parliament visit berlin

• Attractions
• Berlin TV Tower
• Alexanderplatz
• Museum Island
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Reichstag Building
• Arrival in Berlin
• Public Transport
• Best City Pass
• Lifestyle Guide
• Shopping Guide
• Restaurant Guide
• Nightlife Guide
• Central Station
• Districts in Berlin
• 3 Days Itinerary
• Conference Hotels
• Central Hotels
• Wellness Hotels
• Trade Fair Hotels
• City Guides
• Executive Transfers
• Conference Rooms
• Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery
• Wrinkle Treatment
• Injectable Dermal Fillers
• Plasma Therapy
• Mesotherapy
• Skin Renewal
• Non Surgery Operations
• Tours & Tickets
• Top 50 Things to Do in Berlin [+ Tickets]

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

By loading the map, you agree to Google's privacy policy. Learn more

Always unblock Google Maps

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)

(Link to the map)

Berlin Tours & Tickets

Discover Berlin today with the most preferred tours & tickets without waiting in line.

Related Articles:

Guide to berlin tv tower: tips, restaurant, tickets, guide to charlottenburg palace in berlin: sights, events, and history, guide to the ddr museum in berlin: exhibition, tickets & more, museum island berlin: attractions, highlights & insider tips [with map & tickets].

• teilen    
• teilen  
• merken    

Online Reservations for the Reichstag Dome in Berlin

Free advance online reservations are the best way to see the Reichstag parliament building and visit the cupola dome in Berlin, or book a guided tour . Time-slot tickets and official identification are essential for all visitors.

The cupola on the Reichstag building in Berlin is the second most popular sight in Germany. It is no longer necessary, or indeed possible, to queue up outside the building for free admission tickets to the spiral walkway in the dome at the top of the German parliament (Bundestag). Advance online reservations for the Reichstag are free and the best way to get tickets. Alternatively, some Berlin sightseeing tours also include a visit to the roof of the Reichstag. On dates that are no longer available through the direct official channel, reservations at the exclusive Käfer restaurant on the Reichstag roof get visitors into the cupola through a special elevator — breakfast and apero (late afternoon drink and snack) are cheaper than lunch or dinner .

Reichstag German Parliamentary Building

The Reichstag building in Berlin is considered the second most popular site in Germany (only the Cologne cathedral may claim more visitors).

The Reichstag building is not particularly old – it was constructed at the end of the nineteenth century but hugely remodeled a century later with the popular Kuppel walkway designed by Sir Norman Foster added. The views from the roof and the dome are the main attractions of visiting the Reichstag.

The building originally housed the Reichstag, or lower house of the German imperial parliament — Kaiserreich (1871-1918). Reichstag means imperial diet – Reich = empire, Tag = diet / meeting. The name stuck – with the German Reich long gone, it now houses the Bundestag or Federal Parliament of Germany.

Free Online Reservations to Visit the Reichstag in Berlin

For about a decade after the opening of the cupola on the Reichstag building, queuing outside the building to enter for free was the norm. Clever visitors judged the line from bus 100 – if it was more than halfway down the staircase, it was more sensible to stay on the bus and try later.

However, currently, advance reservations are not only possible but also needed. The process is not surprisingly bureaucratic but surprisingly not fully automated. In addition, for a nation fairly obsessed with internet security and data protection, the German Bundestag requires quite a bit of personal information even before confirming whether tickets are available.

At the  Bundestag website  go to Visit the Bundestag (first find the English button if necessary and it might be necessary to click Overview Visit again). Find the online registration to select the type of visit – a visit to the dome is the more common but free guided tours of the building or attending a plenary session followed by a visit to the roof cupola are also available (mostly in German and fairly long).

The website of the Bundestag is not particularly user-friendly and be careful not to use any browser buttons or keyboard shortcuts for navigation. Available dates are listed for the first available day and usually only a few weeks in advance. Up to three dates or times may be specified. Then enter details, and wait for a “noreply@” email. Click the appropriate link in this email and provide the personal details of all people in the group — don’t make a typo here as you will never receive a confirmation of the details entered. This must be completed within about 20 hours after the request was made and nothing happens before this step is completed

Then wait for another email confirming that your request has been forwarded to the relevant authorities — this email is not the actual confirmation email that place is available.

The final email with a pdf document confirms the date and time but reverts to personal data paranoia by not actually listing any of the names of the members of the group but be sure that names and birthdates correspond when turning up at the Reichstag — names and IDs will be checked.

The Reichstag ticket is not transferable and may be canceled at short notice if the Dome is closed for whatever official reason — sometimes you get an email, often not. The whole reservation process may take a few hours or even days.

Reichstag Visitors’ Information

The cupola and roof of the Reichstag are open daily from 8 am to 24:00 (last admissions at 21:45) but often the hours are much more restricted.

Visitors enter in groups every 15 minutes – turn up 15 minutes earlier than the stated time at the rather scruffy temporary-looking security check buildings at the far end of the lawn from the Reichtag’s stairs.

Proof of identity is required at the Bundestag and expect airport-style security, although generally a lot friendlier.

The Reichstag dome is closed on December 24, close late afternoon on December 31, and may be closed on a few other days, mostly for maintenance (usually a few days in March, July, and October).

Once inside, visitors may stay as long as they please. A free audio guide (available in 10 languages) gives a tour of the history and sights that can be seen on the walk up to the top of the dome.

Alternative Options for Visiting the Reichstag

Online reservations are the preferred method of visiting the cupola of the Reichstag and the only method that will ensure admission. Telephone reservations are not taken.

A sure way to access the cupola is a reservation at the exclusive Käfer restaurant on the Reichstag roof — breakfast and mid-afternoon aperitifs are cheaper than lunch or dinner . A special entrance is available for visitors with Käfer reservations but it is still necessary to pass through the regular security checkpoint.

Visitors without advance reservation for the dome could enquire from the Visitors Service kiosk across the road from the Reichstag in Scheidemannstraße next to the Berlin Pavilion if tickets are available. If any tickets are available, entry will be two hours later at the earliest.

A further alternative is to take a guided tour of Berlin sights with a visit to the Reichstag cupola included. This is usually just an add-on to another tour with the tour arranging the admission to the cupola and leaving travelers at the security checkpoint — pick up the free audio guide inside the building. Note that tours must specify access to the roof / dome / cupola, as many tours mention the Reichstag but are just a walk by.

The Bundestag offers official tours — mostly in German but occasionally in English too — but note that these are long, may include a visit to a parliamentary debate, and usually won’t reach the dome where tour members are released for around two hours. Great for students of politics but no quick way to the cupola — book from the same Bundestag visit page as for individual tickets.

Transportation to Visit the Reichstag in Berlin

Getting to the Reichstag is easiest using public transportation. Bus 100  stops right in front of the side of the building in Scheidemannstraße at bus stop Reichstag / Bundestag. From the Hauptbahnhof, it is also possible to use U-Bahn U5 to the Bundestag, or from the reverse direction from e.g. Alexander Platz, Museum Island, Unter den Linden. S & U Bahn station Brandenburger Tor is also just a short walk from the Bundestag building.

Berlin Guidebook Recommendation:

The Rick Steves Berlin Guide is a great choice for a first or short visit to Berlin. He does a good job of narrowing the huge city and wealth of attractions down to those generally of most interest to foreign travelers. The guide is easy to read, well organized, and full of time and money-saving tips with useful walking routes and self-guided tours to some of the top museums and best attractions.

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

Home » Germany » Online Reservations for the Reichstag Dome in Berlin

Comments are closed.

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Inside and Around the Parliament

Quick Details

• Clock Time: 10:00 , 15:00
• Calendar Days: Fri - Mon

On a tour of the historic government district you will learn a lot about the political development in Germany.

• Starts at Brandenburg Gate
• 2 Hours and 30 Minutes

Visit the Parliament in Berlin

During your visit to the Parliament you will learn about the history of the house, as well as the distribution of seats between the political groups and the government.

Then you will enjoy the panoramic view over East and West Berlin from the terrace or the dome of the 53-meter high building, under the description of the city guide. The visit to the Reichstag requires a prior registration. You will enter your information during the online booking process.

• More Than 15 People in One Group (9 Years and Over): €10 per person
• Chevron down Itinerary
• Memorial church
• Bikini house
• Europa center
• Embassy area
• Culture forum (Philharmoie)
• Potsdamer square
• Brandenburg gate in government area
• Holocaustmemorial
• Friedrichstraße with Checkpoint Charlie
• Gendarmenmarkt
• Unter den Linden
• Museumsisland
• Berlin Palace

Related Touren

• Most Popular!
• Calendar Wed - Sat
• Clock 10:30
• Hour Glass 2.5 Hours

The Divided Berlin

For almost 30 years, Berlin was a divided city, a unique situation in German history. We start at Brandenburg Gate – a symbol of division and unification.

• Calendar Wed - Sun
• Clock 14:30
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Berlin on Foot, Train and Bus

An impressive guided tour beginning at Memorial Church, a famous landmark of west Berlin, just across from the Bikini House and at the edge of the Tiergarten.

UEFA EURO 2024

All about the European Football Championship in Berlin

• Menu Berlin Welcome Card
• Menu Event calendar
• Menu Newsletter
• Contrast Contrast

Explore the heart of the German Republic

Berlin is a focal point for Germany's national politics, with a number of beautiful buildings devoted to governance. Housed in the new government district, the German Chancellery is a gorgeous feat of modern architecture, with a glass façade and an open day every September. The Berlin State Parliament is the seat of regional politics, with free tours and specialised visits for schools, as well as a beautiful neoclassical exterior. The Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) is another key political landmark in Berlin, while the iconic Reichstag building is home to the German Federal Parliament. Its stunning glass dome, designed by architect Sir Norman Foster, can be visited free of charge.

Abgeordnetenhaus von Berlin (State Parliament)

Location Niederkirchner Straße 10117 Berlin Niederkirchner Straße 10117 Berlin

Admission free for children and youths

ARD Capital Studio

Location ARD Hauptstadtstudio Wilhelmstraße 67 10117 Berlin ARD Hauptstadtstudio Wilhelmstraße 67 10117 Berlin

Band des Bundes

Location Band des Bundes Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 1 10557 Berlin Band des Bundes Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 1 10557 Berlin

Bundesrat building

Location Leipziger Straße 3-4 10117 Berlin Leipziger Straße 3-4 10117 Berlin

Deutscher Dom

Location Deutscher Dom Gendarmenmarkt 1-2 10117 Berlin Deutscher Dom Gendarmenmarkt 1-2 10117 Berlin

German Chancellery

Location Bundeskanzleramt Willy-Brandt-Straße 1 10557 Berlin Bundeskanzleramt Willy-Brandt-Straße 1 10557 Berlin

Ministergärten

Location In den Ministergärten 10117 Berlin In den Ministergärten 10117 Berlin

Schloss Bellevue

Location Schloss Bellevue Spreeweg 1 10557 Berlin Schloss Bellevue Spreeweg 1 10557 Berlin

Reichstag – tickets, prices, German tours, Reichstag Dome visit

Reichstag Building is where the German Parliament sits in Berlin. 

The building is a symbol of German democracy, political history, and resilience.

Every year around 3 million tourists head inside the world-famous Reichstag to discover its architecture, history, and significance.

In this article, we share everything you must know before buying your Reichstag tickets.

Top Reichstag Tickets

# Plenary Chamber, Dome & Government District Tour # Reichstag, Plenary Chamber, Cupola & Government Tour # Apéro at Käfer in the Reichstag Dome

Table of contents

What to expect at reichstag, guided tour of reichstag, reichstag dome and restaurant tickets, private tour of reichstag dome, reichstag free with berlin welcome card, third reich and cold war walking tour, how to get to reichstag, reichstag opening hours, best time to visit reichstag, how long does reichstag take, reichstag visit – registration is a must, käfer – reichstag restaurant, reichstag’s audio guide, reichstag’s dome, reichstag’s plenary chamber, german bundestag’s exhibition.

Reichstag’s withstood the emblematic journey from the seat of imperial power to a symbol of democracy in Germany’s complex history.

Beside its historical importance, the site is a prominent architectural landmark today.

There are two ways to explore Reichstag in Berlin.

Some tourists take in Berlin’s panoramic views from Reichstag’s glass dome or take a seat and watch Bundestag in action.

Others go for the upgraded experience where besides the Parliament building’s dome, they also spend time in Reichstag’s rooftop restaurant called Käfer.

If you don’t want to go up the Reichstag’s Dome, you can book the Government District, Chancellery, and Reichstag Tour where you explore the German Parliament form outside.

Käfer at Bundestag is the world’s only public restaurant in a parliament building.

Reichstag tickets

There are two types of Reichstag building tickets you can book. 

Whichever experience you opt for, it is better to purchase your Reichstag Building tickets in advance because they help you get the time slot you prefer and also skip the lines.

During a guided tour of the Reichstag, a local expert will take you through Berlin’s parliament district and visit the chamber and the building’s dome.

It is an ideal way to learn more about history, architecture, and politics in the heart of political Berlin.

Most Reichstag guided tours cost around €15 and after they get over, you can hang around at the Dome for as long as you want. 

If you prefer an English tour, opt for the Plenary Chamber, Dome & Government District Tour .

If you prefer a German tour, you have two options – the Reichstag, Plenary Chamber, Cupola & Government Tour and the Government Quarter Tour and Reichstag Dome Visit

Käfer is the only rooftop restaurant in the world attached to a Parliament building and open to the public.

This unique proposition makes these Dome and restaurant tickets the most memorable way to explore the Reichstag.

Besides access to the glass dome on the German Parliament and its open terrace, these Reichstag restaurant tickets also reserve a table for you at Käfer.

Depending on when you want to visit Reichstag Dome, you can opt from the following experiences –

# Apéro at Käfer in the Reichstag Dome # Rooftop Breakfast at Käfer + Reichstag Dome # Lunch at the Käfer Rooftop Restaurant # Rooftop Dinner at the Käfer Restaurant

This is a highly popular tour. 

The Private tour of Reichstag Dome starts with you skipping the lines and heading to the Express Security Check counter. 

After the 90-minute private tour by a local guide, you can hang around Reichstag for as long as you want. 

The private guide speaks your preferred language, which you can indicate upon booking.

Tour price: €245

If you love history, we highly recommend this Discover Berlin Walking Tour in English .

The Berlin Welcome Card, available as 48-hours, 72-hours, 4-day, 5-day, or 6-day option, offers a cost-effective means to explore Berlin. 

Besides Reichstag, the Berlin Welcome Card also gets you free entry into the Berlin TV Tower, Pergamonmuseum, Madame Tussauds Berlin, Sea Life Berlin, the DDR Museum, etc. 

If you decide to use your Welcome Card and check out the German Parliament, you will need to register your visit here .

This discount card also gets you free transport within Berlin. 

If you don’t have much time, check out this Reichstag with Plenary Chamber & Dome visit tour that lasts only two hours.

Reichstag tours in German

Guided tours of Reichstag Building in the German language are very much in demand. 

This is primarily because lots of tourists come from countries like Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, etc., where German is one of the official languages.

We list below the best Reichstag tours in German –

This is a two-hour, small-group walking tour that starts from Brandenburg Gate, touches upon the Berlin Wall, and passes through the Reichstag building. 

You also get to see Soviet War Memorial, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Hermann Göring’s Ministry of Aviation building, Checkpoint Charlie, etc. 

Adult ticket (26 to 65 years): 19 Euros Seniors ticket (66+ years): 17 Euros Youth ticket (less than 25 years): 17 Euros

If you are a bigger group or a large family, check out a very similar yet cheaper walking tour of the German Parliament area and a visit to Reichstag . It costs only 15 Euros per person. 

Reichstag is located near the Berlin Central Station.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany

It is best to take public transport to get to the Reichstag.

The same tickets are valid for trips on buses, S-Bahn, trams, U-Bahn (Underground), etc. 

By Train (S-Bahn)

You can board trains S1, S2, S25 or S26 and get down at Berlin Brandenburger Tor station . 

Reichstag is around 650 meters (half a mile) from the station, and you can walk the distance in ten minutes. 

By subway (U-Bahn)

Three Subway lines stop near Reichstag in Berlin – U55, U2, and U6.

On U55 line, you can either get down at U Bundestag or Berlin Brandenburger Tor .

U Bundestag is 200 meters from the German Parliament, while Brandenburger Tor Station is 650 meters (half a mile) away.

Locals feel the Underground is not the best way to get to Reichstag Parliament.

We highly recommend bus Number 100 to get to Bundestag.

245 is the other bus that can get you closer to the Parliament House.

Note: Berlin Welcome Card can be used to travel in the city’s buses free of cost. It also gets you free entry to numerous Berlin attractions, including the TV Tower. 

Reichstag Building’s Dome and the roof terrace is open from 8 am to midnight. 

The last admission is at 9.45 pm. 

Reichstag Parliament closes down for cleaning and maintenance work on the following dates – 

• 16 to 20 March
• 6 to 10 July 
• 13 to 17 July
• 21 to 25 September
• 19 to 23 October

The rooftop terrace and the Reichstag dome remains closed on 24 December. 

On 31 December, Reichstag closes early at 4 pm. 

The best time to visit Reichstag is on good weather weekday so that you can avoid the crowd and also enjoy Berlin’s stunning views. 

Some tourists believe twilight is the best time to be at the Reichstag building because one gets to see the sunset over the city of Berlin and enjoy an illuminated glass dome.

Most tourists need 75 minutes or so to explore Reichstag Berlin and its Dome. 

This factors in the security check, time spent picking up the audio guides, walking up the sloping ramp to go up on the glass dome, and the time on the open terrace.

On weekends and holidays, you may need an additional half-hour to navigate the crowd. 

The German Bundestag imposes tight security measures, because of which the full names and birthdates of all guests are required at least 24 hours in advance. 

These details are submitted to the police and security, and a clearance is obtained. 

That’s why if you plan to visit the Reichstag in Germany, it is better to book one of the tours or tickets in advance. 

When you book a tour in advance, the travel agent registers your visit with Reichstag Building’s officials and gets the necessary permissions. 

If you haven’t booked a tour in advance, you must share your full names and date of birth and register yourself at the venue.

Registrations can be done at Service Center run by Visitors’ Service near the Reichstag Building, next to the Berlin Pavilion on the south side of Scheidemannstraße. 

If free slots are available for the day, your Reichstag Berlin visit will be confirmed and you can stand in the queue at the entrance.

Else, you won’t be able to go up the Dome on that day but can try for the next day’s visit.

This registration must be done at least two hours before the time of your visit. 

That is, if you want to visit Reichstag at 4 pm, you must register at the visitor center at least by 2 pm.

This allows the officials to run necessary security checks before your visit.

Future visits

If you prefer, you can register to visit the Parliament Building’s glass Dome in the following two days. 

At the Service Center, you can’t book a visit for more than two days in advance.

Service Center timings

From April to October, Reichstag’s Service Centre is open from 8 am to 8 pm, and from November to March, it is open from 8 am to 6 pm. 

Reichstag’s roof is home to the Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant, where visitors can combine breakfast, lunch, or dinner with stunning views of Berlin.

Or you can also try out the restaurant’s Appero offerings, and unwind over a cocktail (or two) and a few snacks. 

Reichstag in Berlin is the only parliamentary building in the World with a restaurant open to the public.

Want to know what to expect at the Reichstag restaurant? Check out their menus – Appero Menu , Breakfast Menu , Lunch Menu and Dinner Menu .

Reichstag restaurant’s timings

The rooftop restaurant on Reichstag opens in two shifts. 

The first session is from 9 am to 5 pm, and after a two-hour break, it opens again at 7 pm and closes at midnight. 

You can’t just walk into this restaurant – you must reserve a table in advance.

Visitors who have a confirmed reservation can get to the Kafer restaurant via the entrance below and to the right of the West Portal (West C). 

Guests can book either a breakfast, lunch or dinner at the restaurant.

If you prefer to know more about the German Parliament building and its workings you can try out the Reichstag’s audio guide.

As soon as you exit the elevator on top of the building, you can pick up your set in one of these 11 languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Dutch, and Chinese. 

The 20-minutes long audio guide shares information about the Reichstag Building and its surroundings, the Bundestag, the working of the Parliament, etc.

The audio guide lasts the 230-meter-long walk on a sloping ramp, all visitors take while exploring the Reichstag’s Dome.

It is a beautiful and leisurely walk, and you won’t be bored because you will be looking outward at the views of Berlin. 

Customized audioguides are also available for children and people with disabilities.

The audio guide can’t be rented when the Reichstag’s Dome is closed.

The Reichstag dome, also known as the Bundestag dome, is a glass dome atop the Reichstag building.

The massive glass dome symbolizes Germany’s reunification, and its unique design has made it a prominent landmark of the German capital. 

Designed by architect Norman Foster , the Reichstag dome 

Reichstag Dome offers a fascinating 360-degree view of Berlin, and when visitors look below, they can see the debating chamber of the Bundestag, the German Parliament.

This relative position of the people and the debating chamber symbolizes that the people are above the German government.

Visitors reach the top of the Reichstag Glass Dome by climbing two steel, spiraling 230-meter-long sloping ramps.

A mirrored cone in the center of the Dome directs sunlight into the Bundestag Bundestag building. 

Architect Foster introduced the cone to send light into the building and reduce its carbon emissions.

Reichstag dome at night

There are two kinds of visitors who end up exploring Reichstag dome after dark.

Tourists who have already seen the city’s daytime skyline from Berlin TV Tower’s observatory or Panoramapunkt’s observation deck and now want to experience its nighttime lights.

And then there are the visitors who didn’t book in advance and thus got only the nighttime slots.

Either way, Reichstag Dome is all lit up at night and also offers fantastic views of Berlin. 

Even though the Dome is open till midnight, the last entry is at 10 pm. 

The Plenary Chamber of the Parliament is where all elected members who have the right to attend meetings gather for debates. 

When the German Parliament is not sitting, visitors can attend sessions in the visitors’ gallery of the Plenary Chamber.

Plenary Chamber lecture timings

During the peak season of April to October, Plenary Chamber lectures start at 9 am and go on till 6 pm. 

During the lean season of November to March, Plenary Chamber lectures end early – by 5 pm on weekdays and 4 pm on weekends.

During these 45-minute lectures you learn about how the German Parliament works and know about the Reichstag building’s history and architecture. 

These sessions are in fluent German, and no translations are provided. 

After the lecture, all visitors can go up to the Reichstag’s Dome. 

This is a limited experience, and you must book in advance.

We recommend two German tours which include a Reichstag visit with Plenary Chamber & Cupola – the three hours tour and the two hours tour .

Besides the Plenary Chamber lectures, there is one more way to learn about the German Parliament’s working. 

The German Bundestag’s exhibition on parliamentary history in the Deutscher Dom traces the origins and history of the German parliamentary system.

Over five floors of exhibits, you get to learn about how its politicians run Germany. 

The exhibition opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm. 

Location: Deutscher Dom, Gendarmenmarkt 1, 10117 Berlin. Get Directions

Sources # Wikipedia.org # Britannica.com # Bundestag.de The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in Berlin

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in Berlin

This article was researched & written by

Barkha Tiwari

She is a holidaymaker comfortable with vacations on sandy beaches or breaks where she is skiing in the snow. She mixes up her holidays with the right amount of activity and lazing around and believes that both are needed in the right amount to experience the world’s cultures and destinations. Favorite Cities: Prague, Budapest, Munich, Florence

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Macron begins the first state visit to Germany by a French president in 24 years

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and French President Emmanuel at the end of a press conference at Bellevue Place in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a press conference at Bellevue Place in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and French President Emmanuel Macron enter the podium for a press conference at Bellevue Place in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and French President Emmanuel Macron walk to a press conference at Bellevue Place in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

• Copy Link copied

BERLIN (AP) — President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday started the first state visit to Germany by a French head of state in 24 years, a three-day trip meant to underline the strong ties between the European Union’s traditional leading powers ahead of European Parliament elections in which far-right parties in both countries hope for gains.

The visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at the last minute due to rioting in France following the killing of a 17-year-old by police .

While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate their positions on EU and foreign policy, this is the first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germany’s largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

It is “proof of the depth of the friendship between France and Germany” that Macron is visiting as Germany celebrates the 75th anniversary of its post-World War II constitution and before it marks the 35th anniversary in November of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Steinmeier said.

Steinmeier is holding a state banquet for Macron at his Bellevue palace in Berlin on Sunday evening before the two presidents travel on Monday to the eastern city of Dresden, where Macron will make a speech, and on Tuesday to Muenster in western Germany. The state visit will be followed later Tuesday by a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries at a government guest house outside Berlin.

Germany and France, which have the EU’s biggest economies, have long been viewed as the motor of European integration, though there have often been differences in policy and emphasis between the two neighbors on a range of matters.

That was evident earlier this year in different positions on whether Western countries should rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Both nations are strong backers of Kyiv.

Macron on Sunday said there has frequently been talk of problems in Franco-German relations over the decades, but “France and Germany together have accomplished extraordinary things — they have been at the heart of this Europe.” He contrasted that with the countries’ history of war against each other until 1945.

He renewed a warning that Europe could “die” if it fails to build its own robust defense as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, or if it fails to undertake major trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the U.S.

Ahead of the European Parliament elections next month, Macron said that “fear of a changing world” is feeding a rise of the far-right in Europe.

“When we let these fears transform into anger, that feeds extremes,” he said, advocating “respect” in listening to people’s worries and greater “efficiency” in dealing with their problems.

Macron makes rare state visit to Germany to boost ties, defend democracy

For the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, a French president visits Berlin to warm frosty ties.

Emmanuel Macron has begun the first state visit to Germany by a French president in 24 years, to boost ties between the two countries and to emphasise the importance of defending democracy against nationalism in upcoming European elections.

“Franco-German relations are indispensable and important for Europe,” said Macron at the start of his three-day state visit to Germany on Sunday. He rebuffed the suggestion that the relationship, often described as the engine of Europe, has begun to stutter.

Keep reading

Russia jails hypersonic missile scientist for 14 years for treason russia jails hypersonic missile ..., a un resolution can help us, survivors, fight srebrenica genocide denial a un resolution can help us, survivors, ..., germany’s afd bans top candidate from eu poll events over nazi comments germany’s afd bans top candidate from eu ....

“That is not true. We are moving forward,” Macron said through a translator.

Upon landing in Berlin, Macron immediately travelled to the German capital’s government quarter to meet with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and attend a democracy-themed festival.

Steinmeier greeted Macron and called his visit “proof of the depth of the Franco-German friendship”. He said that despite sometimes differing on individual policy points, Berlin and Paris always “come to an agreement in the end”.

The French president also emphasised the importance of the European elections in June and called the European Union a defender of democracy and common values. He warned of a “form of fascination for authoritarianism which is growing” in the two EU nations. “We forget too often that it’s a fight” to protect democracy, Macron said.

If the nationalists had been in power in Europe in the last years, “history would not have been the same”, he said, pointing to decisions on the coronavirus pandemic or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The German president too noted how rights “did not fall from the sky”, saying they need to be fought for.

“There is much from both presidents the stress from them about the need for European citizens to think very carefully when they cast their vote in the EU elections in a few weeks,” said Al Jazeera’s Dominic Kane.

Polls show that the European elections could turn into a major potential embarrassment for Macron as his coalition is trailing well behind the far right and may struggle to even reach third place. In Germany too, all three parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition are polling behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in surveys, despite a series of scandals embroiling the anti-immigration party.

After the talks with Steinmeier, Macron is due to bring his message to Dresden in the former East German Saxony state, where the AfD has a strong supporter base.

Tuesday sees Macron in the western German city of Munster and later in Meseberg, outside Berlin, for talks with Scholz and a Franco-German joint cabinet meeting.

Beyond making joint calls for the European elections, the three-day visit will seek to emphasise the historic importance of the post-war relationship between the two key EU states, as France next month commemorates 80 years since the D-Day landings that marked the beginning of the end of German World War II occupation.

In a question-and-answer session on social media with young people this month, Macron enlisted help from Scholz when asked if the Franco-German “couple” was still working.

“Hello dear friends, long live French-German friendship!” Scholz said in French in a video on Macron’s X feed. “Thank you Olaf! I very much agree with you,” Macron replied in heavily accented German.

Officials from both sides stressed that while there are periodic tensions on specific issues, the fundamental basis of the relationship remains sound.

But Macron’s refusal to rule out sending troops to Ukraine sparked an unusually acidic response from Scholz that Germany had no such plans. Germany also does not share Macron’s enthusiasm for a European strategic autonomy less dependent on the United States.

Macron begins the first state visit to Germany by a French president in 24 years

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday started the first state visit to Germany by a French head of state in 24 years, a three-day trip meant to underline the strong ties between the European Union’s traditional leading powers.

The visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at the last minute due to rioting in France following the killing of a 17-year-old by police .

While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate their positions on EU and foreign policy, this is the first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germany’s largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

It is “proof of the depth of the friendship between France and Germany ” that Macron is visiting as Germany celebrates the 75th anniversary of its post-World War II constitution and before it marks the 35th anniversary in November of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Steinmeier said.

Steinmeier is holding a state banquet for Macron at his Bellevue palace in Berlin on Sunday evening before the two presidents travel on Monday to the eastern city of Dresden, where Macron will make a speech, and on Tuesday to Muenster in western Germany. The state visit will be followed later Tuesday by a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries at a government guest house outside Berlin.

World & Nation

Harsh words fly between Germany and France over economic plans

April 30, 2013

Germany and France, which have the EU’s biggest economies, have long been viewed as the motor of European integration, though there have often been differences in policy and emphasis between the two neighbors on a range of matters.

That was evident earlier this year in different positions on whether Western countries should rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Both nations are strong backers of Kyiv.

Macron on Sunday said there has frequently been talk of problems in Franco-German relations over the decades, but “France and Germany together have accomplished extraordinary things — they have been at the heart of this Europe.” He contrasted that with the countries’ history of war against each other until 1945.

He renewed a warning that Europe could “die” if it fails to build its own robust defense as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, or if it fails to undertake major trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the U.S.

More to Read

Chinese President Xi’s trip to Europe: ‘Charm offensive’ or canny bid to divide the West?

May 9, 2024

The French president raised the prospect of Western troops in Ukraine. What was he thinking?

March 1, 2024

Germany hosts the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan for peace talks

Feb. 28, 2024

Poland, France and Germany vow to make Europe stronger as fears grow over Russia and Trump

Feb. 12, 2024

French foreign minister visits Kyiv and pledges solidarity as Russia launches attacks

Jan. 13, 2024

France gets its youngest and first out gay prime minister

Jan. 9, 2024

Germany pledges $1.4 billion more to help Ukraine beat back Russia

Nov. 21, 2023

Germany’s support for Ukraine to be ‘massively expanded’ next year

Nov. 13, 2023

Germany’s chancellor condemns firebomb attack on Berlin synagogue, vows protection for Jews

Oct. 18, 2023

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Chad Daybell sentenced to death for murdering his wife and his girlfriend’s children

June 1, 2024

Black leaders call out Trump’s criminal justice contradictions as he rails against guilty verdict

Boeing’s first astronaut flight called off at the last minute in latest setback

Italy’s migrant jails are squalid and chaotic. A young man from Guinea was desperate to escape

• Legal framework
• Adoption of legislation
• Scrutiny of the government
• Election of the Federal Chancellor
• Federal budget
• Party funding
• Plenary agenda
• Calendar of Sittings
• Secretaries
• Distribution of Seats
• Functions and duties
• Election of the Presidium
• Speeches and texts by the President of the Bundestag
• Council of Elders
• Parliamentary groups
• Citizens‘ Assemblies
• Armed Forces Commissioner
• Administration
• National symbols
• German parliamentarism
• History fact sheets
• Climate Action and Energy
• Cultural and Media Affairs
• Digital Affairs
• Economic Affairs
• Economic Cooperation and Development
• Education, Research and Technology Assessment
• Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection
• European Union Affairs
• Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
• Food and Agriculture
• Foreign Affairs
• Housing, Urban Development, Building and Local Government
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid
• Internal Affairs and Community
• Labour and Social Affairs
• Legal Affairs
• Scrutiny of Elections, Immunity and the Rules of Procedure
• Parliamentary Advisory Council on Sustainable Development
• The Bundestag's rights to participate in EU affairs
• Europe in the committees
• The Bundestag and the European Parliament
• Brussels Office
• International Parliamentary Assemblies
• International relations
• Exchange programmes
• Parliamentary Documentation
• Official records
• Minutes of plenary proceedings
• Parliamentary Library
• Catalogue of the Library
• Research and Documentation Services
• Parliamentary Archives
• Press Documentation Division
• Text Archive
• Digital Image Service/Image Archive
• Parliamentary Television
• Visit to plenary sittings
• Guided Tours
• Historical Exhibition
• Selected works
• We're glad to be of assistance!
• The Bundestag on the move
• Energy concept

Something’s changed

The URL of the page you are trying to access has changed

You will be redirected in 10 sec.

The German Bundestag 's exhibition on parliamentary history

(© German Bundestag/Urban)

The German Bundestag 's exhibition on parliamentary history in the Deutscher Dom traces the historical development of the liberal parliamentary system of government in Germany over five floors.

• 60-90-minute tours for pre-booked groups of between 10 and 50 participants
• 30-minute tours for individuals on a selection of topics covered in the exhibition;
• Tours in English, French or Italian on request.

The exhibition is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00 to 18.00 hrs (19.00 hrs from May to September).

• Deutscher Dom , Gendarmenmarkt 1, 10117 Berlin

How to get there:

• U-Bahn (underground): U2, U6 Stadtmitte

Marginalspalte

Seite teilen.