delayed buses, so you’re left standing in the sun.
I had to wait about 45 minutes from S-Wannsee to reach the island, then another 20mins on the dock (in the sun, no seats and very badly indicated), then another 1 hour and 20 minutes to catch the ferry, and the bus back was also very crowded and uncomfortable.
Overall, not worth the long wait times and overcrowded transport. I thought it could be a nice day trip to take visitors to, but for me it was a one-time visit and I wouldn’t go again.
L S - 5 months ago
I enjoyed spending my Saturday on this beautiful island. To get there, you need to buy a ferry ticket for 6 euros. Once you arrive, you can walk around the island, see unique wildlife, and dine at the only restaurant available. Be sure to take the same ferry back before 6:00 PM.
Zeinab Jam - 8 months ago
Directions
How to get to Peacock Island by S-Bahn + Bus
Nearest S-Bahn + Bus Line(s): S1 or S7 + Bus #218
Nearest S-Bahn + Bus Station(s): S Wannsee Bhf
Take the S-Bahn to Wannsee Station and then Bus #218 to the Pfaueninsel ferry stop. Take the two-minute ferry ride across to the island.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Peacock Island:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Mike Bonitz - cc license via Flickr
