Peacock Island Guide: A Hidden Corner in Berlin

Berlin has no shortage of big landmarks — the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall. But on the Havel River, there’s a place many visitors never see. Pfaueninsel, or Peacock Island, feels more like a fairytale garden than a capital city. Peacocks wander across wide meadows, a small white palace glimmers above the water, and quiet paths lead through woodlands and rose gardens. The island was once a royal retreat, but today it’s open to everyone, all year round. Reached by a short ferry ride, it remains one of Berlin’s most overlooked escapes — a world of calm and beauty just a few steps away from the city’s busy streets.

History of the Island

Pfaueninsel’s story begins in 1793, when King Frederick William II of Prussia bought the island as a private retreat. A year later, he had a small palace built on the riverbank. With its white towers and romantic design, it looked like something from a painting rather than a royal residence. He often came here with his companion, Wilhelmine Enke, far from the formal court life in central Berlin.

In the decades that followed, the island took on new roles. Under King Frederick William III, it became home to a menagerie of exotic animals — elephants, kangaroos, even lions. This made it one of the first places in Berlin where people could see creatures from distant parts of the world. The island’s name, “Peacock Island,” came from the many peacocks introduced at that time, and their descendants still wander freely today.

During the 19th century, the famous landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné redesigned the island, shaping its meadows, woodlands, and rose gardens into the elegant scenery that visitors still enjoy. His work gave Pfaueninsel its timeless charm — part wild, part carefully arranged.

Because of its mix of history, nature, and design, Pfaueninsel was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1990. Yet despite this honor, many travelers to Berlin still overlook it, leaving the island as peaceful and enchanting as it was centuries ago.

What Not to Miss

The White Palace
A whimsical two-tower palace built in 1794, designed to look like a romantic ruin. Though small, it is beautifully placed by the river and makes a perfect backdrop for a quiet walk.

Roaming Peacocks
The peacocks are the island’s most famous residents. Their calls echo across the meadows, and in spring and summer their feathers are at their most dazzling.

Historic Gardens and Woodlands
Paths designed by Peter Joseph Lenné guide you through rose gardens, shaded woodlands, and open fields. Some of the trees here have stood for over two centuries.

Practical Tips

How to get there: Take the S-Bahn to Wannsee, then bus 218 to the Pfaueninsel ferry. The bus itself is a classic Berlin ride, winding through green neighborhoods.
Ferry: The island is only reachable by a small ferry, which runs regularly throughout the day. Tickets are inexpensive and sold at the pier.
Opening hours: The island is open year-round, but the ferry and café may have shorter hours in autumn and winter. Always check before you go.
Best season: Spring and summer are ideal for seeing the gardens in bloom and the peacocks at their most colorful. Autumn offers golden walks, and even in winter the island feels atmospheric and calm.

Where to Eat

Pfaueninsel Café
A small garden café sits quietly on the island itself. It usually opens during the warm season and sometimes only on good-weather days. The menu is simple — coffee, cake, light snacks — but if you’re lucky enough to find it open, it’s a lovely spot to pause under the trees and enjoy the view across the island.

Loretta am Wannsee
A true Berlin beer garden by Lake Wannsee, about 20 minutes by car or bus from the Pfaueninsel ferry. Locals come here on sunny days to sit under chestnut trees with hearty German food and a cold beer. In autumn and winter, the outdoor seating is usually closed, but Loretta sometimes hosts seasonal events such as Winterzauber with lights and mulled wine.

Café Liebermann Villa
Set in the summer home of painter Max Liebermann, this café is about 25 minutes by car or bus from the ferry. In summer, visitors sit in the lakeside garden where Liebermann once painted. In colder months, you can still enjoy hot drinks and light meals inside with views over the lake, making it a cozy year-round stop.

Fischerhütte am Schlachtensee
A little further away, about 20–25 minutes by car, this historic beer garden and restaurant sits on another lake. Popular with locals for weekend walks and family gatherings, it offers hearty dishes and feels authentic in every season.