The building of the State Assembly in German is called the Reichstag. Nowadays, this historical complex serves as the seat of parliament, known as the Bundestag. The Berlin Reichstag has long been a popular tourist destination, but a tour must be booked in advance, especially during periods when parliament is not in session.
A Brief History of the Reichstag
In 1884, the architect Paul Wallot, by order of Wilhelm I, the first emperor of the united Germany, designed the Reichstag building. The construction took 10 years, but the efforts spent on it were worth it. The majestic neo-Renaissance structure symbolized the imperial state - the four corner towers represented the regions of Germany, and the dome became a symbol of German unity.
The inscription on the Reichstag facade: "To the German people"
In 1918, the Weimar Republic came into being, and the Reichstag became its administrative center.
The Reichstag fire in 1933 resulted in a fire that destroyed the dome, the plenary hall, and several rooms. Restoration of the Reichstag began after World War II.
From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall stretched in front of the Reichstag facade, separating the western and eastern parts of the city. Today, the land is empty, but it is a place of remembrance for those who died trying to cross the barrier. White crosses can be seen on the fence around the Reichstag, commemorating them.
The Role of the Reichstag During World War II
Even with the entire parliament suspended during the war, the Reichstag remained the main symbol of Nazi Germany and the focal point of the country. It housed strongholds, air-raid shelters, hospitals, and even a basement converted into a maternity ward. All the windows were walled up, and the corner towers were adapted to house anti-aircraft guns.
The capture of the Reichstag was recognized as the epochal event that ended World War II and remains a solemn moment in history. On May 1, 1945, Sergeant Mikhail Yegorov and Junior Sergeant Meliton Kantaria raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag during the storming of the building.
Soviet soldiers left numerous inscriptions on the Reichstag building, more than a hundred of which have survived to this day. The question of removing these inscriptions was raised several times in the Bundestag, but the majority of voters were against it. There are also bullet holes in some places.
The Reichstag today
The parliamentary secretariat is located on the ground floor, followed by the meeting room, and above it is an observation deck for visitors. On the next level is the presidium, and above it is the factional level and the roof terrace. The special feature of the modern Reichstag is its outstanding modern dome.
Futuristic dome
In 1999, the British architect Norman Foster presented a unique architectural creation - a dome with a viewing platform, accessible to visitors through spiral staircases. This dome is 23.5 meters high and 40 meters in diameter. Climbing to the top platform, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city panorama.
The design of the Reichstag dome provides an opportunity not only to enjoy the panorama of the city, but also to observe the events inside the meeting hall. Such a structure is designed not only to please curious eyes, but also to comply with the energy-saving standards for which Germany is famous.
The central element of the design is a cone on which 360 mirrors in 30 rows are installed. These mirrors direct daylight directly into the parliamentary hall. The mirrors are controlled by a computer program, and filters are also provided that can cope with any weather conditions. Thus, the dome not only performs an aesthetic function, but also serves as an environmentally sustainable and autonomous energy supply system.
Reichstag Tour in Berlin
Access to the Reichstag building is free, but requires mandatory pre-registration on the official website or at the service center. You can sign up for a tour through the service center only if there are available places by prior electronic registration. It is recommended to apply two days before your planned visit to the Reichstag.
Reception hours for visitors to the Reichstag building: every 15 minutes from 8:00 to 22:00.
The following options are available as part of the free tours:
- Ascent to the Reichstag dome with an included audio guide.
- Guided walk through the entire building, including a visit to the dome (duration - 1 hour 30 minutes).
- A lecture in the gallery followed by a visit to the dome, which lasts 45 minutes.
Useful information for travelers
The address of the Reichstag: Platz der Republik 1.
How to get to the Reichstag
- From the Friedrichstrasse train station, it is an easy 10-minute walk away.
- The underground is accessible; the nearest station, Brandenburger Tor, is only 500 meters from the Reichstag.
- The S-Bahn (Zoologischer Garten to Alexanderplatz) runs regularly to the Reichstag stop.
The Reichstag in Berlin is not only an architectural marvel, but also an important historical monument that reflects the rich history of Germany. Its majestic structure, modern dome and panoramic views make this place a must-see for every tourist in Berlin. With the help of TurPoisk, you can easily and quickly organize your tour of the Reichstag, book your seats in advance and choose a convenient time for your visit. Don't miss the chance to learn more about German history and culture with TurPoisk, ensuring comfort and unforgettable impressions from your trip to Germany!
