Pfaueninsel

Although getting there felt a little challenging, it was a worthwhile opportunity to enjoy green space outside of Berlin. I don't know why, but vistberlin.de offers rather vague public transport directions, and Google maps offers none at all! We took the S7 to Wannsee, then learned we needed to take bus 218 to the ferry. Be warned, the bus arrives once per hour on week days and it doesn't appear on the arrivals sign (we were there on May Day, and it was still the regular weekday schedule - 51 minutes after each hour). The Ferry is €4 per person, and the ride lasts barely 2 minutes But, although websites say the ferry is €4 per person each way, no one seemed to pay the return fare and I imagine a portion of each fare goes toward maintaining the grounds. The island itself is beautiful, and smaller than expected, so easy to get around. There is an assortment of old structures, some of which charge an admission fee to enter. The castle, however, is closed for restoration until 2024. There were fewer wild peacocks running around than I expected, but we enjoyed the ones we saw. There is another area where different birds are housed.... Their habitat seems to offer a variety of green and scratching space, shade and areas to hide, but I'm not a fan of zoos in general, so it was difficult to see any animals encaged. There was also a small stock horse outdoors in a pen... But there was hardly any grass in it! He was in great shape, with very healthy looking eyes, hooves and hair, but he was huuuuungry!! I know you're not supposed to pick plants on the island, but we did collect long grasses from the other side of the fence for this dude to eat. He appreciated it Speaking of plants, the island is covered with them, both cultivated and wild... Lilac and wisteria, Lily of the valley, cherry trees and apple and chestnut, and so much more. So beautiful!

Such a lovely visit! And what a lovely, peaceful place of a world heritage site in the outskirts of Berlin. I suppose it's definitely more people and less peaceful come high summer season, but we were lucky to be visit slightly before that and I think it was around 20 persons on the ferry with us. And we didn't see many more than that on our walk around the island either. Bliss. Love the tiny wooden castle and the other castle-like buildings on the island. And how natural, unkept, undisturbed and quiet it is. Good for walks and quiet contemplation - since you're not allowed to take cars, bicycles, dogs or music devices with you to the island - and yet so near the huzzle and buzzle of Berlin. I had expected to see many more peacocks, but we did see a few free roaming ones. The rose gardens were sadly not in bloom when we visited - I bet that would be magical - but the little garden cafe in the midle of a huge field offered a grand selection of beverages, cakes and light dishes. The apricot cheesecake we shared was absolutely heavenly. One wish though; discreet toilets in more than one place, please.

This attractions is very relaxing and not too crowded. I like antiques and old buildings, so this was all interesting for me. I am not sure if children would be as entertained as I was.

Perfect place to relax for an afternoon. It takes a while to get there from Berlin but if you have the time, I really recommend it. The little castle was not destroyed during the war so you actually walk on 400 year old floors and look at antique wallpaper and furniture. The island has a lot of art exhibitions throughout the year. Bring lunch, see the castle, and have a picnic in the park. Oh, and there really are lots of peacocks on the island.