Reichstag

travel  wonder in Germany

Why the
Reichstag
is special

The relatively new glass dome of the German Parliament Building, the Reischstag, has a remarkable architectural design.

Tips & insights on

the Reichstag

The 1999 Reischstag dome (see photo) was designed by Britain's internationally renowned architect Sir Norman Foster.

The glass cupola sits directly over the German legislative chamber. Dome visitors can peer down into that room and, if the legislative body is in session, can see the members in action.

You walk up to the top of the dome via a pair of spiral ramps. (You can see them in the photo).

A colossal inverted funnel with attached mirrors rises in the middle of the dome (see photo). Its purpose is threefold: To ventilate the parliament chamber; to reflect light off the mirrors down into that assembly room; to impress tourists.

History in brief: The Reischstag was built in 1894, suffered major fire damage in 1933, and artillery bombardment in 1945. It then sat mainly unused for a half of a century until it was reconstructed in the 1990s. Today, it is a prime icon of Germany.

The dome is quite popular and space inside is limited. Consequently, lines can become tediously long, sometimes measuring an hour or two. It's best to arrive when or soon after it opens (8 a.m.) or late in the day (between 5 p.m. and its closingtime, 10 p.m.)

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Germany

My German

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

German cuisine

 

I hope your Germany travel dreams come true - and that 

my Reichstag page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications