Reichstag Building & Dome

Germany's working parliament and one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Reichstag Building houses the Bundestag beneath a soaring glass dome designed by Norman Foster. Admission is free but requires advance registration. Visitors ascend a double-helix ramp for 360° panoramic views of the city and a direct sightline into the parliamentary chamber below.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is it really free to visit the Reichstag dome?

Yes, admission to the dome and roof terrace is completely free. Advance registration via the official Bundestag portal (bundestag.de) is mandatory, and every visitor must provide their full name and date of birth. Do not pay third-party sites for 'dome tickets' — those fees cover private guided tours, not the admission itself.

Is the Reichstag accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the building is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and a step-free entrance at the West C portal on Platz der Republik. Wheelchairs are available on loan, induction loops assist hearing-impaired visitors in the plenary gallery, and tactile models of the building and dome are provided for blind and visually impaired visitors. A sign-language video guide for the dome is also available.

How do I book a visit to the Reichstag dome?

Register online at bundestag.de, or in person at the Visitors' Service branch next to the Berlin Pavilion on Scheidemannstraße. Walk-in same-day slots are sometimes available but are unreliable in high season. Visits start every 15 minutes; last admission is 21:45.

What is the significance of the glass dome's mirrored cone?

The mirrored cone at the centre of the dome directs natural daylight down into the Bundestag's debating chamber below, reducing the building's energy consumption. The open oculus at the top also allows fresh air to circulate through the building. Visitors looking down through the glass floor can observe parliamentary proceedings directly.

What ID do I need to enter the Reichstag?

Every visitor aged 16 or over must present a valid official photo ID — a national identity card or passport — that matches the name used during registration. Visitors aged 14–15 may use a student ID or similar document with a photo. Entry will be denied without matching ID.

When is the Reichstag dome closed?

The dome closes all day on 24 December and from 16:00 on 31 December (last admission 14:30). It also closes for several multi-day maintenance windows each year — in 2026 these include 28 September–2 October and 19–30 October. The roof terrace usually remains open during dome-only closures. Always check bundestag.de for the current schedule.

Is there an audio guide, and what languages does it cover?

Free GPS-enabled audio guides are available on the roof terrace and cover the 230-metre spiral ascent and descent. They are offered in 12 languages: German, English, French, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian. Special versions exist in German for children, people with disabilities, and in plain language.

What is the history of the Reichstag Building?

The Neo-Renaissance building was designed by Paul Wallot and completed in 1894. It survived the infamous 1933 fire, heavy WWII bombing, and Cold War neglect before British architect Sir Norman Foster oversaw a major renovation starting in 1994, adding the iconic glass dome. The Bundestag held its first session in the renovated building on 7 September 1999.

Nearby in Ask Berlin

• Reichstag BuildingAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
• Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)Attraction0.28 km · 3 min walk
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of EuropeAttraction0.54 km · 7 min walk
• Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für GegenwartAttraction1.12 km · 14 min walk
• Pergamon MuseumAttraction1.24 km · 15 min walk