The Reichstag – Flying high above the German parliament
http://www.dirtcheapberlin.com/articles/7/1/The-Reichstag--Flying-high-above-the-German-parliament/Page1.html
By Matt Robinson
Published on 01/10/2008
Despite the fact that it had been stood empty for over 12 years, nearly 2,500 Soviet soldiers gave their lives to take the German parliament building back in 1945. Ironic, or sad, then that the Reichstag building somehow managed to end up in the British sector of Berlin after the end of hostilities, only a few hundred metres from a huge mass grave housing the Soviet casualties (also in the British sector).
Despite the fact that it had been stood empty for over 12 years, nearly 2,500 Soviet soldiers gave their lives to take the German parliament building back in 1945. Ironic, or sad, then that the Reichstag building somehow managed to end up in the British sector of Berlin after the end of hostilities, only a few hundred metres from a huge mass grave housing the Soviet casualties (also in the British sector).
Not until 1999 was the building finally revived as the seat of the German parliament, and Berlin once again made the capital of a united Deutschland. British architect Norman Foster, now Lord Foster, redesigned the building before its grand re-opening – with the addition to the original plans of a huge glass dome with corkscrew-style walkway perched high over the central parliament room.
From here you can watch the German government at work, and all the big decisions being made, or just point and laugh at the wealth of receding hairlines. The entrance is always free, but expect a long queue to get in – even on cold, winter days. While you’re waiting in line don’t forget to check out the huge inscription ‘Dem Deutschen Volke’ (to the German people) hung over the main entrance, originally added in 1916 much to the German Kaiser’s displeasure.
He hated the democratic significance. Dodge the queue by making a reservation at Kaefer’s restaurants upstairs, and you’ll have the chance to be whisked in by the back entrance for no more than the price of a coffee. The huge green field in front of the building is the perfect place to bask in the summer sun, in front of one of Berlin most historically significant landmarks.
Why should I go
Because you get to watch German politicians scurry around like ants.
Where
Platz der Republik 1, walking distance from the Brandenburg Gate
Homepage
www.bundestag.de/
Map
View Larger Map
Despite the fact that it had been stood empty for over 12 years, nearly 2,500 Soviet soldiers gave their lives to take the German parliament building back in 1945. Ironic, or sad, then that the Reichstag building somehow managed to end up in the British sector of Berlin after the end of hostilities, only a few hundred metres from a huge mass grave housing the Soviet casualties (also in the British sector).
It’s kind of like you’re floating, because it’s made of glass.
Despite the fact that it had been stood empty for over 12 years, nearly 2,500 Soviet soldiers gave their lives to take the German parliament building back in 1945. Ironic, or sad, then that the Reichstag building somehow managed to end up in the British sector of Berlin after the end of hostilities, only a few hundred metres from a huge mass grave housing the Soviet casualties (also in the British sector).
Not until 1999 was the building finally revived as the seat of the German parliament, and Berlin once again made the capital of a united Deutschland. British architect Norman Foster, now Lord Foster, redesigned the building before its grand re-opening – with the addition to the original plans of a huge glass dome with corkscrew-style walkway perched high over the central parliament room.
From here you can watch the German government at work, and all the big decisions being made, or just point and laugh at the wealth of receding hairlines. The entrance is always free, but expect a long queue to get in – even on cold, winter days. While you’re waiting in line don’t forget to check out the huge inscription ‘Dem Deutschen Volke’ (to the German people) hung over the main entrance, originally added in 1916 much to the German Kaiser’s displeasure.
He hated the democratic significance. Dodge the queue by making a reservation at Kaefer’s restaurants upstairs, and you’ll have the chance to be whisked in by the back entrance for no more than the price of a coffee. The huge green field in front of the building is the perfect place to bask in the summer sun, in front of one of Berlin most historically significant landmarks.
Why should I go
Because you get to watch German politicians scurry around like ants.
Where
Platz der Republik 1, walking distance from the Brandenburg Gate
Homepage
www.bundestag.de/
Map
View Larger Map