It takes around 90 minutes to walk through the entire Reichstag building. For a more detailed tour, you should allot 2 to 3 hours for the building in the Reichstag itinerary.
Checking out the Exterior
Check out the exterior design of Reichstag after you get there; while a lot is said about the glass dome and the inside beauty of the building, it is also a sight to see from the outside.
The historic building has seen wars, takeovers and much more. It has been restored but it still maintains the architectural pattern from the time that it was built.
It is a marvel of architecture with its patterns and design and worth checking out.
Soviet Graffiti
Check out the graffiti by soldiers of The Red Army during their capture of Reichstag. The building was seen as a very important point in World War II and the Soviet soldiers capturing the building was a symbolic victory.
They scribbled some graffiti after capturing the building; some of it is still there, preserved along with weapon holes, as in 1945.
Some of the more offensive graffiti was removed by the government, with Russian politicians supporting the decision.
It is a fascinating look into history, particularly the moments when World War II ended, as these walls depict much more than the words of the victorious soldiers.
Architecture and Inside the Building
Speaking of architecture, enter the building and you will observe beautiful designs and a well-constructed building. It is well-lit with natural light and is nicely ventilated.
The glass dome is designed in such a way that it allows for ventilation and natural light.
Inside and outside the building, the design is such that you cannot help but appreciate the fine craft and near-perfect work.
See the Artwork
Aside from the building, there is also a lot of artwork to be admired.
There are rotating collections that allow guests to find something different on display every time they visit.
Some artifacts belong to the building itself. These are like a look back and are of huge historical significance.
You can take part in exhibition tours to see and learn about these artworks.
Enjoy the views
The views are the best part of the visit to Reichstag.
You can look at the view of the city and the skyline from the building in the next step of your Reichstag itinerary; it gives a very serene and peaceful feeling.
The view from the rooftop is truly breathtaking, with the greenery and beauty of the city making for an amazing experience.
If you go during the night, with the building and city lit up by lights, that too is a beautiful setting that will stay with you for a very long time.
Take an audio guide tour
While at the rooftop, you can take an audio guide tour as you roam the roof and the building if you are interested in the history of Reichstag, German politics and other attractions surrounding the area.
These guides are free.
Bonus: If you know the German language and want to see the parliament in session, you can also hear the plenary session of the German government in Reichstag if you go during that time.
Go to the Glass Dome
The main event of all activities to do at Reichstag, the glass dome is an absolutely magnificent feature of the building that contributes to more than just the look of the building.
The dome wasn’t originally in the building; it replaced the cupola that Reichstag originally used to have, which got damaged in the war and was eventually dismantled during one of the restorations.
Make it a point to get to the dome and get a 360-degree view of the city and some great photos. You can look through the dome at various heights and it is an unforgettable experience.
Go on a guided tour
You can go on a guided tour in the next step of your Reichstag itinerary.
On this guided tour, visitors can learn about the functioning of the German government and the power structure and how it shaped up in the present after the events of the past.
You also get to learn about the architecture of the building and some important details that are not easy to gather otherwise.
This includes information about how the building was built, the style in which it was built and the people who worked on it.
Eat at the Rooftop Restaurant
You can complete your visit by enjoying a meal at one of the most unique restaurants you will ever encounter. There is a rooftop restaurant at this historic building.
The Kafer Dachgarten Restaurant provides various options with an aesthetic view and is a fantastic way to end your visit.
Reservations can be made through phone or mail and you can purchase combo tickets with entry to both Reichstag and the Kafer restaurant.
Attractions near Reichstag
Once you’re done at Reichstag, you can walk around and observe other monuments in the historically rich region and depending on your time, you can take short or detailed tours of these monuments.
Some other famous attractions near Reichstag that you can add to your Reichstag itinerary are:
- Brandenburg Gate
- Federal Chancellery
- Government District
- Madame Tussauds
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust memorial)
- Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe murdered under National Socialism
- Soviet memorial
- Tiergarten
- White crosses memorial
There is a lot to see and experience in Berlin. The Reichstag building, in particular, is an important relic of history with many interesting facts encapsulated inside.
With this Reichstag itinerary, you can explore the building thoroughly and also find time to tour other monuments.
Featured Image: Tripadvisor.com