Rooftop Aperitif at Reichstag Käfer Restaurant (Berlin, Germany)

I was able to still visit the Reichstag even with all of the free slots taken thanks to GetYourGuide! While not a free option, I thought it was money well spent as I was able to skip the line and also had a reservation at the only restaurant open to the public inside a parliamentary building in the world. The Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant sits atop the Reichstag, offering locally sourced meals, pastries, and coffee with sweeping skyline views. I love unique experiences and this was one of the best things that I did not only in Berlin but during my entire trip including a comped MSC Baltics cruise!

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Why Visit the Reichstag Building?

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.

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.

Reservations at Käfer Dachgarten / Roof Terrace Restaurant Experience

I would book a reservation at the Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant and would be able to visit the Reichstag dome after!

Reservation / Experience Details

My Experience of Afternoon Aperitif At Käfer Dachgarten

Check-in & Security – Skip the Line!

Access to the entrance is via visitor center at the Scheidemannstraße specifically for those with Restaurant Käfer reservations. This was a significant shorter queue as only those with specific reservation times were grouped together so the “skip the line” portion of the experience did occur as promised. Note that you are told to be at the entrance 15-20 minutes prior to your reservation

Entering the Reichstag Building

Upon entering is when you will see the juxaposition of Foster’s vision with entering the beautifully restored exterior of the building to a modern and surprisingly air interior as seen in this photo as I am waiting for the elevator.

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.

Afternoon Aperitif At Käfer Dachgarten

Unfortunately all of the tables on the terrace were taken by the time I made it to the restaurant (hence the beautiful tip below) but the interior of the restaurant was still very light and airy.

The Afternoon Aperitif (or Appero in German) presentation including my glass of Gio Secco

The Afternoon Aperitif is mostly a set menu. During my visit, included for each guest, the savory portion was: Pastrami Sandwich that also included cabbage salad, pickled gherkin and grainy mustard / Vegetable Lentil Hummus Sandwich that included roasted carrot / cranberry

The Afternoon Aperitif is mostly a set menu. During my visit, included for each guest, the sweet portion was starting from top left to right: Cassis Brownie / Woodruff-Kiwi-Macaron and on the bottom left to right: Coconut-Red Current-Financier / Lemon-Meringue-Tartelette

The Afternoon Aperitif is mostly a set menu. During my visit, included for each guest, one could choose from a Dulcey-Eclair: dulcey-chocolate-mousse / coffee or a White Asparagus-Hollandaise-Tarte: smoked ham / cresse creame / croûtons or a Strawberry-Elderberry-Slice: almond crunch / mousse / almond sponge cake

After enjoying my Afternoon Aperitif, it was time to explore!

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.

The restaurant terrace.

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.

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.

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.

Why I Chose to Book This Via GetYourGuide

One of the reasons why I love GetYourGuide is that they have this really cool section on their website dedicated to Trip Inspiration with City Guides! This is actually how I found out about the Reichstag in the first place! And the Käfer Dachgarten restaurant experiences including my Afternoon Aperitif experiences were only available to book via GetYourGuide /not available with Viator.

What I Really Spent

• Tour: $32.99 –
• TOTAL SPENT: $32.99

When booking via GetYourGuide as I was able to double stack on this spend: #1-getting rewards on my credit card, #2-getting cashback (using the Rakuten app).

Why You Should Choose to Book Via GetYourGuide

Final Thoughts on Afternoon Aperitif At Käfer Dachgarten / Visiting the Reichstag

A perfect afternoon as I was able to enjoy a delightful Afternoon Aperitif At Käfer Dachgarten and then visit the Reichstag dome and can attest that it 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!

Reichstag Logistics