Berlin government district tour: Reichstag & Chancellery

Walk the corridors of power along the Spree with a guide who knows the buildings inside out.

This guided tour of Berlin's government district covers the Reichstag, Federal Chancellery, Memorial to the Dead of the Wall and other key political sites on the banks of the Spree, led by an expert guide in German. The tour starts at Futurium and lasts about 75 minutes. Admission to the Reichstag building itself is not included, but the operator will send registration details by email if you request them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour government district political sights

• Meet at government district
• Visit Parliament of Trees memorial
• See Spreebogenpark green space
• View Federal Chancellery building
• Explore parliament building and library
• Visit Paul-Löbe-Haus committee rooms
• See Bundestag office complex
• Visit ARD Capital Studio
• Learn about Reichstag building visit

The Experience

The tour begins at Futurium (House of Futures), a free interactive museum worth visiting before or after if you have time. From there, your guide leads you through the government district, pointing out the Reichstag and the Federal Chancellery—the two buildings that define Berlin's political center. You'll walk through Spreebogenpark, a wide green space between the Spree and the government buildings, where the views open up to the Victory Column, the TV Tower and the Sony Center across the city.

Along the route, the guide shows you the Paul-Löbe-Haus and the Bundestag office buildings, explaining how the government and parliament quarters were planned around the Reichstag by renowned architects. You'll see the ARD Capital Studio, where about 70 journalists produce reports on political Berlin, and you'll stop at the Parliament of Trees, a 1990 memorial by artist Ben Wagin dedicated to victims of the Berlin Wall. Photographic subjects are abundant throughout the walk.

The tour does not include entry to the Reichstag building itself—that requires separate registration with the Bundestag or a reservation at the Roof Garden Restaurant. If you want to visit the interior, dome and roof terrace, the operator will email you all the registration details you need. The guide is in German; private tours in English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and other languages are available on request.

What’s included

Expert guide leading the tour of the government district; information about registering for Reichstag admission sent by email if you request it.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Regional Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free afternoon in Berlin and want to understand the government district's layout and political history without navigating it alone. The 75-minute walk covers the major buildings and memorials along the Spree, and the guide's explanations make the architecture and its role in German politics clear—a foundation for visiting the Reichstag separately if you choose to.

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Top questions

What is the Parliament of Trees and why is it part of this tour?

The Parliament of Trees is a 1990 memorial built by artist Ben Wagin to honor victims of the Berlin Wall. The guide introduces this important site during the tour as part of the government district's history of remembrance.

Does this tour include going inside the Reichstag building?

No, the tour walks past the Reichstag and shows you the exterior and its role in the government district, but does not include admission to the building. If you want to visit the interior, dome or roof terrace, you'll need to register separately with the Bundestag or book through the Roof Garden Restaurant, and the operator will send you the registration information by email.

Where does the tour start and what is Futurium?

The tour starts at Futurium (House of Futures), a free interactive museum in the government district that covers topics like climate, living, nutrition and technology. It's a good place to visit before or after the tour if you have extra time.

What buildings and sites does the guide show you along the Spree?

The tour covers the Reichstag, Federal Chancellery, Paul-Löbe-Haus, Bundestag office buildings, Spreebogenpark, the ARD Capital Studio and the Parliament of Trees memorial. The guide explains the architecture and political history of each site.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available near the meeting point. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What language is the guide in?

The guide is in German. Private tours in English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and other languages are available on request.