Peacock Island (Pfaueninsel): the romantic castle and its peacocks on the Havel

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Pfaueninsel is a 67-hectare island on the Havel in the far south-west of Berlin, reached only by a small ferry. With its old oaks, meadows, free-roaming peacocks and small white castle built as a mock ruin, it offers a very quiet walk a few minutes from Wannsee. The island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin". Allow two to three hours on site, including the crossing. King Frederick William II had the castle built in the late 18th century as a romantic ruin; the island was later laid out as a landscape park by Peter Joseph Lenné.

Highlights

The castle (Schloss Pfaueninsel)

Two towers linked by an iron bridge and a wooden façade painted to look like stone masonry, imitating an Italian ruin: a stage set for the king's walks. Visiting the interiors costs €8 (€6 reduced), according to the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, which manages the island. The castle is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

The peacocks

They gave the island its name and roam freely along the paths. Watch them without chasing or feeding them: they live here, like the island's water buffalo.

The Meierei and the rose garden

The Meierei is a neo-Gothic ornamental farm, built in the late 18th century. The rose garden, designed by Lenné in 1821, is presented as the oldest in Berlin.

The oaks and the walks

The island has about 400 ancient oaks. Paths wind between meadows and woodland; walk at your own pace.

Practical info

Tips

The ferry leaves the shore at :15, :35 and :55 past each hour; the last crossing is 45 minutes before closing. Ferry ticket: €6 (€5 reduced); family ticket €12 (2 adults and up to 4 children). Dogs are allowed. The ferry landing has an accessible toilet, but the island is poorly suited to wheelchairs. Prices and hours checked in October 2026.

How to get there

Ferry landing at Nikolskoer Weg, 14109 Berlin. From Wannsee station (S1, S7), take bus 218 to the Pfaueninsel stop (check on the BVG website); public parking is on the Nikolskoer Weg. To combine the island with the beach and the museums, see our guide to Wannsee; for another Prussian palace, see Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam.