"This fascinating island, also known as “Peacock Island,” hidden away in the southwest of Berlin and reachable by a short ferry trip, was traditionally used as a playground for Prussian kings. Its current incarnation was designed by royal architects and planners like Peter Joseph Lenné and Karl Friedrich Schinkel, and its name comes from the peacocks, which were introduced at this time and which still roam free today. The distinctive fairy-tale castle, the island’s architectural highlight, was built by the Prussian king Frederick William II in 1793 for him and his mistress Wilhelmine Enke. Stroll the island’s walkways to find other interesting buildings, as well as some local wildlife and art installations." - MATADOR_NETWORK