Reichstag building

The Reichstag building in Berlin is the historic seat of Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag. Constructed 1884-1894 and extensively renovated after German reunification, it reopened in 1999 with a conspicuous glass dome designed by Norman Foster.

The modern glass dome and roof terrace are major draws, providing 360-degree views of Berlin and a direct line of sight into the parliamentary chamber below via a mirrored light cone. Visitors walk a spiraling ramp up the dome to panoramic viewpoints and interpretive displays explaining the building’s architecture and democratic function.

The building also hosts guided tours of the plenary chamber and exhibitions about German parliamentary history, giving insight into the country’s contemporary political institutions. Security checks and registration procedures are part of the visitor experience.

Originally completed in 1894 and designed by Paul Wallot, the Reichstag was damaged by fire in 1933 and during World War II, then left partially ruined through the Cold War. After German reunification it underwent a major restoration and modernization from 1992 to 1999 and became the seat of the Bundestag again.

Located in Berlin’s government district adjacent to the Tiergarten and near the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag sits in central Berlin and is easily reached from Hauptbahnhof and the city’s central public transport nodes.

• Visitor access requirements: Public access to the dome and roof requires prior registration or on-the-day security clearance; carry ID for entry.
• Guided tours: Guided tours of the building and the parliamentary chamber are available and should be booked in advance for guaranteed entry.

What to See #

• Glass dome (visitors' terrace): A public glass dome with a spiraling walkway offers views across central Berlin and a mirrored light cone that channels daylight into the parliamentary chamber below.
• Plenary chamber: The plenary chamber of the Bundestag, restored and modernized during the post-reunification renovation, is visible from the dome and gallery areas and remains the working space of Germany's federal parliament.