News from Berlin - The Reichstag is one of Berlin’s most impressive buildings. Often it is one of the first sights that tourists coming from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) will visit. It is also within a short walking distance of Brandenburger Tor.

It is the seat of the German Parliament as well as being the most famous landmark in Germany. The building was officially opened in 1894 and was used until 1933 until it was damaged by fire and was followed by the Second World War where the Parliament was moved to Bonn due to the split of Germany into East and West.

During the 60s refurbishments started but no complete work to this was made until after the reunification of Germany in 1990. Finally it was completed in 1999 and the German Parliament was reinstated at the Reichstag.Nowadays the roof of the Reichstag is fitted with a glass dome created by the English architect Norman Foster. Visitors can walk up a spiral staircase in the dome and enjoy the views of Berlin from up top with a 360 degree perspective. During the summer months this visitor attraction is particularly enjoyable on sunny days and the dome is accessible from 08:00 till midnight daily (last entrance at 22:00).

Entrance is free however visitors need to obtain an appointment and show ID before entering and can stay in the dome as long as they like until closing hours.

News from Berlin - Berlin Global