Touring Germany – Reichstag
The Reichstag or Parliamentary Building is one of the most symbolic structures in Germany. It was opened in 1894, and housed the parliament until 1933 when the Nazi started a fire to grab power. World War II damaged it further. The building was reconstructed by Arch. Norman Forster with its stunning new dome, which is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions and a prominent feature in Berlin’s skyline. A huge German flag is prominently displayed at the building’s front. It was first used at the celebration of German reunification in 1990.
Visitors have to join a queue to enter the building and will be subject to security screenings prior to reaching the dome. A presentation of the building’s history is available at the bottom of the cupola. In the dome, a ramp winds its way up to the dome’s peak. The funnel, which has lots of mirrors, is a great venue for taking interesting pictures. It also affords visitors with awe-inspiring views of the city. The peak is an open-air area.
When Parliament is not sitting, the visitors’ gallery of the plenary chamber serves as a venue for talks regarding the history and architecture of Germany’s Reichstag Building, as well as working methods and functions of parliament.
The building is located west of the Brandenburg Gate. It is set on the grounds of the Tiergarten which is against what used to be the Berlin Wall. Admission to the Reichstag is free of charge. Opening hours are from 8am to 12mn every day. However, the last admission is at 10pm. Visitors should expect long queues during peak visiting hours.