Although getting there felt a little challenging, it was a worthwhile opportunity to enjoy green…read morespace outside of Berlin.
I don't know why, but vistberlin.de offers rather vague public transport directions, and Google maps offers none at all! We took the S7 to Wannsee, then learned we needed to take bus 218 to the ferry. Be warned, the bus arrives once per hour on week days and it doesn't appear on the arrivals sign (we were there on May Day, and it was still the regular weekday schedule - 51 minutes after each hour). The Ferry is €4 per person, and the ride lasts barely 2 minutes But, although websites say the ferry is €4 per person each way, no one seemed to pay the return fare and I imagine a portion of each fare goes toward maintaining the grounds.
The island itself is beautiful, and smaller than expected, so easy to get around. There is an assortment of old structures, some of which charge an admission fee to enter. The castle, however, is closed for restoration until 2024. There were fewer wild peacocks running around than I expected, but we enjoyed the ones we saw. There is another area where different birds are housed.... Their habitat seems to offer a variety of green and scratching space, shade and areas to hide, but I'm not a fan of zoos in general, so it was difficult to see any animals encaged. There was also a small stock horse outdoors in a pen... But there was hardly any grass in it! He was in great shape, with very healthy looking eyes, hooves and hair, but he was huuuuungry!! I know you're not supposed to pick plants on the island, but we did collect long grasses from the other side of the fence for this dude to eat. He appreciated it
Speaking of plants, the island is covered with them, both cultivated and wild... Lilac and wisteria, Lily of the valley, cherry trees and apple and chestnut, and so much more. So beautiful!
