Reichstag Building
Mitte, Berlin · Last verified Jul 2026
Free, thoroughly equipped and step-free to the roof — but the dome's internal spiral ramp is long and steep, and registration is compulsory.
The Reichstag is one of the best-equipped public buildings in Europe for disabled visitors, and it is free. The Bundestag lists barrier-free access via ramps at the West C entrance on Platz der Republik, with three other entrances also wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets on the north and south side of every floor, a rest room for disabled visitors, and loan wheelchairs held on the visitor level. Lifts carry Braille and audible announcements.
Sensory provision goes well beyond the minimum. There is a tactile model of the building and deep-relief models of the plenary chamber and the dome, an audio guide in a tactile case designed to be worn round the neck for blind visitors, a sign-language video guide for deaf visitors to the dome, an easy-language audio guide, and induction loops for plenary debates and information talks. Sign-language interpreters can be arranged for guided tours.
The dome is where honesty is required. A lift takes you step-free to the roof terrace, and the terrace alone is worth the visit. But the dome's interior is a pair of spiral ramps totalling roughly 230 m that climb about 24 m, and the gradient is significant — our estimate is around 8% on the steeper stretches. The Bundestag's own guidance is that wheelchair users should bring an accompanying person, which is an unusually direct admission and should be taken at face value.
Registration is the other hard requirement. Dome and roof-terrace visits are possible only with prior online registration giving each visitor's name and identity document number, and slots fill weeks ahead in summer. Declare mobility, hearing or vision needs at that point: it is how staff know to route you to West C, prepare the lift and hold the tactile or sign-language guides. Security screening at the entrance adds time, so arrive with a margin.
What the measurements mean
The main entrance is step-free. The main door measures 120 cm, which is generous for any wheelchair or mobility scooter. There is no dedicated accessible parking, so plan a drop-off instead.
The lift cabin is 150 × 200 cm, enough room for a powerchair and a companion together. Its door opening is 110 cm. Internal routes are around 200 cm wide, so two wheelchairs can pass each other.
There is an accessible toilet. Grab bars are fitted. Turning space is about 180 cm, enough for a full turn in most wheelchairs.
Surfaces are smooth & even, which rolls easily. The steepest gradient reaches about 8%, which is noticeable in a manual chair.
The nearest step-free station is Bundestag on the U5 line, about 350 m away.
Sensory and communication support includes hearing loop, audio guide, captioning and braille signage.
A companion or carer is admitted free. Assistance animals are welcome. Staff are trained to assist. Seating and rest points are available along the route. Booking ahead is advisable to secure accessible entry.
What to expect
- Register online in advance with names and ID numbers; there is no walk-up access to the dome.
- Use the barrier-free West C entrance on Platz der Republik, which has ramps and staff assistance.
- A lift reaches the roof terrace; the dome itself is a long spiral ramp and the Bundestag advises bringing a companion.
Getting there step-free
Full accessibility profile
Every attribute below is recorded against the same protocol, so figures are comparable between places. Values are marked Measured or Estimate, and the sources are listed above.Entrance & arrival
Elevators & lifts
Accessible restroom
Surfaces & slopes
Getting there
Sensory & communication
Policies & assistance
Practical tips
- The roof terrace is step-free and open even if you choose not to attempt the dome ramp.
- Wheelchairs are available on loan at the visitor level, and there is a dedicated rest room for disabled visitors.
- Bring the same ID you registered with; entry is refused without it, and there is no on-the-day substitute.
Reichstag Building: common accessibility questions
Is the Reichstag dome wheelchair accessible?
Partly. A lift reaches the roof terrace step-free, and the terrace is fully accessible. The dome itself is climbed by two spiral ramps totalling roughly 230 m and rising about 24 m, steep in places, and the Bundestag advises wheelchair users to bring an accompanying person. Many visitors stop at the terrace.
Which Reichstag entrance is barrier-free?
West C on Platz der Republik, which has ramps and is the designated entrance for visitors with disabilities. Three further entrances — East at Ebertplatz, North on Paul-Löbe-Allee and South on Scheidemannstraße — are also wheelchair accessible. Flag your needs when registering so staff expect you.
What support does the Reichstag offer blind and deaf visitors?
A tactile model of the building and deep-relief models of the plenary chamber and dome, an audio guide in a wearable tactile case, Braille and audible announcements in the lifts, a sign-language video guide for the dome, an easy-language audio guide, and induction loops during plenary debates and information talks.