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Reichstag in Berlin

Parliament and mirror of German history

The Reichstag bears silent witness to the turbulent history of Berlin and is one of the city’s most significant historical buildings.

Berlin is the city where German history is written. Where is the best place to experience it? Come and explore the Reichstag !

Reservations and tickets – how to visit the Reichstag

There are several options to visit the Reichstag:

• join a guided tour
• listen to a plenary session (in German of course)
• climb up to the dome and the roof

Online registration at the Bundestag (German parliament)

A quick look around or a detailed tour - both is possible but only with an advanced booking. For this, simply use the online form and you can find further information at bundestag.de .

Our tip : There are a lot of visitors to the Reichstag on weekends. If possible, it´s better to choose a time midweek.

Other tickets for tours in the Reichstag and government district

Enjoy a boat ride past the government district

Take photos of the Reichstag and the government district from the water on a boat trip through Berlin.

Ticket for boat trips

City tours and guided tours with Reichstag

Explore the government district and learn more about Berlin´s history and the architecture of the Reichstag building during a city tour.

Popular tickets among our visitors can be found at visitBerlin.de

• Insider Tour Insider Walk
• Individual city tours

Hop On / Hop Off - Bus tours with a stop at the Reichstag

Explore Berlin´s sights during the bus tour and get off directly at the Reichstag. Book your tickets directly at visitBerlin.de and avoid long queues in Berlin.

Tickets for bus tours

A short history of the Reichstag

The Reichstag is an internationally recognisable symbol of democracy and the current home of the German parliament . Every year, thousands of guests visit the Reichstag - and with good reason: It is not often that you can enjoy such an amazing panorama while, just beneath your feet, the political decisions of tomorrow are being made. Both as an architectural wonder and a historical testimony, the Reichstag has an important role to play in Berlin.

The original building is designed by Paul Wallot and modelled after the Memorial Hall in Philadelphia. Decorative motifs, sculptures and mosaics are contributed by the artist Otto Lessing. The Reichstag is completed in 1894 although it doesn’t acquire its iconic dedication to “the German People” until 1916 when the words Dem Deutschen Volke are inscribed on its façade. At the time Kaiser Wilhelm II regards the building as “the pinnacle of bad taste”. The Reichstag serves as the home of the German parliament until 1933 when the building is badly damaged in a fire. This event marks the end of the Weimar Republic and provides a convenient pretext for Hitler to suppress dissent. Under Nazi dictatorship, the building falls into neglect and is severely damaged during the Second World War. In 1945 it becomes one of the primary targets for the Red Army due to its perceived propaganda value.

After the war, West Germany’s parliament is relocated to Bonn, and the building remains a virtual ruin until 1961 when a partial renovation is undertaken in the shadow of the newly erected Wall. Completed in 1964 this controversial restoration sees the building’s interior and exterior stripped of the majority of its statuary. However, the city makes efforts to retain the traces of its more recent history such as the bullet ridden façade and the graffiti left by the occupying Soviet soldiers. Throughout the cold war period and until the German reunification in 1989 the Reichstag is the site of a permanent exhibition, “Questions about German History” but otherwise sees only occasional ceremonial use. In 1990 the Reichstag is the site of the official reunification ceremony. After another year of intense debate, it is decided that it will once again be the home of the German national parliament . In 1995, just prior to the commencement of Norman Foster’s restoration of the building, artist Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude wrap the Reichstag in fabric. Foster’s careful restoration and redesign of the building is completed in 1999, and the new German government convenes at the Reichstag for the first time on April the 19th.

There is a certain irony in the fact that the building’s glass cupola is not featured in Foster’s original plans for the renovation of the Reichstag. The dome sits directly above the debating chamber. A mirrored cone at its centre directs light into the Reichstag, increasing the building’s energy efficiency and affording visitors a view of the parliamentary proceedings below. The dome itself can be visited by prior registration and is reached by two large steel ramps that curve up towards it in the form of a double helix.

Five fascinating facts about the Reichstag

Image gallery

The Reichstag with flapping flags

The Reichstag in winter

Dome in the Reichstag

Frontview of the Reichstag

Spree with a view of the Reichstag

The Reichstag in Berlin in summer

• Cyrillic graffiti left by Soviet soldiers, after their siege of the Reichstag in 1945, has been carefully preserved and can be still seen by visitors today.
• A true example of eco-architecture, the Reichstag is highly self sufficient in its production of energy. The shape of the dome allows the building to make use of natural lighting and ventilation which makes the building a unique symbol of sustainability.
• The Reichstag is an important art venue. It has a considerable art collection and shows changing exhibitions as well as permanently installed artworks.
• The roof of the Reichstag is home to the Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant where guests with a prior reservation can enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Free panoramic view included!
• Besides its eventful history, Berlin is known to be a casual and friendly city. See for yourself on the grass in front of the Reichstag. This is a perfect place for picnics and a popular spot for sunbathing and relaxing.

What to see nearby when you visit the Reichstag

There are a number of important Berlin landmarks situated in the immediate vicinity of the Reichstag. The main railway station, the Bundeskanzleramt and the Brandenburger Tor are all located a short walk away from the parliament building. You can also find a number of memorials nearby. These include the astounding Holocaust-Memorial by Peter Eisenman that consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid in which you can suddenly feel very disoriented and small. Another nearby memorial consisting of a circular pool commemorates the Sinti and Roma victims of National Socialism, whilst a concrete cube containing a video memorialises the homosexuals persecuted under Nazism.

How to get to the Reichstag using public transport

The Reichstag is easily accessible by public transport as it is situated just a short distance from Berlin’s main rail station, the Hauptbahnhof . The number 100 bus, which provides an unrivalled sightseeing opportunity along its route between the Zoo Station in the West and Alexanderplatz in the East, also stops at the Reichstag, as does the M41. The nearest U-Bahn station to the Reichstag is the Bundestag. It is the middle station of only three stations on what is surely Berlin’s shortest U-Bahn line which runs between the Hauptbahnhof and Brandenburger Tor.

The dome and roof terrace are open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the winter months (1 November to 31 March) and from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. in the summer months (1 April to 31 October).  

The dome and roof terrace are closed all day on 24 December and from 4 p.m. on 31 December (last admission at 2.30 p.m.). The dome can be visited from

15 to 19 April 2024 08 to 19 July 2024 22 to 26 July 2024 21 to 25 October 2024 and from 28 October to 1 November 2024

cannot be visited due to cleaning and maintenance work. The roof terrace will remain accessible during these dome closures.

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Learn the eventful history of Berlin as you walk the corridors of its parliament on this absorbing guided tour of the government district, the Reichstag building, and the fascinating glass dome.

Embark on a guided tour of the parliament and the government district of Berlin as you learn about the city’s political and historical background.

Visit the Reichstag building and learn about its complicated location on the Berlin Wall from an English or German-speaking guide.

Head up to the central dome of the Reichstag and understand how its transformed into a modern landmark.

Pass by some of the most famous city attractions in the vicinity including Berlin Palace, Memorial Church, and more with the available ticket option.

Fun Fact: The building became the focus of the art world in June 1995 when it was wrapped in 100,000 square meters of silver fabric by the environmental sculptors Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

2.5-hour guided tour of Reichstag

Expert English or German-speaking guide

Access to the Reichstag building and dome

360° views from the Cupola

Visit of the Plenary Hall (optional)

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Experience

Visit berlin's political heart.

Begin at Pariser Platz and make your way to the Parliament and Government District. The Reichstag is a globally recognized symbol of democracy and the current seat of the German parliament. Admission here is free of charge but the 2.5-hour guided tour is what takes your experience to a different level. Take a behind-the-scenes look at politics and discover interesting facts about Berlin's government district, which is located directly on the former Berlin Wall.

Cross the historical border

This English or German-guided tour of Berlin's parliament and government district will introduce you to some of Germany's political history. Learn more about famous buildings like the Hotel Adlon and the Brandenburg Gate, and see the sights from a different angle. At Brandenburg Gate, cross the historical sector border and learn about the Reichstag building and its complicated location on the Berlin Wall.

Discover the Reichstag dome

Climb the Reichstag's glass dome to learn more about the Bundestag's tasks and responsibilities. Discover the intriguing history of the Reichstag and how Lord Foster transformed it into a modern landmark. Enjoy the city's skyline, and get a bird's-eye view of Berlin on this tour.

Know Before You Go

Important information.

The visit of the leadership of the Reichstag requires confirmation by the German Bundestag.

The guided tour is conducted in German and English.

Please note: Admission to the building is free of charge and you are paying just for a guided tour of the government quarter and the Reichstag with this ticket.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

• Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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Reichstag Tour Berlin, Germany

The building of the Reichstag is a mirror of German’s history and the most visited parliament in the world.

Take one of the best tours in Berlin. Reichstag is the seat of the German parliament and one of Berlin’s most historic landmarks. While visiting the Reichstag you are able to walk through the plenary hall, where German’s history has been written and is still written today. By walking across the deck over the helical path of the glass dome you can enjoy a beautiful panorama view of Berlin. Worth of thinking about the Reichstag tour  while you are considering the best things to do and places to visit in Berlin.

We recommend to stay for lunch or dinner in the Reichstag’s glass dome restaurant Käfer.

What you will see during the Reichstag Tour

• Reichstags building
• Seat of German parliament
• Plenary hall
• Panorama view over Berlin

Duration: min. 3 hours

Admissions according to the programme are included. Advance registration required. 

You can add this tour to your favorites here:

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Deutscher Bundestag

Online registration, general information.

Current information on the options available to visitors, along with up-to-date entry requirements for the day of your visit can be found in German online under “Aktuelle Informationen zum Besuch beim Deutschen Bundestag” in the “Aktuell” section of the Bundestag's website (www.bundestag.de).

Important information (please read before starting the online booking process!):

• When registering to visit online , you can only submit booking requests for the various services offered by the Visitors’ Service; your visit has not been booked until you receive a booking confirmation from the Visitors’ Service by email, fax or post.
• Please make sure – before you begin the process of registering online for one of our services for visitors – that you have each visitor’s last name, first name and date of birth ready, as you will need to create a list of visitors and provide this information during this process. Only after you have submitted this information can your request be processed and confirmed.
• As a rule, requests for guided tours can only be submitted for the current month and the following two months.
• Requests to visit the dome can only be submitted for the current month and the following month. Parliamentary business, special events in the Reichstag Building, specific weather conditions and the security situation all affect whether visits to the dome and the roof terrace can go ahead. We are therefore unable to guarantee that you will be able to visit the dome. It is sometimes necessary to cancel a visit to the dome at the last minute , even if the visit has been confirmed in advance. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to notify you of last-minute cancellations by email, telephone or fax.
• Tourism businesses must register as commercial agencies . Submitting a request as an individual/private group or an organisation/company will result in the immediate cancellation of the request. If staff or agents of the tourism business, tour guides or similar wish to accompany the registered visitors onto the premises of the German Bundestag (including the dome of the Reichstag Building), they must also be registered (or will otherwise be denied entry).
• Booking requests for the following year can only be submitted from the end of November of the current year .
• Everybody registering for a lecture or guided tour must be able to understand the language selected when booking. No interpretation into foreign languages is provided in the galleries during the plenary sittings. Individual interpretation is not permitted during attendance at plenary sittings, lectures and guided tours.

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Guide to the Reichstag Building: Insider Tips, History, Dome…

The Reichstag Building on the Platz der Republik is the seat of the German Parliament and one of the most important landmarks of Germany.

A visit to the Reichstag is a must for every visitor to Berlin!

In our complete guide to the Reichstag Building, we provide you with everything you need to know and tips for your visit to the landmark. This includes admission, tickets & guided tours, things to do, the history of the building and much more.

Let's start!

Things to do at the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building on the Platz der Republik is one of the most important sights in Berlin.

Several historical events and turning points in German history are connected with the Reichstag, which is why it is also considered a mirror of German history.

See below which highlights you should not miss:

1. Admire the Exterior of the Reichstag

Designed by Paul Wallot in the Italian Renaissance style, the Reichstag Building impresses with its imposing architecture, which is a synthesis of Paul Wallot's historicism and the modern redesign of British architect Sir Norman Foster.

Along with the glass dome , the sandstone relief in the pediment with the imperial coat of arms and the imperial crown, as well as the dedicatory inscription "Dem Deutschen Volke" (To the German People) below it, immediately catches the eye.

Yet there are even more ornaments waiting to be discovered. If you look closely, you can see magnificent sandstone figures, ornaments and numerous motifs . Of particular note are the so-called "coat of arms trees ", two stone relief panels located on either side of the entrance, depicting the coats of arms of the German Empire, newly founded in 1871.

It is also interesting to note that the four corner towers , framed by 16 sculptures made of sandstone , represent the four kingdoms of Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria and Württemberg.

2. Visit the Roof Terrace & Reichstag Dome

The subsequently designed glass dome above the plenary hall of the German Parliament has a diameter of 38 meters and a height of 23.5 meters. Today, it has a lasting impact on the cityscape and has become a much-visited attraction and, beyond that, a Berlin landmark.

The accessible glass dome is located on the 24-meter-high roof terrace of the Reichstag Building. On its inner side, two spiral ramps wind up to an observation deck 40 meters above the ground. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Berlin.

In addition, the parliamentary history exhibition "From the Reichstag to the Bundestag" awaits you on the roof terrace, displayed in 12 showcases.

• Tip: We highly recommend using one of the free audio guides that are available to visitors on the entrance to the rooftop terrace. They are available in eleven languages (German, English, French, Spanish, Turkish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Polish and Russian) and offer 20 minutes of background knowledge about the Reichstag building, the German Bundestag and the attractions of Berlin that are visible from up here.  An audio guide for children is also available.

3. Join a Guided Tour of the Reichstag Building

If you want to delve deeper into the moving history of this impressive monument, you can take part in a guided tour of the Reichstag Building. During this tour, you will learn details about the workings and tasks of the German parliament, as well as information about the history and architecture of the Reichstag .

In addition to the classic house tours, guided tours with various thematic focuses are also offered, including art and architecture tours as well as family tours .

• Important : In order to participate in a guided tour, prior registration is necessary.

4. Witness a Sitting in the Plenary Chamber

The historic building has not only been the seat of the German Bundestag since 1999, but is now also the most visited parliament in the world . Visitors from all over the world can visit a plenary sitting after prior registration.

The plenary hall is the heart of the German Bundestag. From the public gallery , you can get up close to members of the German Bundestag and closely follow all the debates taking place.

5. Dine in the Restaurant and Enjoy the View

The dome is not the only jewel of the roof terrace. The level is also home to Käfer's rooftop restaurant , which invites you to feast and linger on modern German cuisine.

Of course, you can also enjoy a fantastic view of the German capital from the restaurant.

• Please note: Due to tightened security measures at the German Bundestag the restaurant also requires the surnames, first names and dates of birth from all guests at least 48 hours in advance . These will be forwarded to the police and security services. Reservations for the restaurant can be made by phone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 030/227-9220 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Registration for Your Reichstag Visit

Individuals and groups can register for a visit to the parliament. An online form is available for a convenient appointment request, and registration is also possible by fax or by mail (Deutscher Bundestag, Besucherdienst, Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin), but must be received at least two working days in advance.

Short-term visitors, who would like to visit the dome spontaneously, can register in person for a dome visit at the service branch of the visitor center near the Reichstag building, next to the Berlin Pavilion on the southern side of Scheidemannstrasse. If space is available, personal access authorizations can be issued up to two hours before the visit time . It is also possible to obtain a visit appointment for the following two days.

• Important : A valid identification document with photo is required for admission.
• More details about the visit and guided tours are available here .

Entrance, Tickets & Tours for the Reichstag Building

• Entrance : The dome of the Reichstag Building is open daily from 8:00 to 24:00. Last admission is at 22:00. It is closed on 12/24 (all day) and 12/31 from 4pm.
• Tickets : Admission to the Reichstag building is free , but prior registration is mandatory. Details can be found under the " Registration" section above, as well as on the official website, bundestag.de/en/
• Tours :  Various free guided tours of the Reichstag Building are offered . Prior registration is required. You can find out more information here .
• Travelers' Tips : If you would like to discover these and other highlights of the German capital flexibly and on your own, we recommend the audio guide app Best of Berlin Tour by YourMobileGuide .

How to get to the Reich stag?

Thanks to its central location, the Reichstag in the heart of Berlin can be easily reached via various routes.

The best way to get to the historic building is to take bus line 100, which stops directly at the Reichstag.

• From the Central Station: Alternatively, you can easily take the U-Bahn U55 to the "Bundestag" stop.

FAQ about the Reichstag Berlin

WHAT IS THE REICHSTAG BUILDING?

The Reichstag Building has been the seat of the German Parliament (Bundestag) since 1999.

WHERE IS THE REICHSTAG BUILDING LOCATED?

The Reichstag is located at the Platz der Republik, in the heart of Berlin in the district Mitte. The address is: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin

WHO BUILT THE REICHSTAG?

Emperor Wilhelm II had the Reichstag Building built to provide a dignified seat of government for the newly founded parliament of the German Reich in 1871.

The architect Paul Wallot was commissioned. The architect for the first reconstruction was Paul Baumgarten. Sir Norman Foster was responsible for the second reconstruction and the glass dome.

WHEN WAS THE REICHSTAG BUILDING BUILT?

Construction work on the Reichstag Building began in 1884. After a ten-year construction phase, the structure was completed in 1894.

WHEN DID THE REICHSTAG BURN?

The Reichstag fire occurred on February 27, 1933, barely a month after dolf Hitler and the NSDAP came to power. The plenary chamber and several surrounding rooms burned out completely.

WHEN WAS THE REICHSTAG COVERED?

In 1995, the Reichstag was covered with a huge silver tarpaulin for two weeks as part of the art project "Covered Reichstag" by the artist couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The art project received worldwide attention and attracted five million visitors over the course of the two weeks.

History and Facts about the Reichstag

In order to provide a dignified seat of government for the newly formed parliament of the German Empire, founded in 1871, Emperor Wilhelm II had the Reichstag building constructed. After a ten-year construction phase, the building was completed in 1894. The building made history in 1918, when the Weimar Republic was proclaimed from the balcony of the Reichstag. From then on, until Hitler came to power, it served as the Reichstag of the Weimar Republic .

The Reichstag in the Third Reich & in the Second World War

A month after Adolf Hitler's appointment as Reich Chancellor on January 30, 1933, the Reichstag experienced one of its darkest hours: the Reichstag fire. The plenary chamber and several surrounding rooms completely burned out. The left-wing Dutchman Marinus van der Lubbe was accused of the fire, but it is still not clear who the real arsonist was.

However, it is a fact that the NSDAP was the beneficiary, as the Reichstag fire marked the beginning of the Nazi dictatorship . Until the end of the Nazi dictatorship in 1945, the Reichstag functioned as a "sham parliament" with which the Nazi regime wanted to give the impression of being democratically legitimized. In fact, the Reichstag at that time was without any political significance and not democratic.

During World War II, the Reichstag building functioned as a military hospital and air raid shelter. Due to its high symbolic value, the capture of the building in 1945 took on an important role for the Red Army. During the Battle of Berlin, the Reichstag, which had already been partially destroyed by the Reichstag fire, was severely damaged.

After the victory of the Red Army on April 30, 1945, two Russian soldiers raised the red Soviet flag on the roof of the building, symbolizing the end of World War II in Europe as well as the end of the Nazi dictatorship .

The Reichstag During the Inner-German Division

After Berlin was divided into four sectors by the occupying powers in 1945, the Reichstag, the now almost completely destroyed Reichstag was located in West Berlin. Thus, the building was able to escape demolition, which was decided in 1947.

The building, which lay in ruins, was often used as a backdrop for speeches because of its symbolic value as a symbol of German unity. This symbolism was one of the reasons why the German Parliament in Bonn decided to rebuild the Reichstag building in 1955, even though its use in a divided Germany was uncertain. In 1961, the architect, Paul Baumgarten, was commissioned to plan and lead the reconstruction without the dome in a modernized form. The reconstruction was not completely finished until 1973.

Since the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, it ran directly along the east side of the Reichstag. During the division, the empty building housed a museum about the parliament and the history of the Reichstag building. Committee and parliamentary group meetings were held here at the time of the division.

After the Reunification

When it was decided in 1991 to move the parliament to Berlin and to use the Reichstag permanently as a parliament building, the building was fundamentally redesigned by the architect, Norman Foster. The characteristic glass dome was also created during this conversion work.

During the "Verhüllter Reichstag" art project by the artist couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the Reichstag building was covered with a huge, silver-colored tarpaulin for two weeks in 1995. The art action caused a worldwide sensation and attracted five million visitors during these two weeks.

Finally, on April 19, 1999, the keys were handed over to then Parliament President, Wolfgang Thierse, and the first plenary session took place. Since then, the German Parliament has been in session here.

In addition to changing exhibitions, the Reichstag Building also houses an important art collection.

Contact & Map

• Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin
• Opening Hours - Dome: Daily from 8 a.m. to midnight; last admission: 10 p.m. Note: Visit by appointment only
• Public Transport: U55 to "Bundestag" or bus 100 to "Berlin Reichstag/Bundestag".
• Website : bundestag.de/en

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Sights Nearby

• Brandenburg Gate
• Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe murdered under National Socialism
• Soviet Memorial in the Tiergarten
• Madame Tussauds
• White Crosses Memorial
• Federal Chancellery
• Government district
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial)

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Guide to the Reichstag Building Free Tour in Berlin

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Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

Berlin’s Reichstag Building is where the German parliament meets, and you can actually take a free tour in the unique glass dome on top. The Reichstag Building free tour is one of the most popular things to do in Berlin, which means it books up in advance. It’s quite an interesting place to visit, so I highly recommend it.

In this article, I’ll explain how to book the free Reichstag tour , what to expect on the tour, info about the history of the building, and more. Plus I’ll tell you how to visit the Reichstag even if you don’t have a reservation.

What you'll find here

Berlin Sightseeing Tours near the Reichstag Building

Aside from the free tour in the Reichstag Building, you might be interested in some other tours nearby. Sightseeing tours can be a great way to see a lot of things in a short amount of time. The information guides provide can really make exploring a city more enjoyable.

• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour : Informative walking tour that includes Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the Topography of Terror, and more
• Berlin Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour : Explore Berlin on two wheels, including Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, and more
• Berlin City Highlights Walking Tour : This walking tour also includes lots of Berlin attractions such as Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Victory Column, Government district, Museum Island, and more

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin has lots of great neighborhoods for you to stay in and explore. If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, it might be best for you stay somewhere central.

Many of the attractions are in Mitte or easily connected to Mitte by Berlin’s public transport , so you should stay somewhere in that region. Here are a few hotels we recommend.

BUDGET: Circus Hostel Popular hostel with a bar/brewery downstairs

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Centrally located, can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Luxury hotel where you can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

APARTMENT: Adina Apartment Hotel Kitchenette; near grocery stores, shopping, Museum Island

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Or read my full review of the 25Hours Hotel in Charlottenburg with fantastic views of the Zoo and Tiergarten.

History and Facts about the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building opened in 1894 and was the seat of the German government until 1933 when a fire greatly damaged the building. Rather than repair the building, it was neglected, and this is seen as the end of the Weimar Republic and the strengthening of the Nazi dictatorship. The building suffered further damage during World War II .

During the Cold War , when Berlin was divided into East and West, the Reichstag Building sat in the West just steps from the Berlin Wall . The seat of the German government was moved to Bonn, and though the building was somewhat repaired, it was seldom used.

After reunification, the building was redesigned and restored. It opened in 1999, and the German Parliament returned here once again.

How to make a reservation for the free Reichstag Building tour

The process of making a reservation for the free Reichstag tour is pretty simple but does involve several steps and several emails. And since it’s one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin , it can often be booked up weeks ahead of time. Let’s take a look at how to do it.

Select the tour option you want

You can sometimes book a 90 minute tour with a guide that also includes visiting the dome with an audio guide. However, this option is only available on certain days, and only when parliament is not in session, so it’s not an option all that often.

The easier and more popular option is the 20 minute dome visit with an audio guide.

Got to the Reichstag website here to register . Read through for dates they’re closed and any other important info before clicking the online registration link.

Before you even get to the point where you select your date, you have to agree to various terms and conditions and put in a captcha. Then you will have to choose a date and time, and it will allow you to give up to three different choices for time slots.

At this point, you fill in your name and email address, and then submit.

They will email you a confirmation email, so if you don’t see it within a few minutes, check your spam folder.

Note: You’re not finished yet! Getting that email is not the end.

In the confirmation email is a link. Click this link to fill in your visitor information. You have 24 hours to do this from the moment you receive the email, so do it immediately.

At this point they ask for your birthday, so be sure you’re putting it in European format. That is day.month.year, so if your birthday is May 3, 1979, you will need to enter 03.05.1979.

Then you’ll get another automated confirmation email with a PDF. This is still only confirming that they have received your request, it’s not confirmation of your appointment for the tour. But there’s nothing else for you to do at this point.

I got my actual confirmation shortly afterwards. But make sure you look at the details closely. I’ve taken this tour a few times, and the most recent time, the booking process went a little wonky.

I selected a date that was available on their calendar, and when I finally received my booking confirmation, it said the dome was closed for cleaning that entire week. Since I selected the dome only option, I don’t really understand why it even let me try to book a day during that time frame. But this is a government that still relies heavily on fax machines, so anything goes.

I still went, and the rooftop terrace was open, so I was still able to walk around outside of the glass dome and get pictures. The audio guide is not available when the dome is closed, so I’m not sure it’s worth doing in this case.

I think it was just bad timing on my part. On the initial info page for registering, the week I booked was not listed as closed. But a few days later, it was listed. I didn’t see any way of rescheduling, so I could’ve just started over and booked another date.

How to do the free Reichstag tour without advanced booking

Maybe you didn’t hear about the Reichstag free tour in time to get a booking, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There is still a possibility of getting a last minute reservation once you arrive in Berlin. And there are tours that could work for you.

Tours to get into the Reichstag Building

I found several tours you can book that take you into the Reichstag Building. They do the full tour, when possible, and they’re pretty cheap. This tour looks like it has the best chance of offering you information in English, although it still sounds like there’s a presentation portion in German. But you will always get the audio guide of the glass dome in English, or one of several other languages if you prefer.

Last minute booking

Across the street from the security entrance, there is a little hut for same day tickets. Go over here as early as possible because you have to register at least two hours ahead of time.

There’s a sign in the window showing how many time slots are available for that day and the next few days. So in theory, you might be able to grab a time slot a day or two ahead of time.

You will need to bring your passport to this registration spot in order to get your name on the list. This goes for everyone in your group.

The location isn’t really labeled on Google maps, but look for this restaurant and gift shop building . It’s immediately next door.

How to get to the Reichstag Building

The address for the Reichstag building is: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin.

For the free tour, you will need to go to the security control entrance, located on the southern side of the building. The address for this is Scheidemannstraße 5, 10557 Berlin .

The closest Ubahn station is Bundestag on the U5, but it’s also very close to the S&U Brandenburger Tor station. Or if you’re coming by bus 100, get out at the Reichstag/Bundestag bus stop.

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Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

FAQs and important info for the day of your Reichstag tour

Here are some frequently asked questions and things you should know before your visit to the Berlin Reichstag Building.

What to wear on your visit

Since you’ll be walking during the audio guide tour of the Reichstag Building, and it’s likely only one stop on a big day of sightseeing, you’ll be on your feet a lot. Wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather at the time of year you’re visiting Berlin . Don’t forget, the terrace is outdoors.

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List

What do you need to bring to the tour?

When you arrive for your free Reichstag tour, make sure everyone in your group has government issued ID. For most people, this means you should being your passport.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time because they will need to check your ID and check you off their list. You have to go through security, kind of like at the airport.

Can you bring bags on the Reichstag tour?

Small bags, like a purse or small backpack, are allowed. I even saw people with big shopping bags. But large luggage is not allowed. If you have large bags or luggage with you, it’s about a 15 minute walk to Berlin Hbf where you can find luggage lockers.

Are dogs allowed on the tour?

No, dogs are not allowed, except for official service dogs.

Is the Reichstag Building accessible?

Yes, if you are a wheelchair user, you can still take the free audio guide tour of the Reichstag Building.

When is the best time to visit the Reichstag Building?

Any time is a good time to do the free audio guide in the dome. But there are some nice views of Berlin from the terrace, so if you are able to plan your visit a little before sunset, you’ll get some pretty pictures.

Things to do near the Reichstag Building in Berlin

With so many other things to do near the Reichstag Building, you’re spoiled for options. And besides the things I’ve listed below, you’ll have easy access to public transport, so you can get to another part of the city for sightseeing.

Tiergarten is a huge inner-city park, one of the largest in Berlin. Originally a hunting ground dating back to 1527, this vast green space has become one of the most loved public parks in Berlin over the years.

Throughout the park there are statues, memorials, ponds, tree-lined thoroughfares, and lawns. When the weather’s warm in Berlin, it’s here that people flock for strolling, picnicking, and generally hanging out, making it a great spot to people-watch.

Tiergarten is located just south of the Reichstag Building. Check out my full guide to visiting Tiergarten Park in Berlin .

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate , or Brandenburger Tor in German, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Germany , and it’s just a few minutes walking from the Reichstag Building. It was one of the old city gates marking the edge of Berlin, though today it’s very much in the center of the city.

When the Berlin Wall stood, Brandenburg Gate was on the East but only barely. The Wall was built around it, making it inaccessible by residents of either side.

This is a great place for pictures, and one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks .

Victory Column

Berlin’s Victory Column , or Siegessäule in German, is one of the more recognizable monuments in the city. It sits at a roundabout in the middle of Tiergarten Park, and it was initially built as a monument to Prussia’s victory in the Franco-German war.

The column stands at 67 meters (about 220 feet) high and has an observation deck you can reach by paying a small entrance fee. After climbing the 285 stairs, the tower provides excellent views of the surrounding park and the city of Berlin.

This is one of the many wonderful inexpensive things you can do in Berlin , and it’s one of my favorite spots for views, if you can handle all those stairs.

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , often referred to as the Holocaust Memorial, honors the large number of Jewish people who died at the hands of the Nazis. It’s one of the most important World War II sites in Berlin , and it’s not far from the Reichstag Building.

The memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, and the ground they sit on is an uneven slope similar to a wave. The information center showcases letters, diaries, photographs, and biographies of the victims to help personalize the experience.

Entrance is free. Photography is allowed (no flash inside) but please be respectful.

Do not sit on or climb on the cement slabs or take selfies. This is a place to reflect and remember those who were murdered.

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to the free Reichstag Building tour in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to do in Berlin on Monday: 25+ Museums & More

What to do in Berlin on Sunday: 15+ Ideas

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The inside story

The Reichstag building on the Platz der Republik is the political heart of Germany and is one of the sights of Berlin that should not be missed. Tourists from all over the world visit the Reichstag to learn about German history and politics as well as to get a panoramic view of Berlin's sights from the famous dome and roof terrace.

Built between 1884 and 1894 by architect Paul Wallot in the neo-Renaissance style, the building served as the seat of government for the German Empire and the Weimar Republic. The historic building was severely damaged by the Reichstag fire in 1933 and the Second World War.

Its restoration began in the 1960s, and after reunification, it was remodeled to serve as a permanent parliament building. In 1999, it became the seat of the German Bundestag. The Federal Assembly has held its meetings here to elect the German Federal President since 1994.

The subsequently designed glass dome on the roof of the building measures almost 40 meters in diameter and 23.5 meters high. Visitors can walk along spiral ramps on the inside to the viewing platform of the Reichstag dome. From here, there is a spectacular view of the entire city, especially the Spree River and the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, the TV Tower and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

When there is good weather, the lawn in front of the Reichstag building is a popular place to take a break from sightseeing, soak up the sun or enjoy a picnic.

The Reichstag can be easily reached by public transport (regional train, S-Bahn, U-Bahn & bus).

How to get there

The 12 best things to do in Berlin

F rom museum hopping to picnicking in an abandoned airport and scoping out city views from an erstwhile Cold War radio station, Berlin does not lack for fun and quirky activities.

Read on for the best things to do in the city. Plan your visit with our guides to the best restaurants , bars , nightlife and shopping , and how to spend a weekend in Berlin .

Explore the seat of German Parliament

The (literal) highlight of a visit to the Reichstag is its famous glass dome. Built by Sir Norman Foster, the structure is lined inside with photogenic, light-catching mirrors, and offers views down into the Bundestag, as well as sweeping vistas across the city. Take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history and architecture, and the workings of German government. (Passport ID required).

Insider's tip:  The most popular part of a visit is the dome; its roof terrace offers a restaurant as well as impressive views over the city. It’s also possible to see preserved war damage such as bullet-holes and Russian graffiti throughout the main building.

Find out more:  bundestag.de

Nearest Metro: U Bundestag

Price: Free

Go museum hopping

The Unesco heritage Museum Island comprises five conveniently adjacent museums, as well as the Simon James Galerie, an entrance and special exhibition building built by David Chipperfeld Architects and opened in 2019. Each museum is a destination in its own right and deserves at least half a day to explore. The Pergamon Museum has vast treasures from the Ancient NearEast and Islamic art; the Neues Museum holds Egyptian, prehistoric and classical treats, while the Bode Museum has an outstanding sculpture collection.

Insider's tip: You can get a one-day Museum Island ticket, but if time allows bag the three-day Museum Pass , which gets you into 30 museums. If you only have time for one museum, do the Neues.

Find out more :  smb.museum

Nearest Metro : S/U Hackescher Markt

Admission : £

Visit the world's most famous checkpoint

Checkpoint Charlie was the main entry point for visitors wanting to cross the infamous Iron Curtain to East Berlin. The Mauer Museum – Museum House at Checkpoint Charlie offers exhibitions relating to tales of escapees, both would-be and successful. It can be overwhelming, not least because it’s always so busy and there is no clear route through all the rooms – but some items of note are the cars (and wooden carts) that were used for escapes, and examples of care packages dropped into West Berlin during the airlift.

Insider's tip: Save time for the several excellent related museums and exhibits nearby, including the small but comprehensive Black Box Cold War , the fascinating large-scale Asisi Panorama , and an outdoor exhibition of black-and-white images that document the checkpoint’s history.

Find out more:   mauer-museum.com

Metro Station : U Stadtmitte / Kochstraße

Immerse yourself in Jewish culture and history

Daniel Libeskind’s zig-zag, zinc-clad Jewish Museum is a singular architectural sight in Berlin. Highlights include the new core exhibition that opened in 2020; the Axes, which deal with the topics of emigration and exile, racial exclusion and the Holocaust; the Garden of Exile; and Menashe Kadishman’s poignant artwork, "Fallen Leaves", located in the Memory Void. There are also regular events, installations and temporary exhibitions. There's also a children’s museum called ANOHA.

Insider's tip: For a deeper look into the personal histories of Jewish residents in Berlin throughout the ages – as well as some more striking architecture – visit the W. Michael Blumenthal Academy opposite the museum. Its impressive documentation spans religious, and cultural life as well as personal experiences.

Find out more :  jmberlin.de

Metro station : U Hallesches Tor / U Kochstrasse

Scope out the striking Brandenburger Tor

Napoleon’s army 'borrowed' it, Ronald Reagan called for Gorbachev to "tear down this wall" from behind it, and Jacko held a baby from a balcony near it. Instantly recognisable, Brandeburger Tor has also been the backdrop to everything from John F. Kennedy’s famous 'Ich bin ein Berliner' speech to previous World Cup celebrations, and continues to host major events in its associated square (Pariser Platz).

Insider's tip: Save some time to visit the Room of Silence on the north side, built specifically for visitors to rest and reflect.

Opening hours: 24hrs a day

Metro Station : U Brandenburger Tor

Admission : Free

Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews

Peter Eisenman’s controversial Memorial to the Murdered Jews consists of 2,711 concrete slabs (stelae) arranged in a neat grid near the Brandenburger Tor. They’re deliberately built at varying height to give visitors a sense of disorientation and confusion. The memorial’s underground visitor centre, full of heartbreaking personal stories, is often missed but very poignant.

Insider's tip: Close by, towards the edge of the Tiergarten park, are related memorials to other prominent victim groups of the holocaust; namely homosexuals, Roma and Sinti people and those murdered in the Nazi’s notorious Aktion T4 euthanasia program.

Find out more:   holocaust-mahnmal.de

Metro station : U/S Potsdamer Platz

Price : Free

Visit the city’s newest—and hippest—photo gallery

Photography is a big part of Berlin’s thriving art scene, with major galleries such as C/O Berlin hosting big-name retrospectives like Sebastião Salgado, Martin Parr and GDR snapper Harald Hauswald and the smaller but elegant Camera Work , housed in a nineteenth-century coach-house, presenting iconic snappers such as Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon and Man Ray. The city’s latest opening, Fotografiska , is located in the vast former art-squat Kunsthaus Tacheles, whose graffiti-splattered walls and stairwell form part of the venue’s overall slick design by Herzog & de Meuron. The first three floors are given over to rotating exhibitions from an array of global photographers and multimedia artists that confront contemporary themes (fashion, consumerism, race, feminism). On the fourth floor lies the dark and decadent Verōnika restaurant , with its velvet banquettes and high-end menu of lobster omelette, tempura oysters and Irish entrecote restaurant, and one floor above, the equally dapper bar serves excellent wines and cocktails plus a signature martini tray; booking a table at one of these gets you free entry into the exhibitions.  

Opening hours: 10am-11pm daily

Metro Station: U Oranienburger Strasse

Admission: 14-16 Euros

Laze by Landwehr Canal

Berlin’s 19th-century Landwehr Canal might not be as famous as the Spree, but its meandering seven-mile length will take you through a host of inner city districts and sights, including Kreuzberg’s café-lined embankments, Paul-Lincke-Ufer and Maybachufer; Mies ran der Rohe’s striking Neue Nationalgalerie; the 1930s modernist ShellHaus building; the city’s celebrated Bauhaus Archiv; and a part of the Tiergarten park.

Insider's tip: If you stroll the canal in summer, be sure to drop into one (or both) of the beer gardens en route, namely, Cafe am Neuen See and Schleusenkrug .

Discover one of Weimar Berlin’s biggest art icons

Schöneberg’s Kleine Grosz Museum , set inside a revamped modernist petrol station complete with a new bamboo garden and koi pond, is a quintessentially quirky Berlin spot. Dedicated to the life and work of German-American painter, graphic artist, cartoonist and anti-war activist George Grosz—best-known for critiquing the Great War and ideas of patriotism—the museum gives a chronological overview of the artist’s career on the ground floor, including some of his local endeavours such as production designer for Erwin Piscator and others at the nearby Theatre am Nollendorfplatz. The upper level hosts themed exhibitions of his works that change every six months, zooming in on phases such as his connections with the Berlin Dada movement and the postwar collage work he embarked on while living in the States (he was exiled by the Nazis in 1933). The small but pleasant on-site cafe is an attractive, peaceful spot for coffee and cake. 

Opening hours: 11am-6pm, Thu-Mon

Metro Station: U Bülowstrasse

Admission: 10 Euros

Browse art in a Second World War Bunker

One of Berlin’s most idiosyncratic art spaces, Boros Sammlung is a gallery hidden inside a monolithic, five-floor Second World War concrete bunker. The exhibition changes every four years, and has no overarching themes; it’s simply a selection from the owner’s collection. Visitors can expect everything from installations and video art to painting and sculpture – all with a thought-provoking twist – by some of the contemporary art world’s best-known names.

Insider's tip: Given the structure of the gallery/bunker and its popularity, it’s not possible to drop by. Sign up on the website a good few weeks prior to your visit if you want to be sure to get a spot.

Find out more :  sammlung-boros.de

Metro Station : U Oranienburger Strasse / U/S Friedrichstrasse

Picnic at an abandoned airport

One of the largest public spaces in Europe, Tempelhofer Feld used to be a functioning airport: for the Nazis (who expanded it into its current form) during Second World War as well as for the Berlin Airlift during the Cold War, and then a commercial airport. It has been used as a recreational space, and makes a unique day-trip for picnickers, kite-surfers, cyclists and rollerblade fans alike. Bikes (for adults and children), as well as pedal cars, GoKarts and rollerblades can be rented from the park’s Mobilcenter .

Insider's tip:  You can order a pre-made picnic here . A new rooftop terrace and gallery opened in 2023 but the interiors of the main buildings, only open via tours , contain Second World War bunkers and tunnels, as well as Cold War paraphernalia.

Find out more :  thf-berlin.de

Metro Station : U Platz der Luftbrücke

Admission : Access to the park is free.

Embrace your inner spy with a hike to 'Devil's Mountain'

A trip out to Cold War radio base Teufelsberg (Devil’s Mountain) is something of a pilgrimage for locals as well as visitors. Hidden away in the Grunewald forest, on top of a mountain made of post-WWII rubble, the base was used by US and British forces to spy on the Soviet Union, including Russian-controlled East Germany. Today its distinctive radomes and tower are completely dilapidated, street art adorns the interior, and the views on a clear day are superb.

Insider's tip:  It’s possible to tour the site independently, but the best way is via the regular English-language tours, which explain the history and artworks.

Find out more : teufelsberg-berlin.de

Metro Station : S9 or S75 to Heerstraße, or S1 to Grunewald

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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