the peacock island in berlin

I firmly believe that every holiday and/or trip should hold at least one visit to a world heritage site. It's usually a good reminder in this bleak world that the humankind can accomplish beautiful and keep-worthy things too.



This time in Berlin we visited the lovely nature reserve Pfaueninsel (Peacock island), which is a 67 hectares island peacefully situated in the Havel river in the outskirts of the city. It's an absolute idyll which can be reached with a tiny ferry only. On the island you're only allowed to walk, so no vars or bikes allowed. Bliss!



This time of the year the whole island smelled gorgeously of mock orange and there were a very limited amount of visitors so the whole experience was very serene without one feeling alone. Yes there are free roaming peacocks on the island, but fewer than I expected. And also other birds, sheep and horses. There were signs for buffalos, but we didn't see any alas.



There are also a sweet, little (wooden) castle and other castle-like buildings for different purposes on the island, as well as a fountain, temple, rose gardens and a cute cafe situated at a large meadow which I can imagine is full of visitors in high season.



We shared a apricot cheesecake there and it without a doubt the best dessert/cake I had in Berlin this time. Such loveliness. Befitting the overall experience. It was such a nice walk around the lush, pre-holiday season island - the perfect place to wind down, relax and get out of the busy city mode.



Very well worth the visit if you're looking for peace and tranquility. A very modest 4 euros for a ferry-ride (which takes about 2 minutes) and then you can spend as much time there as you like. I'd imagine it's a very popular place to visit in peak summer season though, so slightly less peaceful then perhaps.