The enchanting Peacock Island in Berlin was one of Queen Luise‘s favourite places.
A visit to the Peacock Island in Berlin is like travelling back in time. The short crossing on the ‘Luise’ ferry is the perfect and only way to experience this special garden. King Frederick William III and Queen Luise occasionally used the Peacock Island as a summer residence and excursion destination, as they both appreciated the rural seclusion in the company of their children.
The castle
As soon as you arrive on the island, you can see the white castle after just a few steps and a short climb. Guided tours of the rooms take place at regular times. After the death of Frederick William III, the castle was no longer used. Spared from wars and other misfortune, the original furnishings can still be marvelled at today. Many of the exhibits come from the Queen’s personal possessions. A large number of pictures show motifs of the Queen and her husband as well as garden views of the island from different eras. The bedrooms of their Majesties can also be viewed.
The dairy
Before you reach the dairy, you pass another red building. This is the calf barn built in 1802. However, it has been used as a dwelling since 1826. In the dairy itself, you can visit the historic rooms and an exhibition on the history of Peacock Island. The highlight is undoubtedly the Gothic Hall. However, guided tours only take place in the winter months. In the whey parlour on the ground floor you will find various utensils that were once used in the dairy industry on Peacock Island.
©SPSG Foto-Inventarnr: F0015404; Fotograf: Bach, Hans; 2008
The Luisen Temple
If you let your gaze wander from the Meierei over the neighbouring meadows, you will see the Luisentempel on the edge of the forest. Frederick William III had it built to honour the memory of his wife. The columned front is made of sandstone and originally stood as a portico for Queen Luise’s mausoleum in Charlottenburg Park in 1810. In the hall behind the front is a bust of the queen on a plinth. From the Luisentempel, we recommend taking the path back to the ferry, keeping the Havel on your left. You will pass other interesting points on the island such as the Kunkelstein, the hunting screen, the peacock enclosure, the frigate harbour and the nursery.
©SPSG Foto-Inventarnr: F0016984; Fotograf: Bach, Hans; Luisentempel; 2008
Location & Directions
The Pfaueninsel is located in the south-west of Berlin in the middle of the Havel and is part of the Wannsee district. From the Wannsee motorway exit on the A115 (AVUS), drive approx. 6 km on the B1 towards Potsdam. Follow the sign to turn right to Pfaueninsel. There is a car park at the landing stage.
The island may only be entered on foot. Bicycles and dogs are not permitted.
If you are travelling without a car, take bus 218 from Wannsee S-Bahn station in the direction of Pfaueninsel. The journey takes 10 minutes. The final stop is directly at the landing stage. The historic double-decker bus runs every hour Mon-Fri (minute 51) and every half hour at weekends (21 & 51).
