Plizio Visual Lab
Reichstag 1945
In 1945, the Reichstag building in Berlin became a world-renowned symbol of the end of World War II and the victory over National Socialism. During the Battle of Berlin, the building, already damaged by the 1933 fire, was fiercely contested as it held enormous symbolic value for the Red Army. On April 30, 1945, Soviet soldiers Meliton Kantaria and Mikhail Yegorov raised the Red Flag on the building's roof, a moment captured in a famous photograph that became a part of global history. Following its capture, numerous Soviet soldiers left inscriptions and graffiti on the building's walls, some of which were uncovered and preserved as historical testimonies during the renovation in the 1990s. After the war, the Reichstag stood as a ruin directly on the sector border for decades before being extensively rebuilt by Norman Foster following reunification; today, it once again serves as the seat of the German Bundestag.
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Top sights: Reichstag Building · Reichstag dome · Paul-Löbe-Haus
- Nearby: Prenzlauer Berg (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 38 | 41 | 29 | 53 | 57 | 81 | 58 | 48 | 48 | 50 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
ww2
1945
Geography
Facts
- Raising of the Soviet Victory Banner on April 30, 1945, by the Red Army.
- The famous photograph by Yevgeny Khaldei was staged on May 2, 1945.
- Preservation of original Cyrillic graffiti left by Soviet soldiers inside.
- Severe damage caused by artillery fire during the Battle of Berlin.
- The Reichstag was the central symbol of the 'Third Reich' for the Soviets.
- Reconstruction with the iconic glass dome by Norman Foster (1994-1999).
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Reichstag 1945 (10)
Max-Liebermann-Haus🏛 museum
Building in Berlin, former home of painter Max Liebermann.
Brandenburg Gate
Triumphal arch in Berlin, landmark of the city and German unity.
Marschallbrücke
Road bridge over the Spree in the Berlin-Mitte district.
Erlebnis Europa🏛 museum
Permanent exhibition in the European House Berlin about the EU.
Kronprinzenbrücke
Bridge in Berlin over the Spree, named after the crown prince.
Academy of Arts
Cultural institution in Berlin-Mitte, seat of the Academy of Arts.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When was the Soviet flag raised on the Reichstag?
Can traces of 1945 still be seen today?
How badly was the Reichstag destroyed after the war?
What did the Reichstag symbolize for the Soviet Union?
Can the site be visited today?
Reichstag 1945: where is it located?
Reichstag 1945: what is there to see?
Reichstag 1945: when is the best time to visit?
Reichstag 1945: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
