Rooftop Lunch at the Reichstag with Dome Visit Berlin

The Reichstag building and its history

The Reichstag was completed in 1894 to house the parliament of the German Empire, and its history mirrors that of Germany itself. It was badly damaged by fire in 1933 and in the fighting of 1945, stood close to the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, and after reunification was rebuilt as the seat of the German Bundestag, which has met here since 1999.

Today the heavy stone facade with the words Dem deutschen Volke, to the German people, contrasts with the light, transparent interior added in the rebuilding. Many visitors wonder how to visit the Reichstag building without a long wait for a free slot: a lunch reservation like this one is one of the easiest ways, as it includes reserved entry through a separate entrance.

Lunch at the rooftop restaurant

The restaurant sits on the roof terrace right next to the dome, making the Reichstag the only parliament building in the world with a restaurant open to the public. Your table is reserved for 1.5 hours, and the 3-course menu highlights German and seasonal cooking: a seasonal starter, a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian main course with seasonal side dishes, and a dessert to finish.

Large windows and the terrace give wide views over Berlin: the Tiergarten park, the Spree, the Chancellery and the city's skyline. Soft drinks and other extras can be ordered and paid at the table. It is a calm, elegant setting, and a great way to combine one of the top things to do in Berlin with a relaxed lunch.

The glass dome of the Reichstag

After lunch you can explore the glass dome at your own pace. About 40 metres across, it rises above the plenary chamber, and two spiral ramps wind up around a central cone covered with mirrors that reflect daylight down into the chamber below. From the top platform you have a 360-degree view over Berlin, from the Brandenburg Gate to the TV Tower.

The dome symbolises the openness of German democracy: visitors literally walk above the members of parliament. Audio guides are available free of charge from the visitor service and switch on automatically as you walk the ramp, describing the buildings you see. Plan at least 30 to 45 minutes for the dome and the roof terrace.

Visiting the Reichstag: security and practical tips

As the Reichstag is a working parliament, security is strict. The full names and dates of birth of all guests must be sent with the booking and are passed to the Bundestag security services; if they are missing 24 hours before your visit, entry will be refused. Every guest must also bring a valid passport or ID card.

Entry is through the visitor reception centre on Scheidemannstraße, opposite the building, where the first security check takes place, so please arrive on time; latecomers cannot be guaranteed entry. Large luggage, sprays and sharp objects are not allowed, and smoking is forbidden in the building and on the terrace. Your booking is confirmed within 48 hours once the restaurant accepts it.