b

Pfaueninsel - Berlin

Berlin-Brandenburg  >  Germany

This protected UNESCO heritage site is an island that is surrounded by water and woods just of the shore in the Wannsee (SW-Berlin).

Added* by Steven Schulting
Most recent update 11 March 2020
This birdingplace has not been rated yet. Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars

Description

The island is protected nature and well maintained. It is a collection of forest patches and variety of gardens and ponds. Due to its very old trees it is home to many woodland birds and one of the most reliable sites in Berlin for Middle Spotted Woodpecker. Other birds include Blackcap , Red-backed Shrike , Eurasian Treecreeper , Short-toed Treecreeper , Eurasian Nuthatch , Icterine Warbler various woodpeckers, various reedbirds and waterfowl, and birds of prey such as kites and buzzards and even White-tailed Eagle can be seen flying over or fishing on the nearby river and lake. And of course Pfaueninsel (meaning Peacock Island) is home to introduced Peacocks that walk freely across the island.

Apart from the birdlife, this UNESCO heritage site is worth a visit for its history. Owned by several Royals throughout the ages it has ancient buildings scattered across the island.

Details

Access

The only way to get on the island is by boat. There is ferry running most of the year that for a small fee sets you across. As the island is just of the shore the crossing doesn't take more than a few minutes but you may have to wait a little for the ferry if it has just left. To get to the ferry pier you can go by car, there is parking near the Pier, as well as a bus stop. There is plenty of information on this site available online.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , River , Lake , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat , Wet

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Spring , Summer

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

The ferry lands at the SW side of the island and most tourist starts walking north. As a birder you'd like to avoid the crowds, so best start by going south. You will get the south shore of the island pretty quickly with lots of reedbeds and old trees that are home to warblers, woodpeckers and more. It also gives a nice view over the lake. Once you have exhausted the possibles here, start moving up north along the west side of the island which will be quiter. Especially in summer weekends the place is a main tourist attraction. You should count on approx. 2 hours to get around the island.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Click on the little bird icon () to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!