Visiting the Reichstag Dome: Registration, Rules and Tips

Visiting the Reichstag dome in Berlin is free, but you must register in advance with the German Bundestag and bring a valid photo ID. Book online as early as you can, arrive a little before your slot for the security check, and plan for around an hour on the roof terrace and inside the glass dome.

The dome is one of the few places in the world where you can walk above a working parliament and look down into its plenary chamber. It is also one of Berlin's most rewarding viewpoints, which is exactly why slots disappear quickly in spring, summer and around holidays. This guide explains how the process works as of 2026, what tends to trip visitors up, and how to fit the visit into a day in the government district.

Why the dome is worth the effort

The Reichstag building opened in 1894, burned in 1933, was badly damaged in 1945 and spent the Cold War next to the Wall as a half-used shell. After reunification, the architect Norman Foster rebuilt the interior, and the Bundestag moved in in 1999. His glass dome is the symbol of that rebuild: a public walkway spirals up around a mirrored cone that reflects daylight down into the chamber below. The idea is simple and deliberate — the people stand above their representatives and can watch them work.

From the top you look over the Tiergarten, the Chancellery, the Spree bend, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the TV tower at Alexanderplatz. On a clear afternoon it is the best free orientation to the city you will get.

How registration works

Access to the dome and roof terrace is managed by the Bundestag's visitor service. The standard route is an online booking on the official Bundestag website, where you choose a date and time slot and enter the full name and date of birth of every person in your group. You then receive a confirmation, usually by email, which you bring with you on the day.

• Book early. In busy months, slots can be fully taken several days ahead. Two to three weeks in advance is a sensible target in summer.
• Register everyone. Each visitor's name must match their ID. Children are registered too.
• Check your confirmation. If the booking says it still needs confirming, it is not yet final.
• Short notice. There has historically been a service point near the building for same-day or next-day requests, but availability is limited and rules change; do not rely on it for a fixed itinerary.

There is no fee for the visit itself. Be wary of third-party sites that charge for "Reichstag tickets" without explaining what they include.

What to bring and security rules

Entry works much like airport security. You queue at the visitor entrance on the west side of the building, show your confirmation and ID, and go through a scanner.

• Photo ID for every adult — passport or national ID card. A photo on your phone is normally not accepted.
• Arrive about 15 minutes before your slot. Late arrivals can be refused.
• Travel light. Large bags and suitcases are not allowed, and there is no luggage storage for them. Sharp objects, liquids in larger containers and similar items are prohibited.
• Dress for wind. The roof terrace is exposed. In winter it is genuinely cold up there.

After security, a staff member escorts groups to the lift, which takes you to the roof.

Inside the dome

Free audio guides are usually available at the lift exit, in several languages. They are triggered as you walk the ramp and point out landmarks in the direction you are facing, which makes the walk far more useful than just looking at the view.

The ramp spirals up about 230 metres to a viewing platform under the open oculus at the top. Through the glass floor of the cone's base you can see into the plenary hall. On sitting days you may see debates in progress; on other days the chamber is empty but still worth seeing.

Back on the roof terrace there is a restaurant. Eating there requires a separate reservation, which also gives access to the roof, and is an alternative route for people who cannot get a standard slot — though it is not cheap and also books up.

Best time to visit

The dome closes for cleaning for some days each year, and access can be restricted for official events and security reasons. Check for closures close to your date.

Combining the dome with a walk

The Reichstag sits at the heart of the government district, and the visit takes about an hour, so it pairs naturally with a walk. Within ten minutes on foot you have the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the memorial to the Sinti and Roma, the Chancellery and the riverside path along the Spree.

If you would rather have the context explained than read plaques, a guided walk helps. Our Reichstag dome visit and government district walk links the dome with the surrounding buildings and their history, and the Third Reich and Cold War walk from the Brandenburg Gate covers the twentieth-century story of the same streets, from the Reichstag fire to the fall of the Wall.

Accessibility

The dome's ramp is gently sloped and the building has lifts, so it is generally accessible for wheelchair users. Mention any needs when registering, as visitors may be routed through a different entrance.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting ID for one person in the group, which means that person waits outside.
• Booking a slot too close to a train or flight; security queues can be slow in summer.
• Bringing a suitcase on a check-out day.
• Assuming a guided tour of the plenary hall is included — the standard visit is the roof and dome only. Lectures and plenary visits are separate offers from the Bundestag.

FAQ

Is the Reichstag dome free?

Yes. The visit itself is free; you only need to register in advance with the Bundestag visitor service.

How far ahead should I book?

For spring and summer, aim for two to three weeks ahead. In winter a few days is often enough, but there is no guarantee.

Can I visit without registering?

Generally no. Short-notice registration has been possible near the building at times, but places are limited and it is not something to plan around.

How long does the visit take?

Allow about 90 minutes in total: arrival and security, the lift, the walk up the dome and time on the roof terrace.

Can I see parliament in session?

From the dome you can look down into the plenary chamber. Attending a debate from the public gallery is a separate registration through the Bundestag.