An Island Paradise

The gardening and architectural design of 67-hectare Peacock Island began at the end of the 18th century under King Frederick William II and his mistress Wilhelmine Encke. They had the small summer palace and a dairy constructed in a picturesque building style resembling a monastery gone to ruin, based on English and French models, with references to an ancient Roman style as well.

Modeled on islands in the South Pacific discovered approximately 20 years before, exotic trees and plants gradually took root on this island – as did the colorful peacocks and menagerie completing the exoticism of Peacock Island. However, most of its animals were given to the zoological garden in Berlin in 1842, which led to the foundation of the current zoo.

Later, during the era of Queen Luise, the island was transformed into an aesthetically stylized ornamental mock farm, but with farming practices intended to yield profits at the same time. The project was abandoned shortly thereafter, and Peter Joseph Lenné designed a picturesque landscape park in its place.

Today, Peacock Island – its palace, dairy and the other park buildings, its charming footpaths with beautiful views, nearly 400 old oaks and the oldest rose garden in Berlin – is a popular destination for leisurely strolls in peaceful surroundings. The island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is a protected flora and fauna habitat.

Peacock Island is a world-renowned example of garden design. Please help us to maintain the park as a place of culture and recreation.