Pfaueninsel is a very special place at the southwestern end of Berlin.
To get there you need to take the 218-bus route, which is a historic double-decker taking you through the Grunewald via S Wannsee and dropping you off right in front of the ferry landing. Just be aware that the bus only leaves every 2 hours. It's also possible to walk there. I'd recommend starting at S Wannsee and follow the trail along the lake and the Havel river.
At one of the machines you can buy a round trip ticket for 6€ (5€ reduced price) for the ferry, which will take you to the island. I believe they only accept card.
On the island you'll quite immediately be greeted by a surprising amount of peacocks. They are comfortable around people, so you can peacefully walk among them. We were lucky to witness the males trying to impress the females with their gorgeous feathers. There were quite a few white peacocks, whose presence was extraordinary!
While the island doesn't offer any other attractions in particular, I was taken aback by the silence and peacefulness. As a resident of Berlin you get used to chaos and noise, therefore being able to escape it was all I could ever ask for. You're surrounded by wonderful nature and beautiful views on the Wannsee. Besides that there's a few interesting buildings, a café (although we didn't go there as it's closed during the winter months) and sheep. I mean, do you need anything more than sheep?
All in all I had a wonderful stay at Pfaueninsel and definitely consider it one of my new favorite places in Berlin. A must-visit for everyone wanting to experience a new part of the city and...
Read moreDuring my recent visit to Pfaueninsel, I was excited to explore the island and its renowned palace. However, I was disappointed to learn that the palace was undergoing reconstruction at the time. While this was a slight setback, it did not overshadow the overall charm and beauty of Pfaueninsel. Despite the ongoing renovations, the island still managed to captivate me with its natural splendor. The English-style gardens, with their vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms, provided a serene oasis for me to wander and enjoy. The well-maintained pathways led me through a tapestry of lush greenery, creating a soothing atmosphere. The highlight of Pfaueninsel, of course, was the peacocks that roam freely across the island. These majestic creatures, with their dazzling plumage, added a touch of elegance to the landscape. I was fortunate enough to witness their elaborate displays, which truly showcased their beauty and grace. The island's peaceful ambiance, coupled with its natural beauty, offered a welcome respite from the bustling streets of Berlin. I found solace in sitting by the riverbank, listening to the gentle sounds of nature and soaking in the serene atmosphere. I am highly recommend to...
Read morePeaceful park, possibly better on a weekend. We came on a Monday afternoon and enjoyed strolling through the woods and gardens. The buildings were all closed except for the gift shop and the cafe and at least one had a sign saying you could only go on in weekends.
Still, it was pleasant and the buildings are interesting to look at from the outside and the peacocks were plentiful and pretty. The gardens were a little underwhelming but might be stunning if the roses were in bloom.
The cafe area was idyllic with tables and chairs and a large area with benches where people picnicked or laid in the lawn. The food was advertised as being barbecue, but it was just grilled sausages.
I was a little worried about the ferry schedule as there didn't seem to be one, but they just ran whenever they had enough people for it and it worked out fine. €6 for round trip ferry and entry to the island seemed fine to me.
If you're expecting something magnificent, you'll be disappointed, but if you fancy a nice relaxing day,...
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