Spotlight On Berlin's Peacock Island

Berlin’s Peacock Island is exactly what it sounds like, and more. Called Pfaueninsel in German and located southwest of the city near Potsdam, there are plenty of freely roaming peacocks strutting about this islet on the Havel River. It is a favorite picnicking spot among locals, and many have fond memories of childhood visits to the well-manicured gardens and park that sprawl across the island. Yet, at this point you may be wondering how this whimsical little spot came to be. We are here to help.

Peacock Island is truly a place that belongs in a fairytale where visitors can come and relax amidst the majestic birds as they perch from trees and scurry about. The landscape is pristine, and it has served as a nature conservatory since 1924. Comprised of 67 hectares of land, Pfaueninsel is somewhat of a hidden gem that promises serenity and splendid vistas. The island is only accessible by ferry, which only adds to its enigmatic appeal. The park was designed in the early 19th century in accordance with popular styles of the era by famous Prussian gardener, Peter Joseph Lenné, and it is the perfect place for sprawling out and enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends.

According to archaeological evidence, the island is actually believed to have been populated for thousands of years, but most of what we know about it has transpired in more recent times. The site of a rabbit farm and a glass foundry during the 17th century, the island was later used as the site of Friedrich Wilhelm II’s gardens along with a menagerie for exotic animals inspired by the Parisian Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. It was built in 1797, and the stunning white palace known as the Lustschloss was where the king himself would often spend evenings with his beloved mistress, Wilhelmine Encke. The striking palace still marks the island’s silhouette today.

Other historic buildings remain on the island as well, including the Meierei Abbey ruins and the Kavalierhaus, set in striking neo-gothic style. In fact, the aesthetics of the island are so evocative that multiple films have been shot here, including The Door With Seven Locks and The Monster of Blackwood Castle.

The island’s gardens still flourish as the backdrop for the island’s splendid inhabitants, the peacocks. Naturally, plenty of other wildlife can also be found on the island in addition to the peacocks themselves, including a range of other birds, frogs, and woodland creatures as well as the majestic water buffaloes, which come to graze here in the summer months.

Located less than an hour by car from the city center, Pfaueninsel still serves as the perfect place for a day trip, where people can come to enjoy a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated right in Berlin’s backyard.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.