Unique/Eco Architecture with Great Views AND it’s FREE*? Count me in! (Guide: Reichstag, Berlin, Germany)
One of the top sights to visit in Berlin is free! *Well this can be free if you learn from my mistake and plan ahead.
Whether you’re captivated by Berlin’s skyline, intrigued by German history, or inspired by transparent governance, the Reichstag is a must-see highlight of any Berlin itinerary. Learn all about this very cool experience that I had in Berlin before the start of my comped MSC Baltics cruise!
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BERLIN Logistics
Language / Communication:
GERMAN: Hallo – hello – informal (hâ-loh) | Guten Tag/Abend – good day/evening (gooh-ten tahk/ah-bent) | Auf Wiedersehen – good bye (ouf vee-der-zey-en) | Entschuldigung– excuse me (ênt-shool-dee-goong) | Bitte – please/you’re welcome (bi-te) | Danke – thank you (dân-ke)
English was spoken throughout Berlin, especially in tourist areas.
Currency: / Money Matters
Euro (ISK) 1 USD = 130.58 ISK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE)
Credit cards were accepted (Visa and Mastercard) but there are some places that only take cash (Euros). Tipping is optional in Germany. For restaurants, some people round up €1 or €1 (ie if your meal is €17.30, leave €18 or €19. Others may tip 10% for table service.
Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital, is a city where history and modern creativity collide. From the remnants of the Berlin Wall to the cutting-edge art scene and bustling food markets, Berlin offers endless ways to explore its unique culture. Landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the Reichstag Building showcase its transformation from a divided city to a thriving metropolis. Whether you’re drawn by history, architecture or nightlife, Berlin delivers an unforgettable experience year-round.
One of the reasons why I love GetYourGuide is that they have this awesome part of their site dedicated to Trip Inspiration with City Guides
History of the Reichstag Building and the Bundestag
The Reichstag was originally constructed between 1884 and 1894 by architect Paul Wallot as the home of the German Empire’s parliament. Built in the Neo-Renaissance style, it reflected the ambitions of a newly unified Germany. Its most striking early feature was a large iron-and-glass dome which was revolutionary for the era.
After the Reichstag Fire of 1933 and severe damage during World War II, the building stood in ruins for decades. During the Cold War, the Berlin Wall left the Reichstag isolated in the border zone, a haunting symbol of division.
After reunification in 1990, the Reichstag was chosen once again to house the German parliament. The Bundestag is the lower house of Germany’s federal parliament, comprising over 700 members elected every four years. Its duties include passing laws, overseeing the government, and shaping Germany’s foreign and domestic policy.
Architecture of the Reichstag: A Symbol of Transparency
British architect Sir Norman Foster was tasked with leading the massive reconstruction that lasted from 1994 to 1999. He chose to blend historical preservation with sustainable modern design. With the result being one of the most innovative parliamentary buildings in the world as his redesign masterfully integrates 19th-century stonework with 21st-century technology.
The restored exterior preserves Wallot’s monumental façades, columns, and inscriptions — including the historic motto “Dem Deutschen Volke” (To the German People) added in 1916.
Inside, Foster stripped away the war-scarred interior and introduced glass, steel, and open spaces to embody the ideals of openness and democracy. Visitors can literally look down through the glass dome into the debating chamber, reinforcing the principle that government is visible and accountable to the people.
REICHSTAG LOGISTICS
Location:
Platz der Republik 1
11011 Berlin
Hours:
The dome is open daily from 8 AM to midnight, last entry is at 9:45 PM
Restaurant Hours:
9 AM – 5 PM and 7 PM – 12 AM
How to Visit (Registration and Tickets)
All of the above (lectures / guided tours and visit to the dome) are free. But advance registration is required: book as soon as possible in advance, especially on weekends!
How To Get Here:
- On foot: located in Central Berlin with the closest landmark: Brandenburg Gate (500 m)
- By bus: Board bus number 100 and board off at Reichstag/Bundestag bus stop. The Reichstag building is just a 3 minutes walk away.
- By train: Board the S1 and S26 and get off at Brandenburger Tor station which is located 9 minutes walk away.
- By metro: Hop on either U2 (Red Line), U5 (Brown Line), or the U6 (Purple Line) and alight at U Bundestag which is a 4 minutes walk from the Reichstag building.
My Experience Visiting the Reichstag
Since I didn’t plan ahead, there were no available tickets for the dates that I would be in Berlin. I stopped by the Visitor’s service center when I was in Berlin but there were no tickets available. Luckily there was one other way to secure my entrance to the Reichstag and while it was not free, this was definitely worth the money!
Käfer Dachgarten / Roof Terrace Restaurant
I would book a reservation at the Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant and would be able to visit the Reichstag dome after!
The Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant sits atop the Reichstag, offering locally sourced meals, pastries, and coffee with sweeping skyline views. It’s the only restaurant open to the public inside a parliamentary building in the world
Breakfast was fully booked so I went with the Aperitif option. See full review of my experience here.
The Reichstag – Terrace
Atop the Reichstag building, there are two areas to explore: terrace and dome. The terrace was created on the perimeter of the rooftop with incredible 360 degrees over Berlin.
Part of the rooftop terrace is only accessible via the restaurant. Here I was able to see part of Museum Island and further East, the Berlin TV tower.
And from another part of the terrace, I was able to look out towards the Brandenburg Gate
There’s also incredible views over the Tiergarten.
But don’t forget to look at the interesting details of the Reichstag building from this vantage point.
Do as I did and take your time walking around the terrace first including admiring the dome from the outside first.
The Reichstag Dome: A Modern Masterpiece
The glass dome of the Reichstag is the centerpiece of the building and a marvel of engineering.
Rising 23 meters (75 feet) above the rooftop terrace, the dome offers 360-degree panoramic views of Berlin including ever higher views of the Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, and the Berlin TV Tower than from the terrace.
Visitors ascend via a double-helix spiral ramp that winds gently upward to the top of the dome. The inner and outer ramps never cross, allowing two-way movement without congestion. Inside, Foster stripped away the war-scarred interior and introduced glass, steel, and open spaces to embody the ideals of openness and democracy. Visitors can literally look down through the glass dome into the debating chamber, reinforcing the principle that government is visible and accountable to the people.
A central mirrored cone in the dome’s center reflects natural light down into the parliamentary chamber, symbolizing transparency while reducing energy consumption. As you walk the ramp, informational panels describe Berlin’s landmarks, history, and the Bundestag’s role in government.
At the summit, an open-air viewing platform provides breathtaking photo opportunities.
Beautiful tip: I spent some time laying down on the bench to admire the sky from the opening in addition to admiring the view over Berlin.
Sustainability and Innovation
The Reichstag was one of the world’s first government buildings to prioritize eco-friendly design. Its energy system uses renewable biofuel, natural ventilation, and daylight-optimized lighting, making it a model of green architecture. The dome itself contributes to this system by drawing warm air upward to regulate temperature.
At night, the illuminated dome glows over the city — an architectural beacon symbolizing democratic openness.
Seasonal Tips for Visiting the Reichstag
- Spring (March–May): Mild weather, ideal for early morning dome visits and photography.
- Summer (June–August): Long days and clear skies — book ahead to avoid long queues.
- Fall/Autumn (September–November): Beautiful views of Berlin’s fall colors from the dome.
- Winter (December–February): Fewer visitors; cozy up afterward at nearby cafés or Christmas markets.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Bring valid ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Arrive early for security screening (15–20 minutes recommended)
- Security: Large bags and sharp objects are not permitted
- Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators to the dome
- Audio Guides: Free, available in 10+ languages
- Time Zone: Berlin operates on Central European Time (CET), UTC +1. During daylight saving (March–October), clocks move forward to UTC +2 (CEST).
Beautiful Tip: Reserve your time slot as soon as you can and if your schedule allows, choose sunset hours for the best light and views over Berlin.
FAQs About Visiting the Reichstag
- Do I need to book in advance? Yes. All visits (dome or tours) require prior online registration. Note that you are not able to register by phone
- Do I need a tour to visit the Reichstag? No, you can visit the dome and terrace independently after registering.
- How far in advance can I book?
- Requests to visit the dome can only be submitted for the current month and the following month.
- Requests for guided tours can only be submitted for the current month and the following two months
- Are you only able to visit if you register in advance? No if there are slots that are still available, you can register to do so at the service center run by the Visitors’ Service near the Reichstag Building. Find out more here
- Is the Reichstag dome open year-round? Yes, except during maintenance or parliamentary events; check official schedule here
- Are photography and videos allowed? Yes but avoid flash inside the parliamentary areas.
- Can I attend a parliamentary debate? Yes, registered visitors can watch live sessions from the gallery when parliament is in session.
Final Thoughts / Why You Should Visit the Reichstag
A visit to the Bundestag Berlin and its Reichstag dome is one of the most rewarding experiences in Germany’s capital. It’s where history, architecture, and democracy merge from the Neo-Renaissance façade to the modern glass dome that literally opens politics to the public eye.
Visitors flock here for the famous Reichstag glass dome, the panoramic city views, and the opportunity to see Germany’s democracy in action AND all for free with advance registration.
