Everything You Need to Know About Reichstag Opening Hours & When to Visit
The Reichstag, also known as the German Parliament is one of the most important buildings in Berlin. A seat for the German government, Reichstag holds decades of German history and is an ideal place for those looking to steal a glimpse into Germany's socio-political history as well enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Dome. With over 3 million views yearly, the Reichstag building is one of the must-visit landmarks in Germany.
Read on to know everything from Reichstag’s opening hours to the best time to visit.
Reichstag Opening Hours
Building & Dome
The Reichstag building and dome is open 7 days a week throughout the year.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 12 AM
Last admission: 10 PM
Closed: 24 December (All Day), 31 December (4 PM onwards with last admission at 2:30 PM) and for maintenance from 24 to 28 July 2023, 11 to 15 September 2023 and from 23 to 27 October 2023.
Käfer
The Reichstag has a rooftop restaurant called Käfer offering German fare.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM
Reichstag Facilities Opening Hours
Exhibitions
The Reichstag also offers the German Bundestag's exhibition on the German Parliament's history.
Opening Hours:
October to April: 10 AM to 6 PM on Tuesdays to Sundays
May to September: 10 AM to 6 PM on Tuesdays to Sundays.
Guided Tours
For Foreign Visitors:
- Daily at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 5 PM, 6:30 PM and 8 PM
- Languages: English, French, Italian, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish and Danish.
For German Speakers:
- Daily at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5 PM, 6:30 PM and 8 PM
Note:
- No tours will take place on weeks the parliament gathers
- No tours will take place on public holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Day of National Mourning, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
What is the Best time to visit the Reichstag?
Weekday vs Weekend
If you’re one to seek a quieter experience, then weekdays would be the best time to visit the Reichstag. While, weekends offer a much more livelier atmosphere with more events, including exhibitions happening, you may have to wait longer in queues and may not be able to explore the building at your pace.
Another handy tip is to visit the Reichstag near opening hours or closing hours as it allows you to leisurely explore the area and enjoy the view owing to the lack of footfall.
Peak Season vs Low Season
To avoid heavy footfall, the best time to visit the Reichstag would be during Berlin’s low season, which runs from November to early March. This gives you more room to leisurely explore the city and its sights.
If you find yourself visiting during the peak season which runs from April to October, fret not. Enjoy the weather and ensure you visit the site closer to opening or closing hours. You’re bound to enjoy lesser foot traffic than compared to other hours of the day.
How Long Do You Need to Tour the Reichstag
We’d recommend setting aside a minimum of 90 minutes to tour the Reichstag and the Dome. However, should you wish to explore the exhibitions and restaurants, we recommend blocking at least 2 to 3 hours on your itinerary.
Book Tickets to Reichstag
Frequently Asked Questions About Reichstag Opening Hours
A. The Reichstag is open daily from 8 AM to 12 AM with the last admission at 10 PM.
A. Yes, the Reichstag is open to tourists every day throughout the year with the exception of Christmas Eve, and on select days for maintenance.
A. The Reichstag is closed on 24 December and on for maintenance from 24 to 28 July 2023, 11 to 15 September 2023 and from 23 to 27 October 2023. Additionally, it is partially open on 31 December with the last admission at 2:30 PM.
A. You’ll need at least 90 minutes for touring the Reichstag and Dome, and 2-3 hours if exploring exhibitions and restaurants.
A. The best time to visit the Reichstag in Berlin is during the early morning or late evening on a weekday to avoid crowds and long lines. It's also recommended to visit during the low season, that is November to early March, to avoid the peak tourist season.
A. The Käfer runs from 9 AM to 5 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM.
A. Yes, the Reichstag is open on public holidays with the exception of 24 December.
A. The Reichstag is closed on 24 December but is open partially on New Year’s Eve. It’s open till 4 PM with the last entry being at 2:30 PM on 31 December.