Schloss Pfaueninsel is a small, romantic palace set on an island in the Havel River in southwest Berlin. Built between 1794 and 1797 for King Frederick William II of Prussia, the palace was designed as a playful summer retreat. Its white, castle-like façade with mock ruins and delicate balconies stands against broad lawns, old trees, and gentle water views. The island takes its name from the peacocks that roam freely, adding flashes of color and a touch of theater to the landscape.
The palace and island were shaped as part of a larger vision for royal residences around Potsdam and Berlin. Architect Johann Gottlieb Brendel created the palace in a light, picturesque style, while landscape designer Peter Joseph Lenné later refined the grounds into a sweeping English garden. Winding paths, open meadows, and carefully framed views turn the island into a living backdrop, where architecture and nature appear to play together.
In the 19th century, Pfaueninsel became a scene for courtly life. Small receptions, strolls, and garden amusements filled the summer months. The palace interior echoed this spirit with intimate rooms, delicate decorative details, and views toward the water. Though modest in scale, the setting carried a sense of theater, as if each turn in the path revealed a new stage.
Pfaueninsel is protected as a nature reserve and part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin. Ancient oaks and rare plantings shelter birds and small animals. The island’s namesake peacocks display their feathers in open glades, while the soft call of waterfowl carries across the Havel. In spring and summer, the meadows brighten; in autumn, the trees deepen to gold and copper tones. Even in winter, the palace’s pale walls create a striking contrast with the bare branches and silver water.
The island sits within the Berlin district of Steglitz-Zehlendorf, near the border with Potsdam. Access is by a short ferry ride from the mainland jetty; motor vehicles are not allowed on the island, which keeps the paths calm and quiet. The palace can be viewed from the outside year-round, and interior visits are possible during set hours, typically in warmer months. Information on opening times and tickets is available through the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation.
Simple amenities are located near the ferry landing, and waymarked paths lead around the island. The circuit offers frequent water views, shaded groves, and clear sightlines back to the palace—reminders of a late 18th-century idea of leisure, where nature and architecture were meant to be enjoyed at an easy pace.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfaueninsel_Palace
This heritage-protected 120-m-long pedestrian tunnel below the river Spree was the first ferro-concrete tunnel in Germany that has been built using pneumatic caissons. Two beaches can be accessed via the tunnel which are not far from its south entrance.
The largest zoo in the world, both in terms of number of species (1500) and animal population (14,000). It is especially famous for its pandas. The Elephant Gate (Budapester Straße), one of the two entrances and next to the Aquarium, is a traditional photo stop for most visitors because of the architecture.
In 1893 the authorities of Berlin issued the artistic entrance to the National Park Friedrichshain. The fountain of fairy tales was commissioned by the National Park and later designed by Ludwig Hoffmann.
The charming Baroque water palace of the Hohenzollern electors surrounded by the Dahme river and an English garden.
In this house the surrender of Germany was signed on May 9th, 1945, ending WWII in Europe. This museum describes the history of the war between Germany and the Soviet Union between 1941 and 1945 and the GDR/German-Russian relationship ever since. Historic rooms, permanent exhibition and special exhibits.
Spectacular building by Mies van der Rohe contains its own collection and temporary exhibitions.
Designed by Hans Poelzig in 1929, it is the first self-contained broadcasting house in the world and it is still in use today.
A man-made hill of about 120 m in the Grunewald, created after the Second World War from debris of the city. On top is the Field Station Berlin, a former US listening station. Inside the building complex you can see lots of graffiti art. The hill can be accessed without any restrictions and is free; however, the building complex is surrounded by fences and requires a ticket (tours are available as well).
The complex consists of eight interconnected courtyards. Plenty of designer boutiques can be found here.
Berlin's biggest lake and popular resort for bathing and watersports. You can also travel there by tram, which is an experience by itself.
Gothic church, the second oldest (built in late 13th century) of the historical centre of Berlin. It's the highest church tower of Berlin (about 90 m), but seems rather small beneath the gigantic TV tower. The church tower was built in the late 18th century by Carl Gotthard Langhans, the architect of the Brandenburg Gate.
Not far away from Schloss Tegel (at the "große Malche") you can take a look at the oldest tree in Berlin, an oak which has been growing there since about 1192 (so it's actually older than Berlin itself). The name ("fat Mary") allegedly stems from the brother Humboldt who named the tree after their overweight cook.
The largest aquarium in Germany with over 9000 animals that are presented on three storeys in a historic building. Aquarium Berlin is found on the premises of the Zoo, but can also be visited separately. One of the best places on a rainy day with children.