Reichstag (Parliament Building), Berlin (must see)
Reichstag, or the German Parliament Building, is one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks. In some way, it serves as a symbol of Germany's political evolution, closely intertwined with pivotal events in the country's history, from the German Empire through the Nazi era, the division of East and West Germany, and the eventual reunification. While the term "Reichstag" historically referred to the legislative body, today it primarily denotes the building itself. As for the institution within, it is known as the "Bundestag."
The Neo-Baroque building was constructed after Germany鈥檚 unification in 1871 and was completed in 1894. In 1916, much to the displeasure of the last German Emperor, Wilhelm II, the words "To the German People" were prominently carved into the frieze above the entrance. Symbolically, two years later, the German鈥揥eimar Republic was officially proclaimed here. In 1933, the building was set on fire, which led to the Reichstag Fire Decree, allowing the Nazis to suppress civil liberties. The building was not used for parliamentary sessions under Nazi rule and served different functions throughout World War II.
During the Cold War, the Reichstag remained in ruins in West Berlin and wasn鈥檛 used as a parliamentary seat. The building hosted occasional events and exhibitions, as well as concerts during the 1980s.
Notably, on 3 October 1990, the official German reunification ceremony was held inside the Reichstag, attended by Chancellor Helmut Kohl and other prominent figures. Subsequently, the German government and parliament moved from Bonn to Berlin.
In 1995, architect Norman Foster redesigned the building, adding a symbolic glass dome that represents transparency and openness in government. The dome offers a 360-degree view of Berlin and allows natural light to reach the parliament floor below. A sun shield electronically tracks and blocks direct sunlight to prevent glare. Completed in 1999, the building became the seat of the Federal Republic of Germany's Parliament 鈥� Bundestag 鈥� that April. The dome, now a major landmark, is open to the public with prior registration and allows visitors to observe parliamentary proceedings below.
The refurbished Reichstag also preserved historical elements such as the Soviet Army graffiti left in 1945.
Tips:
Plan your visit in advance, as security measures require booking and a valid ID for entry. Consider reserving a table in the K盲fer DACHGARTEN to skip queues, and remember to dress warmly, as the dome's "windows" are open, and it can get rather chilly up there.
The Neo-Baroque building was constructed after Germany鈥檚 unification in 1871 and was completed in 1894. In 1916, much to the displeasure of the last German Emperor, Wilhelm II, the words "To the German People" were prominently carved into the frieze above the entrance. Symbolically, two years later, the German鈥揥eimar Republic was officially proclaimed here. In 1933, the building was set on fire, which led to the Reichstag Fire Decree, allowing the Nazis to suppress civil liberties. The building was not used for parliamentary sessions under Nazi rule and served different functions throughout World War II.
During the Cold War, the Reichstag remained in ruins in West Berlin and wasn鈥檛 used as a parliamentary seat. The building hosted occasional events and exhibitions, as well as concerts during the 1980s.
Notably, on 3 October 1990, the official German reunification ceremony was held inside the Reichstag, attended by Chancellor Helmut Kohl and other prominent figures. Subsequently, the German government and parliament moved from Bonn to Berlin.
In 1995, architect Norman Foster redesigned the building, adding a symbolic glass dome that represents transparency and openness in government. The dome offers a 360-degree view of Berlin and allows natural light to reach the parliament floor below. A sun shield electronically tracks and blocks direct sunlight to prevent glare. Completed in 1999, the building became the seat of the Federal Republic of Germany's Parliament 鈥� Bundestag 鈥� that April. The dome, now a major landmark, is open to the public with prior registration and allows visitors to observe parliamentary proceedings below.
The refurbished Reichstag also preserved historical elements such as the Soviet Army graffiti left in 1945.
Tips:
Plan your visit in advance, as security measures require booking and a valid ID for entry. Consider reserving a table in the K盲fer DACHGARTEN to skip queues, and remember to dress warmly, as the dome's "windows" are open, and it can get rather chilly up there.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Berlin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Reichstag (Parliament Building) on Map
Sight Name: Reichstag (Parliament Building)
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Berlin, Germany
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Third Reich Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Berlin Introduction Walking Tour
The German capital, Berlin, is known for its turbulent past. Today, this sprawling metropolis is filled with a mix of historical resonance and modernity manifested in creative industries, popular media, and diverse cultural tourism.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The first written records of settlements in the present-day Berlin area date back to the late 12th century. In 1157, the region came under German rule as part of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tiergarten Walking Tour
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Begin your exploration at Postdamer Platz, the historic central square of Berlin, once regarded in the same way as Piccadilly Circus... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Berlin Food Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Alexanderplatz Walking Tour
One of Berlin鈥檚 cosmopolitan hearts, Alexanderplatz (or Alexander Square) is a true hive of activity. There is always something going on here: Christmas markets, Easter fairs, buskers, performances, Oktoberfest, and the list is countless. Easily accessible, with lots of transport connections and all manner of drink and food outlets, it鈥檚 a great place to hang around, take photos, and enjoy... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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