On the outskirts of Berlin is an island called Pfaueninsel, or “Peacock Island”. Situated within Wannsee, a lake, the island was settled in the late 1700’s by King Frederick William II. Its original design was inspired by the South Pacific Islands. The island then turned into a farming island under Queen Luise. The island is protected as a reserve and is a part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin. From the heart of Berlin, it takes about an hour by public transportation and then a minute-long ferry ride to reach this idyllic and peaceful island. Stepping off of the ferry, you are greeted by a small cabin welcoming you, displaying a map of the whole island depicting the sites to check out. Then, you are free to wander around on the dirt trails and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The island houses multiple gardens with beautiful, exotic flowers and plants. Sheep, water buffalo, and goats also inhabit the island in pastures, along with free-range peacocks and white pheasants. A bird reserve, Die Voliere, houses multiple species of birds. A dairy, a small house, a memorial to queen Luise, and hunter’s lodge still remain from the farming lifestyle of the residents centuries ago. Hidden within the trees, there is also a pond with a little waterfall as well as a tall fountain with leafy green plants around its base. These structures are scattered throughout the island to find. On the edges of the island, you can peer through the trees to see the shimmering water of Wannsee. I greatly enjoyed my time on Pfaueninsel. The island is beautiful and offers a quick escape from the bustling city life of Berlin. I got lost in the magic and the stillness of the island, allowing me to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air. Pfaueninsel is a must-do when in Berlin!