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A Visit to Berlin's Reichstag (Where Gumbo Was #186)

 

Gumbo was visiting Berlin's famous Reichstag (short for Reichstagsgebäude), seat of the reunified German parliament, the Bundestag.  Our photo clues for this puzzle did not long fool the crack travel sleuths in our audience.  Congratulations to PortMoresby, George G, Daniel H, GarryRF and PHeymont, all of whom successfully solved the puzzle!

01 Reichstag exterior

A Brief History of the Reichstag

When Germany first unified in the late 19th century, the need for a parliament building was apparent and a competition for the best design was held.  The winning entry for the Reichstag building was from Paul Wallot (there were 183 entries), and his beautifully designed building was completed in 1894.  It featured a neo-renaissance style with a grand classic entrance including columns and a broad staircase.  There was a crown atop of the building's steel dome.  The famous inscription, 'Dem Deutschen Volke' (To the German People), was added in 1916 by Emperor William II.

02 Reichstag exterior

04 Reichstag exterior (3)

The building was severely damaged by a fire in 1933, seen as an opportunity Hitler who used the incident to blame the Communists and to built up his power base.  The building was damaged even more in the second World War, especially during the Soviet siege of the city. The Russian soldiers left a lot of graffiti at the Bundestag, such as you saw in our first puzzle clue (The graffiti has been preserved in many interior areas as the Germans consider it part of their history).  After the war, the Reichstag was in the Western part of the city, very near the Berlin Wall.  Its original dome was demolished but the building was partially repaired in the 1950s and 1960s.

13 Reichstag Interior

14 Reichstag Interior

After reunification in 1990, and with the Bundestag's move from Bonn back to Berlin, it was clear the old Reichstag was in need of extensive modernization.  British architect, Sir Norman Foster, was commissioned to carry out the huge project and did so in spectacular fashion.  The outside of the building was repaired but not updated.  The inside of the building was extensively reconstructed, including a complete modernization of the plenary chamber.  It is really pretty amazing, with a massive German eagle standing proud behind the gathering.

06 Reichstag Interior (18)

09 Reichstag Interior (32)

 The design of the roof was a little controversial, with the Bundestag voting for the updated modern dome you see today. 

05 Reichstag Model

15 Reichstag dome

16 Reichstag dome

This new cupola contains a large central glass cylinder that is designed to reflect natural light into the plenary chamber with its system of mirrors.  The Cupola also provides natural ventilation. 

18 Reichstag Interior

19 Reichstag Interior

17 Reichstag

20 Reichstag Interior (64)

The Bundestag formally moved back into the Reichstag in 1999.

Visiting the Reichstag

The Reichstag is a popular tourist destination.  Visitors can take guided tours of the Bundestag (free), which are quite interesting.  You spend the better part of an hour being taken around the complex, including modern elements.....

10 Reichstag Interior (6)

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... a library-like fileroom where old records are kept....

12 Reichstag Interior (12)

You're even taken by President Merkel's office....

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Your tour endis in an elevator ride to the top of the building.  Separate visits of just the top of the building are also an option.  From the roof you can explore the viewing terrace with great views of the city.  You can also visit the dome and walk up its ramp for changing views of the city.  Reservations are a must and should be made well in advance for you to receive the time slot of interest to you.

21 Reichstag viewing deck

22 Reichstag view of Brandenburg Gate

We visited the Reichstag in the evening, and enjoyed the city lights and glass dome all lite up.  But I'd recommend a daytime visit when you can properly see the many features of Berlin and its Tiergarten.  But the price is right and it's a wonderful building to see and from which to learn some of Germany's history.  Highly recommended.





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Images (23)
  • Reichstag exterior
  • Reichstag exterior
  • Reichstag exterior
  • Reichstag exterior
  • Reichstag Model
  • Reichstag plenary chamber
  • Reichstag plenary chamber
  • Reichstag plenary chamber
  • 09 Reichstag Interior (32)
  • Reichstag Interior, tour
  • Reichstag Interior, tour
  • Reichstag Interior
  • Reichstag Interior
  • Reichstag Interior
  • Reichstag Interior
  • Reichstag dome
  • Reichstag dome
  • Reichstag dome
  • Reichstag dome.  Mirror complex
  • Reichstag dome.  Mirror complex
  • Reichstag dome.  Mirror complex
  • Reichstag viewing deck
  • Reichstag view of Brandenburg Gate

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

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