The Reichstag building houses Germany’s federal parliament, the Bundestag. Completed in 1894 to designs by Paul Wallot, it was later rebuilt and extensively remodelled by British architect Norman Foster. The Bundestag has worked here since 1999. The historic façade and modern glass dome belong to different stages of the building’s history.
For your visit: dome and roof terrace admission is free · confirmed registration required · bring identification and allow time for security checks.
What to see at the Reichstag
Your chosen visitor programme determines which parts of the building you can enter. A booking for the dome does not include a guided tour of the interior or access to the visitors’ gallery in the plenary chamber.
The glass dome
Two spiral ramps lead through the dome to a viewing platform and back down. As you walk, you can see both the surrounding city and the dome’s steel and glass structure.
At the centre, a mirrored cone directs daylight into the plenary chamber below. A free audio guide is available in English and other languages when the dome is open.
The roof terrace
The roof terrace gives you a view across the government district and central Berlin. You can pick out the Federal Chancellery, Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten and see how they sit within the city.
The terrace can remain accessible during scheduled maintenance closures of the dome. Check which areas are available for your chosen date before making plans.
The plenary chamber and parliamentary work
If you want to learn about Parliament, choose a programme that includes the visitors’ gallery. The Bundestag offers talks explaining its responsibilities, parliamentary procedures and the building’s history and architecture.
These talks last around 45 minutes and take place when Parliament is not sitting. Attending a plenary sitting is a separate visitor programme. Check the language and programme when requesting your visit.
Which Reichstag visit should you choose?
For the architecture and views, register directly with the Bundestag for an independent visit to the dome and roof terrace.
A guided walk through the government district adds explanations of the surrounding buildings and Berlin’s political history. Read the itinerary carefully: some tours include a visit inside the Reichstag, while others cover the outdoor areas.
As an editorial planning estimate, allow around one to two hours for the dome and terrace, including admission and security checks. For a guided tour, use the duration stated in the offer and leave some flexibility before your next booking.
Combine your visit with a Berlin sightseeing tour
A Berlin boat tour can provide another perspective on the government district from the Spree. Compare routes and departure points to find an option that fits your day.
Our Berlin city tour overview helps you compare sightseeing bus options. Check the actual stops before planning a connection with your Reichstag visit.
Photos of the Reichstag Berlin
The photographs show the historic façade, the glass dome and its interior structure. They give you an idea of the different views available during a visit.
Reichstag registration, tickets and guided tours
A confirmed registration is required for a free Bundestag visit. Paid tours are additional services offered by private organisers; their prices are not admission fees charged by the Bundestag.
Guided tours of the government district
You can compare Reichstag and government district tours through GetYourGuide. Some combine an outdoor walk with a visit inside the building.
Before booking, check whether the dome, roof terrace or a talk in the plenary chamber is included. Confirm the tour language and any personal details the organiser needs for registration. Identity checks and security screening still apply.
Free registration with the Bundestag
Use the official Bundestag booking form to request a dome visit or another visitor programme. The form is linked in the sources below. Programmes run by the Bundestag’s Visitors’ Service are also free.
You must provide each participant’s first name, surname and date of birth. A booking request does not guarantee admission: wait for confirmation and follow its instructions.
Admission at a glance
The table distinguishes free Bundestag programmes from privately organised tours.
Opening times and closures
The dome and roof terrace are normally open daily to registered visitors. Follow your confirmed admission time. The regular last admission is at 9:45 pm.
Current notice: The dome is closed for cleaning and maintenance from 19 to 30 October 2026 inclusive. The roof terrace remains accessible. The audio guide is unavailable during the dome closure.
Both areas are closed all day on 24 December. On 31 December, they close at 4 pm, with last admission at 2:30 pm. Additional closures are possible, so check the official visitor information before travelling.
Identification, security and luggage
Visitors aged 16 and over must bring a valid official photo ID, such as a passport or national identity card. Visitors aged 14 or 15 should bring a document showing their name and photograph. Bring the original document; copies are not accepted.
Expect identity checks and security screening at the entrance. Large luggage is prohibited, and there are no storage facilities on site. Plan your visit without a suitcase.
Location and getting there
The Reichstag stands on Platz der Republik, close to Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the main railway station.
Reichstag Building
Platz der Republik 1
11011 Berlin
The nearby Bundestag U-Bahn station is served by the U5. You can also walk from Hauptbahnhof.
Follow the entrance instructions in your confirmation. Private tours may meet elsewhere in the government district, so check the organiser’s meeting point separately.
Accessibility and visiting with children
The Bundestag is generally accessible, with ramps and a designated wheelchair entrance at West C. Mention any assistance requirements when registering.
Special visitor guides include an audio guide for blind or partially sighted visitors and a video guide for deaf visitors. A German-language children’s audio guide is available for ages six to thirteen. Audio guides are unavailable when the dome is closed.
Frequently asked questions about the Reichstag Berlin
The main planning questions concern registration and which areas your booking includes. Choose your visitor programme before arranging the rest of your day.
Is the Reichstag dome free to visit?
Yes. Admission to the dome and roof terrace is free with confirmed registration. Private guided tours may charge for their services.
Can I visit the Reichstag without a guided tour?
Yes. You can register for an independent visit to the dome and roof terrace. This does not include a tour of the other interiors.
Can I visit the Reichstag without booking in advance?
If places remain available, you can register in person at the Visitors’ Service centre on Platz der Republik. Your confirmation must be issued at least two hours before the visit. Availability is not guaranteed.
Does every Reichstag tour include the dome?
No. Read the itinerary before booking. A government district tour may cover only the outdoor areas, and access to the dome can be restricted.
Does a dome booking include the plenary chamber?
No. Access to the visitors’ gallery requires a suitable visitor programme, such as a parliamentary talk or attendance at a plenary sitting.
How long should I allow for the Reichstag?
We suggest around one to two hours for the dome and roof terrace, including admission procedures. This is a planning estimate; guided tours have their own stated durations.
What identification do I need?
Visitors aged 16 and over need a valid official photo ID in the original. Visitors aged 14 or 15 should bring a document with their name and photograph. Copies are not accepted.
Can I visit when the dome is closed?
The roof terrace can remain accessible during scheduled dome maintenance. Check the official notice for your date, as other closures may affect access.
Sources and information checked
The visitor information was checked against the following official publications. The Bundestag’s booking form is used to request free visits; availability depends on the chosen date and programme.
German Bundestag: official booking form — requests for free visitor programmes.
German Bundestag: visiting the dome — registration, admission times, closures and short-notice visits.
German Bundestag: current visitor information — admission requirements and identification.
German Bundestag: visitor information — security, luggage and accessibility.
German Bundestag: talks in the plenary chamber — programme content and participation.
German Bundestag: the Reichstag building — architectural history and refurbishment.
German Bundestag: the dome — ramps, viewing platform and daylight system.
visitBerlin: Reichstag in Berlin — location and visitor overview.
