Berlin is a city I could visit again and again. I love its gritty, artistic vibe and its fascinating, often tragically sad, history.
For years, one of its most iconic landmarks, the Reichstag Building, remained just a picture in a travel guide for me. But on a friend’s insistence, I finally made the visit, and what I discovered was not just a building, but a story of resilience, rebirth, and redemption etched in stone and glass.
It’s a place that has been burned, bombed, and bordered by the Berlin Wall, only to rise again as a powerful symbol of a unified, transparent democracy.
Visiting the Reichstag is more than just ticking a box; it’s an essential Berlin experience that offers breathtaking views and a profound connection to history. And the best part? It’s completely free to visit the famous glass dome.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make it happen, from securing your spot to understanding the layers of history beneath your feet.
Can You Visit the Reichstag Building? Yes, and It’s Free!
Absolutely! The Reichstag Building is one of Berlin’s most popular attractions, and visiting the spectacular glass dome and rooftop terrace is free of charge for the public.
However, due to the building’s importance as the seat of the German parliament (the Bundestag) and for security reasons, you must register in advance.
Spontaneous visits are sometimes possible but are not guaranteed, so booking ahead is essential to avoid disappointment.
How to Book Your Reichstag Visit (3 Essential Options)
There are three main ways to secure your visit. All require you to provide the full name and date of birth for every person in your group.
Option 1: Booking Online in Advance (Recommended)
This is the best and most reliable way to guarantee your entry. You can register for free on the official German Bundestag website.
- How to Book: Use the official online registration form. You can choose from several visit types, including a visit to the dome, a guided tour, or attending a plenary session.
- Book Early: Time slots fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. It is highly recommended to book your visit several weeks, or even a month, in advance to get your preferred date and time.
- Required Information: You will need to provide the last name, first name, and date of birth for each visitor during the booking process.
- Confirmation: Your visit is not booked until you receive an official booking confirmation by email from the Visitors’ Service.
Option 2: Spontaneous On-the-Day Registration
If you didn’t book in advance, you might still have a chance. If there are free places, you can register in person at the service office located near the Reichstag Building.
- Location: The service office is located next to the Berlin Pavilion on the southern side of Scheidemannstraße.
- How it Works: You can register for any available time slots within the next two days. Be prepared for long lines, and know that availability is not guaranteed.
- ID Required: You will need an original official photo ID to register.
Option 3: Booking the Rooftop Restaurant (The Käfer Hack)
A clever way to gain access to the building is by making a reservation at the Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant, located on the roof of the Reichstag.
- How it Works: Book a table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A restaurant reservation grants you access to the building, allowing you to visit the dome as well.
- Cost: While the reservation itself is free, you are expected to dine at the restaurant, which can be expensive.
- Booking: You can make a reservation directly with the restaurant online.
Planning Your Visit: Key Information at a Glance
Opening Hours & Best Times to Visit
- Hours: The dome and roof terrace are typically open daily from 8:00 AM to midnight, with the last admission at 10:00 PM.
- Best Time: To avoid the largest crowds, try to book your visit on a weekday. Weekends and holidays are significantly busier. A visit around sunset can offer spectacular views over the city.
- Closures: Be aware that the dome can close temporarily for cleaning, parliamentary business, or specific weather conditions.
Location, Address & How to Get There
- Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany.
- By Public Transport: The Reichstag is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport.
- U-Bahn: The nearest station is “Bundestag” on the U5 line.
- Bus: Routes 100 and M41 stop nearby.
- On Foot: It is a short walk from other major landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
Security Rules & Prohibited Items: Know Before You Go
Security is taken very seriously. To ensure a smooth entry, follow these rules:
- Valid Photo ID is Mandatory: Every visitor must present an original, valid photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. Copies are not accepted.
- No Large Bags: Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks are not allowed inside. There are no cloakroom or storage facilities on site, so travel light.
- Security Check: Expect an airport-style security check. All visitors and their belongings will be subject to an X-ray examination.
- Prohibited Items: Weapons, hazardous items, and drink bottles are not permitted.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed, with the exception of certified service animals (it is recommended to check with authorities in advance).
Reichstag vs. Bundestag: What’s the Difference?
This is a common point of confusion for visitors. The distinction is simple :
- The Reichstag (full name: Reichstagsgebäude) is the name of the historic building itself.
- The Bundestag (“Federal Diet”) is the institution—the modern German federal parliament—that holds its sessions inside the Reichstag building.
So, when you visit, you are going to the Reichstag building to see where the Bundestag works.
What to See Inside: A Tour of the Reichstag Building
The Famous Glass Dome and Rooftop Terrace
The highlight for most visitors is Sir Norman Foster’s magnificent glass dome. As you ascend the spiral ramp, a free audio guide provides fascinating commentary on the surrounding cityscape and the building’s history.
The dome is not just an architectural marvel; it’s a powerful symbol of transparency, allowing the public to look down into the parliamentary chamber below, signifying that the people are always above the government.
From the rooftop, you get a stunning 360-degree view of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.
The Plenary Chamber (Home of the Bundestag)
From within the dome, you can peer down into the main hall where Germany’s political debates take place.
The chamber is illuminated by natural light directed down by a mirrored cone in the center of the dome, another feature of the building’s commitment to sustainability and green technology.
Historical Exhibits and Preserved Soviet Graffiti
Don’t miss the historical exhibits inside the building. One of the most poignant features is the preserved Cyrillic graffiti left by Soviet soldiers after they captured the building in the final days of the Battle of Berlin in 1945.
After much debate, these markings were intentionally kept as a permanent and powerful reminder of Germany’s turbulent history.
The Rich History of the Reichstag Building
From Imperial Diet to the Weimar Republic
Completed in 1894 to a design by Paul Wallot, the Reichstag first housed the Imperial Diet of the German Empire.
In 1918, it was from a balcony of this building that politician Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed the institution of the German Republic, marking a pivotal shift away from monarchy.
The 1933 Reichstag Fire: A Turning Point for Germany
On February 27, 1933, a devastating fire tore through the building.
The Nazis blamed the fire on their political opponents, the Communists, and used the event as a pretext to pass emergency decrees that suspended civil liberties and paved the way for Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship.
The building was left unusable and was not used for parliamentary sessions during the Nazi regime.
Ruin and Neglect: WWII and the Cold War
The Reichstag was further damaged by Allied bombing during World War II and became a primary target for the Red Army during the Battle of Berlin in 1945.
The iconic photograph of Soviet soldiers raising their flag over the ruined building symbolized the defeat of Nazi Germany.
After the war, the bombed-out hulk stood in West Berlin, right next to the newly erected Berlin Wall, a silent monument to a divided nation.
The Christo “Wrapped Reichstag” and Rebirth by Norman Foster
After German reunification in 1990, the decision was made to restore the Reichstag as the home of the new national parliament.
Before reconstruction began, the artist couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude famously “wrapped” the entire building in silver fabric in 1995, an art installation that drew millions of visitors.
British architect Sir Norman Foster then led the visionary reconstruction, gutting the interior while preserving the historic facade and adding the iconic glass dome that has defined it ever since.
