Emma Everything you need to know to visit the German Parliament
The German Parliament, the Bundestag or you may know it as the Reichstag, captures the essence of Berlin. With history, modern architecture and some astounding views over the city. The roof terrace and dome of the Reichstag building can be visited and offer spectacular views of Berlin’s sights. Admission is free, however, advance registration is required.
Reservations and tickets
Before registering online gather information about all of those who are attending: surname, first name and date of birth. You will need to create a list of visitors and provide this information during the booking process.
Requests to visit the dome can only be submitted for the current month and the following month. You will also need to book 48 hours in advance. Parliament business, weather and the security situation all affect whether visits can go ahead. Therefore there is no guarantee that your visit will take place. Confirmation of your booking will be sent by email, fax or post.
Not booked in advance?
If you haven’t booked in advance, you can register to do so at the service centre run by the Visitors’ Service near the Reichstag Building. This can be found next to the Berlin Pavilion on the south side of Scheidemannstraße.
If there are any free places are still available, you will be issued a booking confirmation. This must be issued a minimum of two hours before the time of your visit. You can also register to visit the dome in the following two days.
Important: To book your visit to the dome, you will need to provide the following information: your last name, first name and date of birth. When registering in person at the service centre, you must also show official photo identification (e.g. passport, national ID card, driver’s licence, student or school pupil ID). Please ensure you bring the original, as copies of identification documents are not accepted.
The booking confirmation is issued to you personally and is non-transferable. You will be asked for proof of identity both upon registration and at the main entrance for visitors.
The Service Centre is open from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs daily in winter (1 November – 31 March) and from 8.00 to 20.00 hrs daily in summer (1 April – 31 October).
Rooftop Restaurant
The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch as well as dinner. All guests must be registered for the security check at the entrance of the German Bundestag. The restaurant can do this for you. The names and birth dates of all guests should be available at least 48 hours before the visit so that admission can be granted. The restaurant opening hours are 09.00 to 17:00 hrs and from 19:00 hrs to midnight. Visitors who have already reserved a table can reach the rooftop restaurant via the entrance below and to the right of the West Portal (West C). Tables can be reserved by calling +49 (0)30 226-29933 or sending an email to: kaeferreservierung.berlin@feinkost-kaefer.de.
History
We’d best start off by explaining the terms Bundestag and Reichstag. The German parliament is called Bundestag. In earlier times Germany was an Empire (Kaiserreich) and its parliament was called Reichstag. Both terms are generally used by visitors when speaking about the building.
The original building is designed by Paul Wallot and was modelled after the Memorial Hall in Philadelphia. The Reichstag was completed in 1894 although it wasn’t until 1916 that the words Dem Deutschen Volke (the German People) were inscribed on its façade.
The Reichstag served as the home of the German parliament until 1933 when the building was mysteriously (🤔) damaged in a fire. Under Nazi leadership, the building fell into neglect and was severely damaged during the Second World War.
After the war, West Germany’s parliament was relocated to Bonn, with the building seeing only ceremonial use as well as being an exhibition space. In 1990 the Reichstag was the site of the official reunification ceremony. After debate, it was decided that it would once again be the home of the German national parliament. Architect Norman Foster’s restoration of the building was completed in 1999.
Where
Platz der Republik 1
11011 Berlin
An FFP2 mask must be worn in all buildings of the German Bundestag.
Admission
- Every quarter of an hour
- Last admission: 21.45 hrs
Transport
The Reichstag/Bundestag is a short distance from Berlin’s main rail station, the Hauptbahnhof. The number 100 and M41 buses stop here.
The nearest U-Bahn station to the Reichstag is the Bundestag station, line U55. Further away is Brandenburger Tor S and U Bahn station with lines S1, S2, S25 and S26 plus U55 serve here.
