A History Of Berlin's Most Famous Building: The Reichstag

Thanks to its historical significance, the Reichstag building is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin. What makes the Reichstag so well-known is not merely its architecture, nor the the fact that is the current seat of the German Parliament (the Bundestag). What gathers curious onlookers from around the world has more to do with the dramatic events of its past, including the role it played in the rise of the Nazi regime.
From the time construction began in 1884, the Reichstag reflected the tumultuous nature of German leadership for years to come, almost as if the building itself were a bad omen. Kaiser Wilhelm I, who was the Emperor at the time, was responsible for laying its foundation stone. Yet he tried and failed twice before getting it right. The Kaiser didn’t even like the building to begin with because the Reichstag’s neo-baroque dome would be even greater in stature than the city castle.

Indeed, the parliamentary rule of the late 19th century was subsuming the control of the monarch, and the Reichstag became an imposing symbol of this fact. Upon its completion ten years later, Kaiser Wilhelm II, who took control after his grandfather died, wouldn’t allow the customary inscription of the words ‘Dem Deutschen Volke’ or ‘To the German People’ to be added to the building. Of course, in hindsight the Kaisers’ disdain for the building was rather petty in comparison to the ways that the Reichstag intertwined itself with German political history in the decades to come.

The building did, however, enjoy a brief interlude of political peace and prosperity when it served as the legislature of the Weimar Republic starting in 1919. Yet, less than 15 years later, the Reichstag rose up in flames under suspicious circumstances that are still contested today. An unemployed, self-proclaimed communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, took responsibility for the arson, but there is much debate about whether he was really the one who committed the crime. There is one thing that historians do know for sure: Hitler used the attack to discredit the communists, resulting in his subsequent seizure of power.

Today, it is possible to visit the Reichstag, but for those who would like to have a look inside, it is typically necessary to make an appointment in advance. For more information, click here.

Reichstag Building, Friedrich-Ebert-Platz 1, Berlin, Germany

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.