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Berlin Germany

Sightseeing in Berlin

: The Reichstag in Berlin

Berlin Reichstag

The German Reichstag is one of the most viewed sights in Berlin. It is the seat of the German government. When the government moved from Bonn to Berlin, it decided to rebuild the Reichstag. It was destroyed during World War II and already rebuilt during the 1960ies, but the requirements were different this time. The British architect Sir Norman Foster accomplished the design of a futuristic building without losing its monumental look. Most impressive is the giant glass dome, shooting out of the building.

Don't miss to visit the Reichstag roof terrace on top of the building. From there, you can either enjoy the great view on Berlin or watch the flurry of activity inside the glass dome. Since 1994 over 16 million visitors have been counted.

German Reichstag History

With the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, Berlin became the capital and the newly-created parliament was in need for a seat of government. Between 1884 and 1894, the Reichstag was built after the plans of German architect Paul Wallot.

The result was a monumental building that is really representative for a seat of government. The building expresses elements of Classicism as well as elements of Renaissance and Baroque.

The Reichstag symbolizes significant turning points in German history. On November 9, social democrat Phillipp Scheidemann proclaimed here the Weimar Republic.

In 1933 the Reichstag fire smoothed the way for the political takeover of Adolf Hitler. And in 1945 the set up of the red flag by two Soviet soldiers became a symbol for the downfall of the 3rd Reich.