Politics · Architecture
Reichstag Building
Seat of the German Bundestag, with a walk-up glass dome by Norman Foster and views over the government quarter.
Completed in 1894, the Reichstag Building has housed the German Bundestag since 1999, making it the heart of the country's parliamentary democracy. After the 1933 fire, wartime destruction and its position right against the Wall, it was fundamentally rebuilt by Norman Foster following reunification. Its most famous feature is the glass dome that seems to float symbolically above the plenary chamber.
Visiting the dome is free but requires advance online registration with ID details, since this is a secure building. Two spiral ramps lead to the top, and an audio guide explains the views over the Tiergarten, the Brandenburg Gate and the government quarter. On a clear day the panorama reaches far across the city center.
If your schedule is flexible, plan your visit for the blue hour, when the city lies in twilight. Families and history buffs should also take in the building from outside, with its inscription "Dem Deutschen Volke" (To the German People). The Chancellery and the Paul-Löbe-Haus stand right next door along the bend of the Spree.
Frequently asked
What to know about Reichstag Building
Do I need to register for the Reichstag dome?
Yes, visiting the dome is free but only possible with advance online registration. You need ID details for every visitor, as it is a secure area.
How much does a visit cost?
Access to the dome and the roof terrace is free. Fees only apply for guided tours or the restaurant.
Is it worth visiting in the evening?
Yes. The dome is open until late, and the view over the floodlit government quarter at the blue hour is especially striking.
Nearby & related
Pairs well with this
More attractions that combine nicely with a visit to Reichstag Building.
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin's most famous landmark on Pariser Platz, transformed from a symbol of division into a symbol of unity.
Großer Tiergarten
Berlin's green lung in the center of the city, with wide lawns, lakes and shady avenues.
Holocaust Memorial
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, with 2,711 concrete steles near the Brandenburg Gate.
More in Mitte
More attractions in Mitte
Other highlights in the same district that pair well with a visit to Reichstag Building.
Museum Island
Five world-famous museums on an island in the Spree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Berlin Cathedral
A monumental Protestant church on the Lustgarten with a walk-up dome and views over Museum Island.
Berlin TV Tower
At 368 meters the tallest structure in Germany, with an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.
Gendarmenmarkt
One of the most beautiful squares in Berlin, with the Konzerthaus and the German and French cathedrals.
Stay in the neighborhood
Find hotels in Mitte
Planning a visit to Reichstag Building? Here you'll find places to stay in the Mitte district.
Tours & tickets around Reichstag Building
Guided walks, skip-the-line tickets and experiences around Reichstag Building. A curated selection from GetYourGuide, bookable directly.
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