Audio Guide of the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building has long opening hours, generally from morning until night, but visit availability depends heavily on demand. It is essential to register online in advance to secure your visit, as places are limited and entry without a reservation is not allowed. You can check the exact opening hours and make your reservation on the official German parliament website: Online registration.

Good news! Visiting the Reichstag Building, including the glass dome, is completely free. There is no admission fee, but as mentioned, it is essential to reserve your spot well in advance through the website in order to gain access. Be prepared to go through airport-style security screening, so arrive with extra time.

To give you an idea, a comfortable visit to the Reichstag Building, including going up to the dome and enjoying the views, usually lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes. If you also want to spend some extra time at the dome café or see any of the indoor exhibitions, allow a bit more time.

The Reichstag Building is much more than a building; it is a key witness to German history. Built at the end of the 19th century to house the parliament of the German Empire, it suffered a devastating fire in 1933 that the Nazis used as an excuse to consolidate their power. After German reunification, it was spectacularly remodeled by Norman Foster, including its iconic glass dome, and today it once again serves as the seat of the Bundestag, the modern German parliament, symbolizing transparency and unity.

To avoid crowds in the dome, I recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If your intention is to enjoy views of Berlin illuminated at night, an evening visit is spectacular. As for the time of year, spring and autumn usually offer more pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer, although the views from the dome are impressive in any season.

Yes, the Reichstag Building is fully adapted for visitors with reduced mobility. There are elevators and ramps that make it easy to access all visitable areas, including the dome and terraces. If you need special assistance, it is recommended to mention it when making your online reservation or to contact them directly. You can find more details in the accessibility section of the website: Accessibility information.

You are in a prime area of Berlin. Very close to the Reichstag Building, just a few minutes away on foot, you can find the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and, across the Tiergarten, even the Victory Column. The Federal Chancellery and other important embassies are also nearby. Put on your walking shoes!

Of course! First, and most importantly, book your visit online well in advance, sometimes even months ahead, and always keep your confirmation handy. Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your reserved time to go through security checks. Inside the dome, there is a free audio guide available that activates automatically with information about the buildings you see from each point, so make the most of it. And do not forget comfortable shoes, because you will do quite a bit of walking in the surrounding area.