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Pfaueninsel Castle
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Landmark
Pfaueninsel Castle (Peacock Island) is situated on an idyllic island in the Havel river in southwestern Berlin and was erected between 1794 and 1797 for King Frederick William II. The building is designed as a white, romantic pleasure palace in the style of an artificial ruin and served as a private retreat for the monarch and his mistress Wilhelmine Enke. The facade consists of wood painted to resemble white stone, which was typical for Romantic architecture. A striking feature is the two round towers connected by an iron suspension bridge. The entire island was transformed into an English landscape park according to plans by Peter Joseph Lenné and is home to numerous rare plants as well as free-roaming peacocks. Since 1990, Peacock Island and its castle have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin'. The interior of the castle has been largely preserved in its original late 18th-century state, providing an authentic glimpse into courtly life.
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Nearby: Teltow (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 38 | 40 | 29 | 53 | 57 | 81 | 58 | 49 | 49 | 49 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Pfaueninselchaussee 100, 14109 Berlin
Hours
Ferry: Mon-Sun 09:00-18:00 (seasonal)
Entry
€4.00 (ferry and island)
Website
Transit
S-Bahn Wannsee, then bus 218
Parking
Parking at the ferry
Accessibility
Island partially difficult due to sandy paths
Photos
Allowed for private use
Best time
Weekdays in the morning
Audio guide
no
Geography
Facts
- The island covers a total area of approximately 67 hectares.
- The castle was built entirely of pine wood in a timber-frame construction.
- The iron suspension bridge between the towers was added in the year 1807.
- Peacock Island is only accessible from the mainland by ferry.
- Frederick William III had a menagerie with exotic animals built on the island in 1821.
- During the summer season, a maximum of about 2,000 visitors are allowed on the island daily.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Pfaueninsel Castle (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Pfaueninsel Palace?
The island is only accessible via a passenger ferry from Berlin-Wannsee (Düppel).
Are dogs allowed on the island?
No, to protect the free-roaming peacocks and the flora, dogs are prohibited on the island.
Are there really real peacocks there?
Yes, numerous peacocks live on the island and move freely among visitors.
Is Pfaueninsel a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, the island has been listed since 1990 as part of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin.
Can you stay overnight in the palace?
No, the palace is a museum and does not offer overnight accommodations.
Pfaueninsel Castle: where is it located?
Pfaueninsel Castle is located in Berlin, Germany.
Pfaueninsel Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pfaueninsel Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Pfaueninsel Castle (Peacock Island) is situated on an idyllic island in the Havel river in southwestern Berlin and was erected between 1794 and 1797 for King Frederick William II.
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