Reichstag Building

"Reduced to rubble after one of history's most infamous fires in the 1930s, and then rebuilt decades later, the stately Reichstag is arguably Germany's most iconic landmark. The building has been home of Germany’s parliament (the Bundestag) since 1999 and now serves as a symbol of the country’s reunification. Today, a glistening glass dome designed by starchitect Norman Foster sits atop the grand old structure, and anyone with an advanced booking can ascend its 755-foot-long ramp for sweeping views over the city. The Reichstag dome is one of the most enriching free experiences for first-time visitors to the city, where a troubled past exists side by side with a trendsetting future. Few places employ this juxtaposition quite as well as this monument to freedom and openness, which was literally built atop the site that saw Nazis rise to power." - Krystin Arneson, Liz Humphreys

"One of the iconic structures in the city, the German parliament building is symbolic of the country’s post-Wall democratic development and full of interesting sights and stories. Known predominantly for its elegant glass dome, which was built by Sir Norman Foster as an architectural metaphor for transparency, the building was famously burned down in the mysterious fire of 1933, destroyed again by Soviet soldiers in 1945, and neglected until the Berlin Wall fell and Berlin became the capital again. Renovated between 1995 and 1999, parts of it — including the glass roof, which has great views on clear days — are open to the public. Guided tours can also be arranged. One way to beat the lines is to book a table at the rooftop restaurant, though you will still need to show your passport." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"Built by Kaiser Wilhelm I in the late 19th century as a gestureto parliamentarians, Berlin’ s famed Reichstag came into its own during the Weimar era— Germany ’s first attempt at democracy. The parliament building burned under mysterious circumstances in 1933, leading to the suspension of civil rights and Hitler’s ensuing dictatorship. Seized and shot to pieces by Soviet troops in 1945, then abandoned during the city’s division, the traumatized building reentered public life when the German government returned to Berlin following reunification. Today the Reichstag stands proud, topped by a glass dome designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster as a symbol of political transparency. Going inside the dome is very popular; you can look down on plenary sessions as well as admire sweeping city views."

"Built by Kaiser Wilhelm I in the late 19th century as a gestureto parliamentarians, Berlin’ s famed Reichstag came into its own during the Weimar era— Germany ’s first attempt at democracy. The parliament building burned under mysterious circumstances in 1933, leading to the suspension of civil rights and Hitler’s ensuing dictatorship. Seized and shot to pieces by Soviet troops in 1945, then abandoned during the city’s division, the traumatized building reentered public life when the German government returned to Berlin following reunification. Today the Reichstag stands proud, topped by a glass dome designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster as a symbol of political transparency. Going inside the dome is very popular; you can look down on plenary sessions as well as admire sweeping city views."

"Tell me: What’s this place all about? Reduced to rubble after a 1930s fire, and then rebuilt decades later, this stately Neoclassical palace is arguably Germany's most iconic landmark . Completed in 1894, the building has been the home of Germany’s parliament (the Bundestag) since 1999 and now serves as a symbol of the country’s reunification. Today, a glistening glass dome designed by architect Norman Foster sits atop the grand old structure, and anyone with an advanced booking can ascend its 755-foot-long ramp for sweeping views over the city. What’s it like being there? It’s hard not to feel inspired as an elevator whisks you to the Reichstag’s roof for 360-degree views over Berlin. Much like the city that surrounds it, the Reichstag experienced a tumultuous 20th century before rising from the ashes and reinventing itself. In 1933, Hitler used a mysterious fire that gutted the building as an excuse to seize power; in 1945, Soviet troops raised their red flag atop the bombed-out building, effectively marking the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War; and in the years since, pop icons like David Bowie and Michael Jackson have used the muscular building as a backdrop for concerts. These days, Foster's dazzling glass dome looks down onto government chambers below and serves as a metaphor for political transparency. Is there a guide involved? As you enter the glass dome from the rooftop, you can pick up a free audio guide in English or several other languages. The GPS-activated guides automatically start once you ascend the elevated footpath, and offer a fascinating account of the building’s history as well as the city’s iconic sights nearby, including Tiergarten Park , the Berliner Dom, and Museum Island. Who comes here? While history buffs will undoubtedly geek out here, the building and free audio tour serve as a great primer for any visitor who’s curious about Berlin’s complicated past. Part history tour, part sightseeing tour, the Reichstag dome also is a useful way to get your bearings before a long day (or week) of touring the city. Did it meet expectations? The Reichstag dome is one of the most enriching free experiences for first-time visitors to the city, where a troubled past exists side by side with a trendsetting future. Few places employ this juxtaposition quite as well as this monument to freedom and openness, which was literally built atop the site that saw Nazis rise to power. So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for? A must for all visitors: families, history buffs, and Instagrammers alike." - Eliot Stein