BERLIN TRAVEL GUIDE

Berlin Travel Guide
Reichstag
Of all the buildings in Berlin, the Parliamentary Building is probably one of the most symbolic. The mighty structure,
erected in 1884–94 by Paul Wallot as the proud manifestation of the power of the German Reich, was destroyed
by arson in 1933 and bombed during World War II. In 1996, the artist Christo wrapped up the Reichstag and, in
1994–9, the British architect Sir Norman Foster transformed it into one of the most modern parliamentary buildings
in the world. Today it is the official seat of the Bundestag, the German parliament.
Berlin governmental buildings (see Modern Buildings)
Top 10 Sights
1
The Cupola
The new Reichstag cupola by Sir Norman Foster
affords breathtaking views of Berlin. It is open at the top
to air the building and – a touch of irony here – to allow
for the dissemination of debates throughout the country.
A ramp winds its way up to the top.
2
Plenary Hall
The newly designed plenary hall is the seat of the
Deutscher Bundestag, the German parliament, which
has convened here again since 20 April 1999.
Technologically, the hall is one of the most advanced in
the world. The federal eagle caused a row: considered
too “fat”, it had to be slimmed down.
3
Portico “Dem deutschen Volke”
The dedication “To the German People” was
designed in 1916, against the will of Wilhelm II.
4
Restored Façade
Despite extensive renovations, small bullet holes
from World War II are still visible in the building’s façade.
5
Restaurant Käfer
This luxury restaurant next to the cupola on the
Reichstag’s roof offers an excellent view of the historical
centre of Unter den Linden. It is very popular and you
may well have to wait for a seat (see Restaurants &
Cafés) .
6
Installation “Der Bevölkerung”
Hans Haacke’s work of art “To the People” is a
counterpoint to the portico inscription opposite.
7
Memorial by Dieter Appett
Unveiled in 1992, the memorial commemorates 97
Social Democratic and Communist Reichstag delegates
who were murdered under the Third Reich.
8
The German Flag
The giant German flag was first raised on the
occasion of the official national celebrations of German
reunification on 3 October 1990.
9
Platz der Republik
Celebrations often take place on the lawn in front
of the Reichstag, most recently in 1996, when the
building was wrapped up by Christo.
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10
Memorial for Victims of the Wall
Opposite the southern side of the Reichstag, a
memorial recalls the Berlin Wall, which ran only a few
steps away from this spot. One of the crosses
commemorates Chris Gueffroy: shot in February 1989
when trying to escape, he was one of more than 100
people who died at the Wall.
Reichstag
Practical information
• Platz der Republik 1
• Map F3, K2
• Open 8am–midnight
• (030) 22 73 21 52
• www.bundestag.de
Top tips
• If a meal at the Käfer restaurant exceeds your
budget, many stalls in the vicinity of the Reichstag
sell hot dogs.
• Large numbers of visitors come to see the
Reichstag cupola. It is best to avoid weekends or
to start queuing half an hour before the opening
time. Tuesday is the quietest day.
The Reichstag Fire
When the Reichstag went up in flames on 27
February 1933, the Dutch Communist van der
Lubbe was arrested and charged with arson. It is,
however, much more likely that the Nazis had
started the fire themselves. Adolf Hitler used the
Reichstag fire as a pretext to get the “Enabling
Act” passed by parliament. This allowed him to
dispose of all his opponents, marking the beginning
of a 12-year reign of terror.
5
Highlights