Touring the Reichstag

Touring the Reichstag in Berlin gives you a fascinating pairing of the old and the modern, with layers of history, much like the city itself.

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Short history of the Reichstag

Completed in 1894, the Reichstag housed the government for decades. In 1933, a famous fire destroyed part of the building shortly after Hitler became Chancellor. He blamed others for the fire and closed the building, insisting this entitled him to grab more power for himself. Perhaps he actually engineered the fire? No one knows.

When Berlin was liberated in 1945, Russian troops rushed into the Reichstag, as it symbolized Germany. The building, damaged from WWII, wasn’t repaired by the Soviet occupiers. It wasn’t until after the fall of the Wall in 1989 and the Communists left the city that the new, unified German government moved into the Reichstag and the interior of the building was modernized.

Touring the main building

Our guide, Roland, greeted us in the entry way and off we went on a tour of this heart of Berlin.

As soon as you enter, you notice the design of gleaming steel, glass, and light-colored stone.

My favorite room is the library, with its striking red sofas and walls full of books. The abstract artwork depicts the history of Germany. Can you find the yellow star worn by Jews during the Nazi era here?

The view from the deck outside the library is of the River Spree. The seven white crosses are a memorial to unlucky Germans who thought that the river marked the line of the Berlin Wall here. East German soldiers knew the river here was actually in East Germany. So they shot those misguided seven. Notice there is a blank cross, too. We saw several unfinished types of these memorials in Berlin. Apparently so many people died trying to cross from East to West that names of the missing are still being added.

Next we took a stairway to the Archive of German Members of Parliament. Every member of parliament who has ever worked here (up to 1999, when this was designed) has a memorial on the walls. Hitler had several members arrested (those who didn’t support him), and they didn’t survive. Their names are here, too.

The legacy of the Battle of Berlin in 1945

The updating of the Reichstag didn’t destroy all evidence of its past. Here are sections of wall with graffiti written by the Russian soldiers in April and May 1945, preserved as a historic legacy.

Marvel at the beautiful Parliament Room

A key part of visiting the Reichstag is your time in the parliament meeting room. The floor of the parliament boasts about 600 blue chairs and a huge Bundestag eagle presides over the room. If you look up, you’re looking up into the glass dome (more on that later).

I didn’t know that we would be able to enter the parliament area, so I was thrilled to be here where the German government meets. We were there on a Sunday, but if you’re there on a weekday you may be able to see parliament in action.

Our guide Roland lived in Berlin during the 28 years of the Berlin Wall, and he’s lived here in the 28 years since the Wall fell. As you can imagine, his commentary and answers to our questions were riveting.

Winding up into the glass dome

The best part of visiting the Reichstag comes last – the glass dome! Visible from far away in the city, the dome is a marvel of architecture and efficiency. Inside, as you wind up the circular structure, the views of Berlin are stunning. The lower end opens into parliament (no secrets allowed!) and the top end is open to the sky.

The audio guide is free and is really fun because it operates with GPS. So as you wind up and down the ramps, you hear about what you are looking at. You look down at the iconic Brandenburg gate from here!

Information on tickets

Admission is free. But be sure to reserve your tour at least a month in advance. You can apply on the website for the date and time you want to go. Then wait to get an email approving your application. Security is tight, as you can imagine. No photos are allowed in the building where you check in (ask me how I know!), but once you’re inside the Reichstag, you can take all the pictures you want.

A free audio guide is provided for your tour of the dome.

The rooftop restaurant Kaefer is elegant and provides sweeping views of Berlin while you eat. To make reservations, call +49 (0)30 226-29933 or send an email to: kaeferreservierung.berlin@feinkost-kaefer.de.

Visiting the Reichstag is an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, do yourself a favor make reservations to tour the Reichstag!

Where to stay in Central Berlin near the Reichstag

Staying in the heart of Central Berlin allows you to move to any area by public transportation. You can also walk to the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate. Several hotels near the transportation hub of Potsdamer Platz offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Restaurant and shopping options are all within blocks, too. Here are a few hotels that are in close proximity to Potsdamer Platz:

The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin: This luxury hotel, located right at Potsdamer Platz, offers elegant rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, a cigar lounge, and a rooftop terrace.

Stay at the exquisite Ritz-Carlton Berlin for its top-notch service and décor and central Berlin location.

The Mandala Hotel: This boutique hotel, just a short walk from Potsdamer Platz, provides stylish and spacious rooms, a wellness area, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

Stay at the stylish Mandala Hotel in Berlin and enjoy views of the city from the rooftop terrace.

Mövenpick Hotel Berlin: This hotel is located within walking distance of Potsdamer Platz and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace.

Stay at the Movenpick Hotel Berlin and easily walk to the sights you most want to visit.

Grand Hyatt Berlin: This luxury hotel situated adjacent to Potsdamer Platz, offers well-appointed rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, and an indoor pool. I stayed here and especially enjoyed the breakfast. Book it the night before with the front desk.

Stay at the Grand Hyatt Berlin for modern decor, comfortable rooms, and to be within walking distance of major sites.

To learn more about Berlin, book a tour with Context Tours.These in-depth tours are a great way to become immersed in Berlin culture.

Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service. 

Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.

Renting a car? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.

Learn more about Berlin

Read these posts for more about Berlin:

The Berlin Cathedral

Exploring Potsdamer Platz in Berlin

Berlin’s Topography of Terror Center

The Berlin Wall Memorial

Visiting the Berlin Holocaust Memorial

Relaxing in the Tiergarten

Exploring Berlin — 5 Favorites

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