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Reichstag Building
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · DE

Reichstag Building

Getting around: Near the Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin; walk from Brandenburger Tor station or take bus 100, about 5 minutes on foot from Pariser Platz.
Hours: The dome is open daily roughly 8am-midnight (last entry 9:45pm), but visits require free advance online registration — walk-ups without a reservation are generally turned away.

The Reichstag has housed the German parliament since reunification, and its most visited feature is Norman Foster's glass dome added in the 1999 renovation, which spirals up over the debating chamber and offers a 360-degree view of Berlin. The building itself carries heavy history — the 1933 fire used to justify Nazi emergency powers, its shelled ruin at the end of WWII, and its restoration as a symbol of reunified German democracy.

The dome visit is free but requires registering online in advance, often weeks ahead in peak season; security is airport-style. Combined with the surrounding government quarter and nearby Tiergarten, it's an easy anchor for a morning in central Berlin.

Reichstag Building FAQs

Do I need a reservation to visit the dome?

Yes, free advance online registration is required, and slots can book out weeks ahead in summer — walk-in access is not guaranteed.

Is entry free?

Yes, visiting the dome is free, but you must register in advance and bring photo ID.

How long does the visit take?

The dome itself takes about 30-45 minutes including the spiral ramp and audio guide.

Can you see inside the parliamentary chamber?

You can view down into the plenary chamber from the dome level, though you're not inside the working chamber itself.

What security is involved?

Airport-style security screening is required, and you'll need to arrive with the ID used for registration.

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