parlament berlin visit

• 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.

Registering to visit the dome of the Reichstag Building

The dome and roof terrace of the Reichstag Building are a popular tourist magnet. (© German Bundestag/Neuhauser)

Current information on visiting the German Bundestag Prior registration is required in order to visit the German Bundestag. An online booking request form can be found at online registration . Up-to-date entry requirements for the day of your visit can be found in German at current information

The roof terrace and dome of the Reichstag Building can be visited by members of the public, and offer spectacular views of the parliamentary and government district and Berlin’s sights.

Admission is free; advance registration required .

• Every quarter of an hour
• Last admission: 21.45 hrs

The rooftop terrace and the dome are closed all day on 24 December and from 16.00 hrs onwards on 31 December (last admittance 14.30 hrs). The dome will be closed to visitors from    8. to19. July 2024 22. to 26. July 2024 21. to 25. October 2024 and from 28. October to 1. November 2024   to allow cleaning and maintenance work to be carried out. The roof terrace can still be visited when the dome is closed.

For information about additional closures of the dome, please contact the Visitors' Service by telephone on +49 30/227-32083 during the following hours: Monday 9.00 to 15.00 hrs, Tuesday to Thursday 9.00 to 16.00 hrs, Friday 9.00 to 13.30 hrs.

Audioguide to the dome of the Reichstag Building

In the course of 20 minutes, your personal guide to the dome will share with you all the most important facts about the Reichstag Building and its surroundings, the German Bundestag, the work of Parliament, and the sights you can see during your 230-metre-long ascent and descent.The easy-to-use audioguides, which you can obtain on the roof terrace, are available in twelve languages: English, French, Chinese, Dutch, Italien, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian and German.  Special audioguides (in German) will also be available for children, for people with disabilities and in easy language.

The audioguide is not available when the dome is closed.

Registration

Requests can only be submitted together with a complete list of participants (naming all members of your group). Without an accurate and complete list of participants, the Visitors’ Service cannot process your request. The following information is required for each person: surname, first name and date of birth.

Online registration

We regret that it is not possible to register by telephone.

Information for visitors who have not booked in advance

If you would like to visit the dome but have not booked in advance, you can register to do so at the service centre run by the Visitors’ Service near the Reichstag Building, next to the Berlin Pavilion on the south side of Scheidemannstraße. If any free places are still available, you will be issued a booking confirmation entitling you to visit the dome; please note that this must be issued a minimum of two hours before the time of your visit. 

Important: To book your visit to the dome, you will need to provide the following information at the service centre: your last name, first name and date of birth. When registering in person at the service centre, you must also show official photo identification (e.g. passport, national ID card, driver’s licence, student or school pupil ID). Please ensure you bring the original , as copies of identification documents are not accepted .

The booking confirmation is issued to you personally and is non-transferable. You will be asked for proof of identity both upon registration and at the main entrance for visitors.

The service centre is open during the winter month (November 1 to March 31) from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs and in the summer months (April 1 to 31 October) from 8.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Attention: On weekends, the service centre is only open from 10.00 to 18.00 hrs. In addition, please note that the service centre closes at 14.00 hrs on Tuesdays during session weeks . 

The rooftop restaurant

The rooftop restaurant east of the dome is open daily from 9.00 to 17.00 hrs and from 19.00 hrs to midnight. Visitors who have already reserved a table can reach the rooftop restaurant via the entrance below and to the right of the West Portal (West C). Tables can be reserved by calling +49 (0)30 226-29933 or sending an email to: [email protected] .

Marginalspalte

Seite teilen.

• zur Hauptnavigation
• zum Bereichsmenü

The Berlin House of Representatives stands near the site of the former Berlin Wall, and today finds itself in the center of the reunified city. Together with the Martin Gropius Bau, the Topo­graphy of Terror, and the Bundesrat, it presents an arresting contrast to the flair of the new Potsdamer Platz.

The President, the Presidium, and the Council of Elders

The president directs and coordinates the work of the House of Representatives, assisted by the presidium and the Council of Elders, which he or she chairs

The parliament must convene for its constituent meeting, chaired by its oldest member, no later than six weeks after an election, in order to elect its president, its vice-presidents, and the additional members of the presidium and to lay down its rules of procedure. The president of the House of Representatives occupies a special position; with regard to protocol, he or she holds Berlin’s highest office. The president has the following responsibilities:

• Swear the Governing Mayor and the Senators into office,
• Oversee the business of the House of Representatives,
• Exercise proprietary and police powers over the building where the parliament holds its sessions,
• Represent the parliament,
• Convene and chair the meetings of the House of Representatives,
• Review all of the bills and interpellations intended for the parliament,
• Sign the laws that have been passed, and
• Head the parliament’s administration.

Along with the president, the presidium is comprised of two vice-presidents and a number of supporting members, who are nominated by the parliamentary groups. The Council of Elders assists the president with conducting the business of parliament, especially with preparing for plenary meetings. The Council, which includes the president and his or her deputies, is not necessarily composed of the oldest members of parliament, but of members of the executive committees of the parliamentary groups and those with many years of experience. The Council of Elders meets behind closed doors every Tuesday before a plenary session. It does not have the power to pass resolutions; rather, it makes recommendations to the plenary assembly. However, since these proposals are drafted with the involvement of the parliamentary groups’ representatives, they are usually approved by the parliament.

The plenary assembly

The plenary assembly or session is a general meeting of all the members of the parliament, i.e., all those who have been elected to the House of Representatives As a rule, plenary sessions take place every other Thursday. They usually begin at 10:00 a.m., although the parliament convenes earlier when Berlin’s state budget is on the agenda. The parliament’s key tasks include legislation, approving the budget, and electing and overseeing the state government. These are accomplished largely by the plenary assembly. The opening of the plenary assembly by the president is a debate on a subject of current interest. The parliamentary groups or a group of at least ten members of parliament can propose topics for this debate. If there is a choice of several topics, a vote is taken at the beginning of the session.  The debate is followed by a 60 minutes question time, during which members of parliament – particularly from the opposition – address spontaneous questions to representatives of the Berlin Senate. First or second readings of bills introduced either by the government or the parliament take place afterwards. The parliament uses motions as a means to induce Berlin’s government to take action on particular issues. The Senate can also submit items of business for a vote when it believes that there is a need for a decision on an issue. These submissions are discussed in committees and then voted on by the plenary assembly. Budget debates are of primary importance. After weeks of discussion in the parliament’s budget committee, the plenary assembly debates and passes the budget drafted by the Senate.

Committee deliberations form the “core” of the parliament’s work, since this is where the actual preparatory work is done As a rule, the parliament sets up a permanent committee for each of the Senate’s areas of responsibility. The parliamentary groups appoint members with particular expertise in that area to the individual committees. Committee members debate the bills submitted by either the Senate or the parliament and referred to their committee by the plenary assembly. The committee reports to the plenary assembly with a recommendation for a decision on each item it has been asked to consider. However, the committee may also address issues within its area of responsibility on its own initiative.   The Petitions Committee is an “advocate for citizens’ concerns.” Anyone who feels that he or she has been treated unfairly by some part of Berlin’s administration can file a complaint – also online – with the Petitions Committee with little formality. The Petitions Committee, with members from all of the parliamentary groups, will then investigate the charges. It has the right to monitor the activity of Berlin’s state agencies and institutions.

Committee of inquiry

The House of Representatives can set up a temporary committee of inquiry to investigate problems, situations in dispute, or political scandals Each committee of inquiry is set up to deal with just one particular subject of investigation. It is usually the opposition that petitions for the use of this powerful tool in the context of political conflict, with the aim of solving problems or monitoring the actions of the government in this area. The parliament chooses a committee chair and the other members of the committee, as well as their alternates. All of the parliamentary groups must be represented on the committee by at least one member. The committee can call witnesses and experts and request state government files. With some exceptions, the meetings of committees of inquiry are open to the public. The committee is required to present its findings in a final report and/or interim reports to the House of Representatives.

Study commissions

Study commissions explore future developments in society The parliament sets up study commissions in order to learn more before making major decisions affecting a particular policy or social area. A fourth of the parliament’s members can also unite in calling for a study commission to be convened. The commission’s task is to identify social changes and trends so the parliament can respond to these in its own initiatives. The parliament can appoint both its own members and experts outside the House of Representatives to sit on this commission. The study commission concludes its work with a final report submitted to the parliament.

The members of the parliament

The Constitution of Berlin gives the House of Representatives – the legislative branch – strong powers with regard to the Senate – the executive – in order to ensure that the rule of law is upheld The members of the Berlin parliament view themselves as “part-time legislators” and often continue to pursue their original professions. Due to the members’ increasing workload within the parliament, however, the number of full-time legislators continues to grow. Certain public service positions are incompatible with a parliamentary seat and must be given up for as long as the member holds the seat. The legislators’ most important tasks are:

• Electing the parliamentary president and the governing mayor
• Legislation for the federal state of Berlin
• Adopting the budget law
• Supervising the government
• Appointing the presidents of the highest state courts, the justices of the Constitutional Court, the president of the Court of Auditors, and the Commissioner for Data Protection  

The members have various instruments at their disposal that, in particular, help them with the task of overseeing the work of the government:  

• Minor interpellations, which every member of the parliament may address in writing to the Senate
• Oral parliamentary questions asked in the plenary assembly
• Major interpellations submitted by parliamentary groups
• The work done in the committees

Party discipline: Members of the parliament usually adhere to party discipline when voting in the plenary assembly and in committees, in order to bolster the political clout of their own parties. Occasionally, however, a member does not vote in line with his or her party for reasons of conscience. In its emphasis on protective rights like

• immunity (criminal prosecution is permitted only with the parliament’s consent),
• indemnity (no prosecution for statements made or votes cast in the exercise of one’s office), and
• members’ right to refuse to give evidence,

the Constitution of Berlin emphasizes the importance of the autonomy of members of the House of Representatives. The parliament’s members receive compensation for their work, in order to ensure their independence. Without this parliamentary pay, only the wealthy or those with high incomes could afford to hold office. As a result, the less affluent classes would not be represented in the parliament.

The parliamentary groups

The parliamentary groups are the political “backbone” of parliament – they make efficient legislative work possible Formation of parliamentary groups Since the parliament deals with so many policy areas, having to develop expertise in all of them would overwhelm the individual members. Those who belong to the same party thus join forces as a parliamentary group (called a “Fraktion” – a part of a whole). These groups must consist of at least the number of members required by law; this number and all other legal requirements are determined by the parliament’s rules of procedure and the law on parliamentary groups. Executive committee of a parliamentary group Members of each parliamentary group are elected by their peers to serve as the group’s executive committee: the chair, deputy chair, and secretary. The executive committee is responsible for organizing and setting the agenda for parliamentary group meetings. Work of the parliamentary groups The parliamentary group sets the general direction for a given party’s parliamentary work, launches political initiatives, and drafts the motions and bills to be submitted to the legislature. The various positions on upcoming issues are discussed during the parliamentary group meetings before a group resolution determines the stance that will be taken for the group by the spokesperson responsible for the policy area in question. The parliamentary groups’ representatives are a permanent channel for communication with the presidium, the Council of Elders, and the committees, as well as with groups and institutions outside the legislature. Constitution of Berlin, Article 40 (1) “An association of at least five percent of the minimum number of representatives laid down in the Constitution shall constitute a parliamentary group. Details shall be subject to the Rules of Procedure.” (2) “The parliamentary groups shall carry out constitutional responsibilities by directly using their own rights and responsibilities as independent and autonomous bodies of Parliament in cooperation with Parliament, and in helping form the will of Parliament. They shall be entitled to adequate resources in this respect. Details concerning the legal position and organization, as well as the rights and responsibilities, of parliamentary groups shall be subject to law.”

How are laws made

Berlin’s constitution stipulates that new laws may be proposed by the Senate, the House of Representatives, or the public Draft laws Draft laws, or bills – whether from the government, the parliament, or the public (in the form of a petition for a referendum) – are submitted to the president of the House of Representatives. Agenda Once the president has received a bill, the Council of Elders puts it on the agenda of one of the next few plenary meetings. The members receive a printed copy of this legislative proposal at least two days before the meeting. First reading In general, the legislature restricts itself to a discussion of basic issues in its first reading of a bill. Referral to a committee After the first reading, the bill is referred to the relevant committee for further deliberation, and the budget committee examines its potential financial consequences. The plenary assembly then receives a recommendation for a decision. Second reading Every bill must be given at least two readings; in special cases, the president or the Senate may request a third reading. The second reading is used to consider the individual sections and articles. Following deliberations, a vote is taken on each clause. Voting Once the voting on individual clauses has been concluded, a final vote is taken on the bill as a whole, which is adopted by a simple majority vote. Laws amending the constitution, however, require a two-thirds majority. The law must be signed by the president as soon as possible (i.e., without intentional delay). Promulgation/Entry into force The law is promulgated within two weeks by the governing mayor in the “Berlin Gazette of Laws and Ordinances.” If the law itself does not stipulate a date on which it is to take effect, it will enter into force automatically 14 days after being promulgated.

The administration

The services provided by the administration are vital to the smooth functioning of the House of Representatives The parliament’s administration is headed by the president, who is represented in this capacity by the director of the House of Representatives. The administration’s three directorates do preliminary work and coordinate and support the work done by the House of Representatives. General Administration (Directorate 1) is responsible for building administration, security, and technical services. Reference and Research Services (Directorate II) assists the president, the parliamentary groups, and the committees by providing consulting services and reports on legal questions in general and questions of constitutional and parliamentary law in particular. This directorate also includes the parliamentary library and the office for the documentation of parliamentary papers. These facilities are also open to the public. Plenary Assembly and Committee Services (Directorate III) provides support services to the plenary assembly and the committees. The staff is responsible for organizational and informational groundwork for the assembly and the committees. Directorate III also includes the Plenary and Committee Transcript Division, which takes the minutes of the various meetings. The transcripts of the plenary sessions and committee meetings that are open to the public can be read in the library of the House of Representatives or on the Internet. The media and protocol/public relations divisions report to the president’s office. The media division acts as a liaison for the print media, radio, and television. It issues the president’s statements and the press information service, as well as other materials. The protocol and public relations division is responsible for, among other things, planning and holding events and receptions hosted by the House of Representatives. It helps to promote dialogue between the parliament and the people of Berlin and publishes the press summary and information brochures. The Visitors’ Service is also part of the public relations division.

Art in the parliament

Art and politics converge on many levels in the Berlin House of Representatives Art plays an important role in defining the appearance of the parliament building – whether in the form of temporary exhibitions or in the gallery where portraits of Berlin’s honorary citizens are permanently on display. Gallery of Honorary Citizens Since 1808, the city of Berlin has bestowed the title of “honorary citizen” on individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the city. The portraits of some of these 116 men and women are displayed in the corridors to the right and left of the plenary chamber. The honorary citizens themselves choose the artists who will be making their portraits. Grand Hall A competition with the theme of “Kunst-am-Bau” (art and construction) was held to choose the artist who would be responsible for the artistic design of the grand hall. Gerhard Richter won the competition, and his five abstract panels, entitled “Rot, Blau, Grün” (Red, Blue, Green), were placed in the sections of the north wall. Gallery on the third floor The works of the artist Karl Horst Hoedicke, “Nur in der City lärmen und klagen die Musen” (Only in the city do the muses clamor and lament), which came in second in the competition, so impressed the jury that they were put on display as a permanent loan in the gallery on the third floor. Opposite these are sandstone pedestals supporting bronze heads of former politicians of the Weimar Republic, parliamentary presidents, and governing mayors. Casino The Berlin painter Matthias Koeppel captured the historic fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 in the form of a triptych illustrating three consecutive scenes based on the many sketches he had made of this event himself.

Berlin's electoral districts

A number of control mechanisms are in place to prevent fraud or abuse in Berlin’s elections Elections to the Berlin House of Representatives are decentralized. The many volunteers working in the polling places on election day help to ensure that the election runs smoothly. For example, voter lists are double-checked to verify that each voter is actually registered in that district. Only then does he or she receive an official ballot, to be filled out alone – as a “secret ballot” – in the voting booth. Since the borough assembly members are elected at the same time as the House of Representatives, election results are first recorded by the boroughs before being given to the state election officer, who then officially announces the outcome of the election for the House of Representatives. In order to ensure that election results accurately reflect the will of the voters, all unclear ballots are evaluated after the election by borough election committees to determine their validity.

The Governing Mayor

The Governing Mayor heads the Senate, Berlin’s state government Election law in Berlin does not require parties to name a top candidate, but the parties have traditionally presented the public with their candidates for the highest office in the state government. This tendency corresponds to a growing trend towards the personalization of election campaigns in general: “The candidate is the message.” As a result, once the parliament has been constituted, the top candidate of the party that won the election is usually elected by secret ballot to the office of governing mayor. The parliament elects the governing mayor with a majority of the votes cast, after which the governing mayor forms the Senate. The Governing Mayor

• represents Berlin,
• appoints and removes members of the Senate,
• proposes the number and scope of departments
• works with the Senate to determine the direction of government policy, and monitors adherence to this,
• chairs the Senate, casting the deciding vote when a Senate vote ends in a tie, and
• promulgates laws in the “Gesetz- und Verordnungsblatt für Berlin” (Berlin gazette of laws and ordinances).

The Berlin Senate

The government of the federal state of Berlin is the Senate, consisting of the Governing Mayor and ten Senators At the beginning of the legislative term, the governing mayor forms a Senate (equivalent to a cabinet). Each senator is appointed by the governing mayor; two of these are also his/her deputies (mayors). The senators do not have to be members of the parliament; the governing mayor is free to nominate candidates from outside the House of Representatives. The Senate meets every Tuesday at the Berlin Town Hall, making its decisions public in the press conference that follows.

• 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    

Berlin  

Europa experience berlin.

A whole new way to experience Europe

A whole new way to experience Europe: this is what awaits you in the EUROPA EXPERIENCE - the permanent exhibition in the European House Berlin.

Set up at the initiative of the European Parliament in cooperation with the European Commission, the EUROPA EXPERIENCE gives you the opportunity to find out more about European politics and, above all, how you can make a difference. All that in 24 European languages!

Take a seat in our 360° cinema and experience a plenary session of the European Parliament. Or take part in a role-play game where you slip directly into the role of a Member of the European Parliament or a Commissioner of the European Union.

You can also send greetings from Europe: send your family and friends a personal photo from the EUROPA EXPERIENCE!

Europe is in the heart of Berlin - We are looking forward to your visit!

Discover EUROPA EXPERIENCE at the Brandenburg Gate!

Open 360 days/year, accessibility.

• E-mail: [email protected]
• Mobile number: +49 (0)30 2280-2900

Follow the European Parliament on social media

• Check out the European Parliament on Facebook
• Check out the European Parliament on Twitter
• Check out the European Parliament on Instagram

Follow the European Commission on social media

• Check out the European Commission on Facebook
• Check out the European Commission on Twitter
• Check out the European Commission on Instagram

Visit our Multimedia Center

Embark on a free guided tour of our interactive media centre or explore it on your own. Get to know the EU in a simple and playful way with a unique insight into the essence of European integration, institutions, and European every day life.

• Explore how you can shape the future of Europe
• Get to know your representatives in the EU
• Learn how EU institutions work together
• Discover EU achievements in over 90 European cities
• Watch the personal stories on EU's benefits to our daily life

Event offers for Groups

We have a special offer for groups of 20 or more participants: you can register your school class or any other group for a visit to the European House / Europa Experience to take part in an interactive role-play or a general presentation about the European Union.

Due to the high demand, only one of the two options per group can be booked. Please note that requests should be made at least 4 weeks in advance. Participants should be at least 14 years old.

• Book your visit  

Interactive Role Play Game

Groups and school classes have the opportunity to take part in a simulation of a plenary session of the European Parliament from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The participants slip into the role of MEPs of a fictitious party and discuss a legislative proposal, which is usually based on real legislative initiatives from the European Commission. During the legislative process, changes resulting from the discussion can be introduced, and a vote is taken at the end.

No previous knowledge is required. The aim is to improve the understanding of European political processes. Number of participants: 20-38 participants, role-plays only in German.

• Book a Role Play Game  

General presentation on the EU

What does the EU do? How do MEPs work in Strasbourg? How does an EU law come into being? And what is the difference between the European Council and the Council of the European Union?

From these and other questions, the participants will get an insight into the European Union and its institutions: which tasks they have and how they work together.

The general presentations on the European Union are offered daily between 9 am and 4 pm (beginning of the presentation) in German and English and last about an hour. No previous knowledge is required. Number of participants: 20-60 participants.

• Book presentation DE  
• Book presentation  

Guided tours of the exhibition

If you would like a guided tour of the exhibition as a group, please contact us by mail and arrange a suitable time.

• Email  

Who is behind the exhibition and how long will it be on for? Is it a temporary or permanent exhibition?

In the exhibition, citizens learn how European policy is shaped and how they themselves can get involved. At the same time, the EUROPA EXPERIENCE is a place where the institutions show their willingness to talk to citizens, enter into discussions and answer questions.

In the permanent multimedia exhibition, visitors can find out how people in Europe live and how the European Union works. In a 360° cinema you can feel like a Member of Parliament and experience a plenary session of the European Parliament.

Who is represented in the European House?

The European House in Berlin Mitte, directly on Pariser Platz by the Brandenburg Gate, is the seat of the Liaison Office of the European Parliament in Germany and the Representation of the European Commission in Germany. The offices act as mediators between the European institutions and citizens as well as contact persons for authorities, multipliers, the press and the media in Germany. The European Commission also has regional representations in Bonn and Munich. The European Parliament has another liaison office in Munich.

With the exception of a few areas, the institutions work independently of each other. They have different orientations and focusses. Details of the roles of the two institutions can be found on the following websites:

• - Representation of the European Commission in Germany
• - Liaison Office of the European Parliament in Germany

Which COVID-19 rules do I have to adhere to during a visit to the EE?

The necessary COVID-19 protective measures for exhibitions and museums are decided by the Berlin Senate. The same rules and regulations as in the rest of Berlin are applicable to the EUROPA EXPERIENCE. If masks must be worn in closed areas, this will also apply to those visiting the EUROPA EXPERIENCE.

What is an appropriate age to visit the EUROPA EXPERIENCE? Is there anything for children?

The EUROPA EXPERIENCE offers information and entertainment for all age groups. Children, school classes, students and families will find a wealth of information about the European Union in all 24 official EU languages.

While adult visitors learn about the history and politics of the European Union, children are entertained at a multimedia table with videos and games. Brochures with quizzes, puzzles, coin-scratch pictures and coloring books are also on offer. The whole family can have their photo taken in a photo booth and email it around the world as an EUROPA EXPERIENCE greeting card.

For older pupils, there is a quiz tailored to different ages and interests, with which the information in the exhibition can be explored in a playful way. Just ask at the infodesk for more information about this.

Is it also possible to visit the EUROPA EXPERIENCE virtually from home?

The EUROPA EXPERIENCE is an exhibition that was designed to be visited in person for a personal ‘experience’. Visitors move freely through the exhibition without a predetermined path and decide for themselves which topic and which station they would like to explore next. Members of staff are always happy to answer questions relating to background information. The exhibition places ‘Europe at your fingertips’ and is not designed for the internet.

How and where can I visit the European institutions? Can I register for that here?

Visits to the individual EU institutions are the responsibility of the respective visitors’ services. The websites of the European Parliament and the European Commission provide information on what you need to know when preparing a visit.

The European Parliament offers visits to its three places of work – Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg – for individuals and for organised groups. Visits to the European Parliament last one to two hours and include an introduction to the role and work of the European Parliament by a speaker. If the parliamentary agenda allows, this may be followed by a discussion with a MEP. A list of German MEPs can be found here .

European Parliament visitors’ service: European Parliament, Visits and Seminars Unit, Paul-Henri-Spaak Building, Rue Wiertz 60/Wiertzstraat 60, B-1047 Brussels, Belgium

The European Commission offers guided tours for groups of 15 persons or more, which can also be combined with presentations on different EU policy areas to cater to individual interests. Demand is high, so visits should be booked at least 10 weeks in advance. More detailed information on the structure of a visit to the Commission, together with an online registration form, can be found here.

European Commission Visitors’ Centre: European Commission, Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 170, 1049 Brussels, Belgium

In addition, in Brussels there is also the possibility to visit a multimedia exhibition, PARLAMENTARIUM , which is open 7 days a week. In the PARTMENTARIUM, children and adults can embark on an interesting and original discovery of the institution which represents them in Europe. The PARLAMENTARIUM caters to all 24 official languages of the European Union. Admission is free of charge.

All citizens can also visit the House of European History in Brussels.

House of European History , Rue Belliard / Belliardstraat 135, Brussels, Belgium

What information can I get from the EUROPA EXPERIENCE? Is information also available in other languages?

The multimedia EUROPA EXPERIENCE is available in the 24 official EU languages. The highlight of the exhibition is a 360° cinema with 33 seats. Two films, which last a total of 20 minutes and which can also be followed using headphones in all official EU languages, present the work of the European Parliament and the current role of the EU.

The media station ‘United in diversity’ describes concrete regional EU projects and programmes in a series of short videos. At another video station, ‘Europe in everyday life’, individual Europeans tell us why and how they are committed to common European objectives in the fields of nature conservation, culture or linguistic diversity. Other media tables provide information on the history, policies and functioning of the European Union.

Children and young people can also discover the EU in a playful way at the media tables with puzzles and quizzes. There is also a comprehensive selection of topical brochures in German and other official EU languages.

The team at the EUROPA EXPERIENCE will be happy to help with selecting information and providing advice to those who are interested.

I do not have access to the internet, can I also receive information from you on specific topics? Where else can I get specialist information if I need it?

When you visit the EUROPA EXPERIENCE, the staff will also be happy to help you find specialist information. Often, our team will be able to point you to the right contact person or important sources of information.

We offer all visitors access to the websites of the EU institutions. You can research at your leisure and we will support you with a succinct printout of the most important information.

You can also access books, brochures, posters and academic reports in the EU Bookshop . Most publications are available in PDF format. However, many of the brochures can also be ordered in printed form, in all the languages in which they were published.

I am writing an essay on public relations in the EU. I also have some questions that I would like to ask the EUROPA EXPERIENCE in an interview. Who would be the right person to contact?

At the EUROPA EXPERIENCE, visitors can learn about the European Union or deepen the knowledge they already have. Our staff will also be happy to provide information on individual topics and specialist questions and can help with pointers to further information.

However, the exhibition is not a place for academic research. Staff members cannot give information or interviews that can be quoted in academic papers or journalistic reports. However, they will be happy to help you find the right contact person.

How can I lodge a complaint with the European institutions?

As the ‘Guardian of the Treaties’, the Commission is responsible for monitoring compliance with EU law in the Member States. Anyone who thinks that a Member State is infringing EU law can lodge a complaint about that Member State with the European Commission.

As the ‘Guardian of the Treaties’, the Commission is responsible for monitoring compliance with EU law in the Member States. Anyone who thinks that a Member State is infringing EU law can lodge a complaint about that Member State with the European Commission. To do so, it is recommended that complainants use the complaint form provided by the European Commission, which is available at the EUROPA EXPERIENCE.

Complaints can be sent to the European Commission in the form of a simple letter (European Commission, for the attention of the Secretary-General, B-1049 Brussels) or an e-mail ([email protected]).

Why are some texts of the EU institutions not available in German? I am urgently looking for topical information. Can you help me? Is there information available on current topics in German as well?

German is one of the 24 official languages of the European Union. This means that all legal documents such as treaties, legislation (laws) and decisions of the institutions are available in all official languages or have to be translated into all these languages. Non-legal documents, such as press releases, background information or preliminary versions of legal texts or websites that have not yet been published, do not have to be translated.

The European institutions also endeavour to translate as many publications as possible and thus make them accessible to as many people as possible, even when translation of such documents is not mandatory. However, issues of cost-effectiveness, the importance or urgency of the texts and the capacity of the translation services naturally play a role. This is why, for example, press releases, specialist information or websites occasionally appear only in certain languages. For other publications, it is possible that the translation will become available somewhat later.

I am currently preparing a Europe project week at my school. Can you provide me with videos and teaching materials on the EU?

The European Parliament and the European Commission provide teachers and pupils of all ages with brochures on the European Union, its history, institutions and policies. Teaching materials are also available online:

European Parliament:

• - Teaching materials
• - Publications to order

European Commission:

Where can I get information on the transposition of EU directives into German law? Can you provide me with information about this? You are the information centre in Germany, after all.

EU directives are legal acts of the European Union. Alongside regulations and decisions, they are the EU’s most important instrument for taking action. EU directives must be transposed into national law by the EU Member States. The choice of form and means is left to the Member States. The rights and obligations resulting from transposition must be clearly identifiable. This ensures that EU citizens can rely on them before national courts.

The European Commission checks whether the provisions of a directive have been fully and properly transposed into national law. On the website of the online database EUR-Lex you can find out the state of transposition into national law of each directive.

The European Commission produces an annual report on the transposition of EU law by the Member States and the main developments in that regard. You can find out more about directives and other forms of EU legislation on the European Union website .

Testimonials

David sassoli.

Eine exzellente Ausstellung die vor allem sehr informativ, innovativ und interaktiv ist. Die Infoartikel und Tafel bzw. Bildschirme sind alle sehr modern und regen quasi zum durchlesen an. Zu dem gibt es ein 360 Grad Kino und VR Brillen rund ums Thema Europa. Wirklich einen Besuch wert vor allem da es keinen Eintritt kostet.

Für einen kurzen oder auch langen Besuch geeignet. Lohnt sich auch wer nur wenig Zeit hat, da kostenlos. Nicht nur informativ sondern auch mit ein paar interaktiven Spielen zu Europa.

Small and clean. Smart technology and well made videos bring the EU Commission to life. Great location and easy to get in and out with the whole family in under 30 min.

An amazing way to get introduced to the history, functioning and meaning of the EU. The 360 cinema is impressive, and it'd be a mistake to not pick up some free literature! A must for anyone with even a passing interest in the most important political entity of our era.

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

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

German media: Zelensky to visit Berlin next week, speak in Bundestag

President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Berlin on June 11, where he is expected to speak in the Bundestag for the first time in person, German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported on June 7, citing its sources.

While Zelensky has previously spoken in the Bundestag via video connection, this would be the first time he would speak to the German parliament in person and would require MPs meeting for a special session, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said.

Zelensky's visit comes after Berlin recently issued a major U-turn , announcing that it was no longer against Ukraine using German and other Western-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had long opposed lifting the ban on Ukraine using Western-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia, citing concerns that the move would escalate the war.

Scholz told the Antenne Bayern radio station on June 3 that Ukraine's use of German and other Western-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia will not "contribute to escalation."

June 11 is also the first day of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, hosted in Berlin.

The event, which aims to mobilize international support for Ukraine's economic stabilization and war recovery, was held in 2023 in London. Zelensky gave a speech at the event in London via video connection.

Zelensky traveled to France on June 6 for the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy , following a visit to Qatar earlier in the week.

After Berlin, Zelensky's next international visit is expected to be to Italy for the Group of Seven (G7) summit on June 13, where he will likely call on Western partners to seize Russian assets to help fund Ukraine's defense and reconstruction.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian tugboat destroyed, Biden calls Putin ‘tyrant bent on domination’

We’ve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent .

Recommended Stories

Biden's job tally has now topped 15.6 million. voters haven't cared so far..

Another employment report buffeted Biden's jobs record. What remains to be seen is if voters give him credit.

Trump raises a reported $12 million from Silicon Valley in one night

Donald Trump traveled to Silicon Valley Thursday night and raised a reported $12 million from tech executives, a notable foray into a long-time Democratic stronghold.

Biden's coming new tariffs on China reflect 'lessons learned'

A sweeping White House move on China tariffs that is expected to be unveiled early next week "reflects lessons learned," according to a former official who was involved in the process.

Stock market today: Stocks waver after jobs report smashes expectations

Investors are looking to the monthly jobs report for signs of labor market cooldown pivotal to the odds for a rate cut.

Investors don't want a stronger economy — they want rate cuts: Morning Brief

Stock market bulls don't see the portfolio party ending under a new interest rate regime.

Ukraine’s best hope may be a faltering Russian economy

Sanctions are hurting Russia's economy more than President Vladimir Putin wants anybody to think. Keeping the pressure on might ultimately help Ukraine win.

Trump-friendly billionaires from Elon Musk to Bill Ackman offer new support following conviction

Donald Trump’s conviction on falsifying business records led to an immediate reaction from his stable of friendly billionaires.

Trump verdict: Here's how newspapers across the world covered the historic hush money trial

Trump is the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. Here's how publications around the world announced the guilty verdict.

Modi-led coalition's election win signals policy continuity in India — and spending cuts

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has emerged victorious in India's 2024 general election, but with a smaller majority compared to 2019. According to post-election analysis by Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, CLSA, UBS, Bernstein and Citi, this slimmer mandate may push the government — known for transforming India into a global manufacturing powerhouse and making investments in sectors to reduce the country's reliance on Western nations — to embrace a more populist stance in its third term, prioritizing the demands of lower-income segments and rural development.

Senate to vote on access to birth control, officials explain Angel Reese's game ejection and Netflix announces a 'Peaky Blinders' movie

Get caught up on this morning’s news: The Senate’s birth control vote, Angel Reese’s game ejection and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter

8 Trump losses in a row, and counting

Trump's latest legal defeat extends a remarkable losing streak.

US economy adds more jobs than expected in May as unemployment rate ticks higher

The headline jobs number came in hotter than expected, highlighting the Fed's difficulty in determining when to cut interest rates.

Biden to unveil tough new border restrictions, Spotify increases U.S. prices and Netflix releases 'Bridgerton' Part 2 trailer

Get caught up on this morning’s news: Biden’s new immigration restrictions, Spotify’s U.S. price hikes and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter

Billionaires in Silicon Valley are opening up to Trump. It's not just because of taxes.

Donald Trump is set for a major stop in the 2024 money race on Thursday when he travels to Silicon Valley for a high-profile fundraiser with tech billionaires.

Wall Street is having trouble getting 'too excited' about the US economy

Recent data hasn't been supporting the case for the US economy to once again surprise Wall Street to the upside in 2024.

Amid uncertainty around Social Security, here's what financial advisers are telling clients

One of the biggest retirement fears is a reduction in Social Security benefits. Here's what advisers say to do to prepare.

Trump takes off on TikTok

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump now has an account on the short-form video app that he once tried to ban. Trump’s TikTok account, which launched on Saturday night, features just one post as of publication time on Sunday morning. In the video, Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White declares, “The President is now on TikTok,” then Trump chimes in to say, “It’s my honor.”

Supreme Court decision guide: A breakdown of major cases and rulings expected in June and early July

The U.S. Supreme Court will be issuing decisions in a number of high-stakes cases concerning hot-button issues like abortion, gun access and former president Trump's criminal cases. Here's a guide to some of the major cases the justices will rule on in the coming weeks.

The coming Supreme Court decisions that could ripple across the business world

The nation's highest court is expected to make rulings that could limit the reach of social media, the ability of federal agencies to crack down on companies, and the power of bankruptcy courts to shield powerful parties from liability.

Biden gets Trumpy on immigration

Biden is taking new action to limit migrant crossings while insisting his policies are more humane than Trump's.

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.

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

• 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.

Inside and Around the Parliament

Kurze 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

Ähnliche 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

Rooftop Garden Restaurant Käfer in the German Bundestag

Breakfast in the centre of power

The German Bundestag, the only parliament building in the world housing a public restaurant. The rooftop garden restaurant right next to the glass-dome in the centre of power offers, accompanied by a breathtaking view over the city, modern German cuisine, exclusively with fresh regional produce. Attention: Reservation is necessary - at least 48 hours in advance.

• Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
• Share on X Share on X
• Share by email Share by email
• Print page Print page

Käfer Dachgarten-Restaurant Platz der Republik 1 10557   Berlin

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.