No trip to Berlin is complete without visiting one of the city’s most iconic landmarks — the Reichstag.
Located just beside the Brandenburg Gate, this historic building is home to the German parliament and stands as a powerful symbol of Germany’s democracy and reunification. With its striking glass dome and panoramic rooftop views, it’s also one of the most fascinating attractions in the city.
If you’re planning to visit, here’s everything you need to know about the Reichstag dome tour, its history, and how to book your visit.
- The History of the Reichstag
- Types of Reichstag Tours Available
- How to Book Your Reichstag Visit
- Why the Reichstag Is One of Berlin’s Must-See Attractions
The History of the Reichstag
The Reichstag building first opened in 1894 as the home of the German parliament.
However, its place in history was sealed in 1933, when a devastating fire destroyed much of the building. The Reichstag Fire became a turning point in German history, allowing Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to consolidate power and dismantle democratic institutions.
Following World War II, the damaged building remained largely unused for many years. It wasn’t until the 1960s that restoration work began after engineers confirmed that the structure was safe to use again.
After the reunification of Germany, the Reichstag took on a new symbolic meaning as the seat of the country’s democratic government.
One of the most striking features of the building today — the glass dome — was added during the major renovation in the 1990s, designed by British architect Norman Foster. The dome was intentionally created as a symbol of transparency in government, allowing visitors to literally look down into the parliamentary chamber below.
Today, the Reichstag stands as both a historic monument and an active political building.
Types of Reichstag Tours Available
Visitors can experience the Reichstag in several ways, depending on how much time they have and how deeply they want to explore the building.
Dome and Roof Terrace Visit
The most popular option is the Dome and Roof Terrace visit.
After passing through security, visitors take a large glass elevator to the rooftop terrace. From there, you can walk around the roof before beginning the spiral path that winds up through the famous glass dome.
An audio guide is provided during the walk, explaining both the architecture of the building and the landmarks visible across Berlin.
From the top, you’ll enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city, including sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten park, and Berlin’s skyline.
Because this is one of Berlin’s most popular attractions, it’s recommended to book your visit at least two weeks in advance.
90-Minute Guided Tour
For those interested in learning more about German politics and history, the 90-minute guided tour is a great option.
This tour includes:
- an explanation of how the German parliament functions
- the history of the Reichstag building
- insights into its architecture and renovation
- access to the glass dome and rooftop terrace
Since these tours are more limited, it’s best to book at least one month in advance if possible.
How to Book Your Reichstag Visit
Entry to the Reichstag is completely free, but advance registration is now required for security reasons.
You can book your visit online through the official Bundestag website.
During the booking process, you’ll need to:
- Submit a request for your preferred date and time.
- Confirm the booking via a link sent to your email.
- Provide the names and dates of birth for everyone in your group.
Although it is technically possible to request entry in person on the day, this is not recommended — especially if you’re only visiting Berlin for a short time.
In-person requests may only be offered last-minute time slots, which could be anywhere from two hours to two days after your request.
Booking in advance is by far the easiest way to guarantee your visit.
Why the Reichstag Is One of Berlin’s Must-See Attractions
The Reichstag offers something unique compared with many historic buildings.
It isn’t just a monument to the past — it’s a working symbol of modern democracy.
Walking through the glass dome while looking down into the parliamentary chamber is a powerful reminder of Germany’s commitment to political transparency after its turbulent history.
Combined with the incredible views across Berlin, it’s easy to see why the Reichstag remains one of the city’s most popular and meaningful attractions.
If you’re visiting Berlin, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
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