The Reichstag Building (Reichstagsgebäude) is the heart of German democracy and one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. It houses the Bundestag (German Federal Parliament). A visit here offers a unique blend of 19th-century architecture, modern transparency (symbolized by the glass dome), and live politics.
What to expect at Reichstag
You are entering a high-security government building where parliament is actively in session.
- The Glass Dome: Designed by Norman Foster, this 360-degree viewing platform is the highlight. You walk up a spiral ramp to the top, looking down into the debating chamber below—a literal metaphor for “the people above the government.”
- The Roof Terrace: A spacious outdoor area offering sweeping views of the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin skyline.
- Soviet Graffiti: During the renovations, workers uncovered Cyrillic graffiti left by Soviet soldiers who stormed the building in 1945. Sections of these historical markings have been preserved on the walls and can be seen during guided tours.
- Security: Expect airport-style security. You will pass through metal detectors, and your bags will be x-rayed.
- Audio Guide: A smart, location-aware audio guide that explains landmarks as you walk up the dome ramp.
Reichstag tickets
- Admission is Free: There is no entrance fee to visit the Reichstag, the dome, or the roof terrace.
- Mandatory Booking: While it is free, you cannot just show up. You must book a specific time slot in advance.
- Identification: You must bring a valid passport or ID card (originals, not copies) that matches the name on your booking. Without it, you will be denied entry.
Reichstag free with Berlin Welcome Card
- Not Applicable: Since entry to the Reichstag is already free for everyone, the Berlin Welcome Card does not provide any specific financial benefit or “skip-the-line” privilege here.
- Third-Party Tours: Some private tour companies offer “Government District” walking tours that are discounted with the Welcome Card, but these usually only take you to the outside of the building or include the free registration service as part of a paid package.
Reichstag tours in German
The Bundestag offers free guided tours of the building in German.
- Standard Tour: Lasts approximately 90 minutes. It covers the history of the building, the parliamentary system, and includes a visit to the Plenary Chamber.
- Art & Architecture Tour: Focuses on the building’s art collection and Norman Foster’s design.
- Family Tours: Special simplified tours for families with children (usually on weekends).
- Foreign Language Tours: While German is standard, tours are also available in English, French, and other languages upon request, but availability is lower.
How to get to Reichstag
The building is located at Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin.
- By U-Bahn (Subway): Take the U5 line to the station Bundestag. The exit is literally right in front of the building.
- By S-Bahn (Train): Take the S1, S2, S25, or S26 to Brandenburger Tor. It is a roughly 8-minute walk from there.
- By Bus: The famous Bus 100 stops at Reichstag/Bundestag. This is a scenic route that passes many major sights.
- On Foot: It is a short 5-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate.
Reichstag opening hours
- Dome & Roof Terrace: Daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight).
- Last Admission: 9:45 PM.
- Closures: The dome closes for maintenance a few times a year (usually in spring and autumn) and on December 24th (all day) and December 31st (from 4:00 PM).
- Parliament Sittings: During plenary sessions, the dome remains open, but the Plenary Chamber viewing galleries may have restricted access or require special separate bookings to watch a debate.
Best time to visit Reichstag
- Weekday Mornings (8:30 AM): The quietest time with the shortest security lines.
- Sunset: Booking a slot about 45 minutes before sunset allows you to see the city by day, watch the sun go down, and see the lights come on—the most magical experience.
- Late Night: Visiting after 10:00 PM is serene and offers a beautiful view of illuminated Berlin.
How long does Reichstag take?
- Dome Visit Only: 60 minutes (including security).
- Guided Tour: 90 minutes + time in the dome afterwards.
- Audio Guide Walk: The listening experience in the dome takes about 20 minutes to walk up and down.
Reichstag visit – registration is a must
- Online: You must register on the official Bundestag website (bundestag.de). Requests can be made for the current month and the next month. You will need the full names and dates of birth of every person in your group.
- Confirmation: A request is not a ticket. You must wait for a confirmation email/PDF.
- Spontaneous Visits: If you didn’t book, there is a service container across the street (near the Berlin Pavilion) where you can check for last-minute cancellations. Bring your ID. Slots are rare in summer, so do not rely on this.
Käfer – Reichstag restaurant
Located on the roof, next to the dome, Käfer Dachgarten-Restaurant is the only public restaurant in a parliamentary building worldwide.
- Reservation Required: You must book a table in advance (breakfast, lunch, or dinner).
- Secret Entry: A reservation here acts as your entry ticket! You use a separate entrance (usually faster) and do not need a separate dome booking. You can visit the dome freely before or after your meal.
- Prices: It is upscale German cuisine. Expect to pay premium prices for the view and exclusivity.
Reichstag’s audio guide
- Cost: Free.
- How it works: You pick up the device on the roof terrace before entering the dome.
- Features: As you walk up the ramp, the guide uses sensors to know where you are and automatically plays commentary about the buildings you are seeing out the window (e.g., “To your left is the Charité hospital…”).
- Languages: Available in 11 languages, plus a special version for children and “Easy Language” German.
Reichstag’s dome
- Structure: It is an 800-ton steel and glass structure.
- The Cone: In the center is a mirrored cone that reflects natural daylight down into the debating chamber below, reducing the building’s energy consumption.
- Open Air: The top of the dome is open to the elements (an “oculus”), allowing fresh air to circulate. When it rains, the water is collected and recycled.
Reichstag’s Plenary Chamber
- Viewing: You can look into the Plenary Chamber (Plenarsaal) from the glass dome above.
- Lectures: When parliament is not sitting, you can book a free 45-minute lecture in the visitors’ gallery overlooking the blue seats. This explains how the German political system works.
- Live Debates: When parliament is sitting, you can book to sit in the gallery and watch live debates. These slots are extremely popular and must be booked months in advance.
German Bundestag’s exhibition
- In the Building: Inside the Reichstag, there are displays about the history of the building and the parliamentary system.
- Deutscher Dom: The main “Historical Exhibition of the German Bundestag” is actually located nearby at the Deutscher Dom on Gendarmenmarkt. It is titled Wege – Irrwege – Umwege (Paths – Wrong Turns – Detours) and covers the development of German parliamentary democracy over five floors. It is also free to enter.
