Reichstag Building · Audio guide
Listen to the story of Reichstag Building
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Story
In the heart of Berlin stands a building crowned by a glass dome. Old stone below, transparent glass above. The Reichstag. But let me tell you how it all began.
Eighteen eighty-four. Germany wanted a parliament. The Kaiser didn't. He was an absolute monarch who despised the idea that common people could debate, vote, and limit his power.
He called it the monkey house. But something miraculous happened. Inside those walls, workers debated. Socialists argued. Democrats won. The building became a living proof democracy could work.
Nineteen thirty-three. Fire. One night, fascism burned it all. The Reichstag burned. Every right, every voice dissolved into ash.
The building fell into ruin. Allied bombs tore through it. The Red Army captured it in nineteen forty-five. Soviet soldiers left graffiti on the walls.
Berlin split in two. The Reichstag sat in the West, right at the Wall's edge. It wasn't the capital of anything anymore. A broken symbol of a broken country.
For decades it stood empty. A witness to everything Germany had lost.
Nineteen ninety. The Wall fell. Democracy rose again from the same rubble. But this building learned something the hard way.
A society that doesn't fight for democracy loses it. The battle never ends. Every generation must defend what their parents almost lost. follow for more stories.
Visiting Reichstag Building
- How to get there
- The closest stop is Reichstag/Bundestag bus stop, 68 meters away. The Bundestag metro/train station is 206 meters away.
- Opening hours
- Open daily from 08:00 to 21:45.
- Entry
- Free entry, but only with an appointment. Book online on the official Bundestag website.
Frequently asked questions
What historical events took place at the Reichstag Building?
The Reichstag Building has witnessed significant events, including the Reichstag fire in 1933, which led to the suspension of freedoms under the Weimar Constitution, and the raising of the Soviet flag in 1945 during the Battle of Berlin.
What is the significance of the inscription 'Dem Deutschen Volke'?
The inscription 'Dem Deutschen Volke' ('To the German People') was added in 1916 after being blocked by Kaiser Wilhelm II for 22 years due to its democratic connotations. The bronze letters were made from French cannons captured in 1813.
What can I see inside the Reichstag Building?
Inside, you can see the glass dome designed by Norman Foster, which features a spiral ramp offering views of Berlin. The dome's design allows visitors to look down into the parliamentary chamber, symbolizing transparency and democracy.
What are some nearby attractions to visit?
Nearby attractions include the Gedenkstein für die 96 ermordeten Reichstagsabgeordneten, just 15 meters away, and the Fahne der Einheit, 66 meters away.
What is the historical significance of the Soviet inscriptions in the Reichstag?
The Soviet inscriptions, made by soldiers in 1945, were uncovered during renovations in 1995. They serve as a testament to the soldiers' journey and victory, with most preserved except those with racist or violent content.
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