Swirling architecture of the Reichstag - it can make you dizzy!
Politics are normally conducted behind closed doors – seedy deals, negotiations, handshakes, promises, and sometimes even sexual favors (aka – the blue dress). But in Berlin, a city with a dramatic political past, politics are transparent.
Table of Contents
Politics
The Reichstag building was part of that dramatic past and paid the price in many ways including burning down at one point. But it was rebuilt in 1999 and named “The Bundestag” and serves as a meeting place for the German Parliament.
The glass dome at the top is not only provides the best view in Berlin, but it also is functional in the sense that it is the window into the German Parliament – literally. When parliament is in session, people can stand in the dome and see them at work (the floor below)providing a literal and physical window into how Germany is being run.
The Best View
This dome is also a main Berlin attraction for tourists as it provides the best views of the city for free – yes free. There is no cost to visit the Reichstag, however you do have to register first and get a time assigned for your visit. I recommend doing this a 4 days to a week in advance if possible. In addition, you MUST have a photo form of identification when you arrive for your scheduled time. You can register and reserve a spot online here – Online registration.
Once inside, you have access to a free audio guide in a variety of languages. It was one of my favorite audio tours simply for the technology it employs. Put on the headphones and start to walk up the spiral ramp of the glass dome and the audio tour automatically starts and navigates you up the ramp based on your exact location on the ramp. The audio guide points out important buildings and sights in Berlin as you do the gentle climb. They get an A+ on tour technology from me!
Photography
In addition to the chance to see government at work, and the spectacular views – my main reason to go to the Reichstag was to photograph the inside. It is a composition playground for any photographer enthusiast. The lines, reflections, silhouettes are wonderful tools to play with and improve your photography. (see below for more unique places to photograph in Berlin)
So if you are a political buff or a photography buff, put the Reichstag on your list of attractions for Berlin.
More Information:
Opening Times & Admission:
• Daily from 8.00 to 23.00 hrs
• Every quarter of an hour
• Last admission: 23.00 hrs
Online registration (you must register online to be granted entry)
Download a flyer before you visit
The glass dome architecture
Follow the winding staircase upward to the open air top
View from the top of the spiral
The Reichstag Building stands alone
The dome is made of glass which provides some great views - and nice reflections
The Victory Tower in Tiergarten Park as seen from the Reichstag Dome
The spiral ramp inside the dome provides great views
See all of my Reichstag Photography
Other Berlin Sights for Great Photography:
Go2Know Abandoned Building Tours
By Barbara June 15, 2012 - 10:46 am
This is a stellar post!!! Berlin is probably one of the most dramatic cities in the world. Your photographs are amazing. Thanks!
By Mark H June 15, 2012 - 9:01 pm
Wonderful photos of a building with such a historic and tortured past. Love the idea of cool technology and free as well.
By fotoeins | Henry June 18, 2012 - 3:38 pm
Don’t forget to walk out to the Platz der Republik in front (just west) of the old Reichstag building, and to walk around the fair (and reconstructed) building. If you can, please compare and contrast the Reichstag building with the neighbouring federal government buildings to the north and the Kanzleramt (Chancellery) to the northwest. Thanks for your post, Sherry!
By TracyZLesh June 23, 2012 - 4:07 pm
This is amazing & I am so glad you posted this. We are headed to Berlin later this year and we would have been very bummed if we missed out on making the reservations to go to the dome.
We made the reservations, but would like to know if we need to bring our passport or ID with us for them to check along with our reservation. Do you know? Thank you!
By Sherry June 23, 2012 - 4:41 pm
Yes – you will need to bring some form of photo id with you to the building and they will look at it as you go through security. You have to remember that even though this is a tourist attraction – it’s also a government building – so all the normal security rules apply! I hope you love it!
By Antoinette B. | love.antoinette June 27, 2012 - 10:33 pm
Wow, I’m mighty impressed with your photos Sherry! Berlin is definitely one of my all-time favorite cities! You perfectly captured a part of it 🙂