Reichstag

Climb the spiral walkway of the Reichstag’s multi-tiered glass dome to enjoy panoramic views of Berlin from the rooftop terrace and restaurant, take an audio tour, or stroll the vast lawn to admire the building’s striking facade. For an in-depth look at the Reichstag’s pivotal role in German history, visit on a guided walking or bike tour of the Government District. It’s also possible to admire the building’s exterior on a Berlin city tour, pass by on a scenic cruise along the River Spree, or visit on hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

• The Reichstag building is a must-see for first-time visitors to Berlin.

• Entrance to the Reichstag is free, but visitors must register in advance at the German Bundestag Service Centre.

• All visitors must present a passport or official identification card upon arrival.

• Security checks are carried out on all belongings; large bags are not allowed inside.

• Audio guides are available in 11 different languages.

• The Reichstag is fully wheelchair accessible.

The Reichstag is located on Scheidemannstraße in West Berlin, at the northeastern corner of Tiergarten Park. The closest U-Bahn and S-Bahn station is Brandenburger Tor. The building is also a short walk from neighboring attractions such as Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (the Holocaust Memorial), and Potsdamer Platz.

The Reichstag is open daily until midnight. It can get extremely busy, especially during summer, so it’s best to visit on a weekday or choose an early-morning time slot to avoid crowds. For a picturesque experience, visit the glass dome after nightfall to enjoy a dazzling view of Berlin’s illuminated skyline.

The original Reichstag building—a neo-Renaissance design by Paul Wallot—opened its doors in 1894. It was the seat of the German Parliament (the Bundestag) until Hitler took office in 1933, when the building was badly damaged by a fire and abandoned. Further damaged by World War II bombing, the Reichstag served as a museum throughout the Cold War. Finally, it was restored and reopened in 1990 after the German Reunification, complete with its now-iconic glass dome—the creation of acclaimed British architect Norman Foster.

It usually takes an average of around 90 minutes to go on a guided tour around the Reichstag Building. However, tour durations may vary depending on what type of tour you choose. Also, some tours may showcase other important Berlin landmarks nearby, such as the Brandenburg Gate.

Arriving early in the morning is a good way to beat the crowds at Reichstag. However, for beautiful 360-degree views of Berlin from the building’s glass dome, it’s well worth booking a reservation in advance to visit close to sunset. As well as the dome, there’s also a rooftop restaurant, too.

Yes, you can take photos in the Reichstag; however, these photos should be for personal use—not commercial use—and it’s best to leave your tripod at home. The dome of the building offers 360-degree views of Berlin, so it's an ideal spot for getting those perfect panoramic shots.

Yes, a guided tour of the Reichstag is worth it, especially if you’d like to learn more about the history of the building, the workings of the German parliament, and the building’s Neo-Renaissance architectural features. There are also special family friendly–themed tours or tours that focus on art and architecture.

Yes, the Reichstag is a wheelchair-accessible venue. There’s a ramp at the West C entrance, a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, and the rooftop restaurant is accessible, too. Once inside, wheelchairs are available on loan, and for deaf travelers, sign-language interpreters can be provided for groups of 10 or more people.

One of the most amazing things to see in Reichstag is its glass dome, where you can access 360-degree views of Berlin’s government and parliamentary district from above. Additionally, there’s a rooftop restaurant that makes a great dinner spot, and with prior reservations, watch the German Parliament in action.