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The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Parliament, and is one of the most popular landmarks to visit in Berlin.  The word ‘Reichstag’ or Imperial Diet means ‘Building’ while the word ‘Bundestag’(Federal Diet) means ‘institution’.

Reichstag Building – History

The building’s original design was by Paul Wallot, the historical edifice was created on the site where an old palace once stood. The Reichstag was used by German Empire parliament up until 1918.

The Weinar Republic during the period 1919 to 1913 had its parliament in the same building. The Reichstag Fire which caused arson in the Reichstag on February 27, 1933  is one of the crucial factors in the formation of Nazi Germany. In other words, the building was seized from the Weinar Republic by the Nazis in 1933.

The third German empire in history, called The Third Reich, hardly used Reichstag as its parliament, due to which it remains unused and desolate till the reunification of Germany in 1990. In the year 1999, British architect Lord Norman Foster reconstructed and redesigned  the Reichstag to its present-day marvel which is visited by tourists across the world. After the construction was completed, the seat of Bundestag was formed on April, 1999.

Reichstag Building and Dome – Architecture

The Reichstag Dome is a symbol of the German reunification; the distinctive glass dome feature makes it one of the desirable landmarks in Berlin. The Bundestag, or the actual Parliament where debates are held, is below and can be seen through a mirrored conical shaped architecture. This cone emits sunlight into the building, so that people can see how the parliament functions. The dome can be traversed by walking along dual-steel ramps which look like double helix. The Dome shows that people are above the government

Norman Foster has made the Reichstag Dome as an environmentally friendly structure. Due to energy efficiency features like the mirrored cone making use of the daylight in a resourceful manner, there has been a significant reduction of carbon emissions. The Reichstag Dome is the huge, stellar glass dome at the top of Reichstag.  The dome gives a 360 degree view of the encompassing Berlin landscape. One can see the main Parliament hall from inside the dome. There is a huge sun shield that monitors the sunlight intensity digitally and bars direct sunlight from affecting the patrons who come to visit the glass dome.

The Reichstag Dome and its futuristic design signifies Berlin’s move away from the past dark Nazi confines to a bright, unified future.

The award winning architect Norman Foster won a commissioned contract to rebuild and design the Reichstag hailing back to the year 1933. The intial design was that of an umbrella but the ideas was rejected because it involved heavy costs. The idea was reworked on and also took some inspiration from Gottfried Böhm, another award winning architect who suggested a glass-based cupola and spiral routes for visitors to walk around it, in 1988.

Opening hours of The Reichstag Building

It is open between 8 AM and 10 PM. Patrons usually spend about 2 hours in the building dome.

Reichstag Building -Dome – How to book tickets

The visit to The Reichstag Building and the Dome is free of cost. However, you have to register online. You can go to this link and book your visit. https://visite.bundestag.de/BAPWeb/pages/createBookingRequest.jsf?lang=en

You are usual given three time slots to choose; you have to prioritize the most likely time you would visit. Then on the basis of the availability, a particular time slot is given to you. One of the features of the tour is the audio-guide which is available in the languages of your choice.

Reichstag Building Dome – Best time to Visit

The best time to visit the dome can be anytime, but it looks even more fascinating just before sunset.

Rooftop Restaurant

There is a rooftop restaurant on the eastern section of the dome which opens from 9 am to 4.30 pm and from 6.30 pm till midnight. One can also reserve the restaurant table by emailing kaeferreservierung.berlin@feinkost-kaefer.de. Or calling +49 (0)30 226-29933

Reichstag Building – Contact Information

You can contact visitors services (not for booking) by calling +49 30/227-32152 or +49/30 227-35908

Reichstag Building, Dome Pictures (Night)

Reichstag Dome, Building Pictures (Day)