Cultural trips
School trips
Bundestag class trip
Bundestag Class Trip: How to Make Your Berlin Trip a Success!
Planning a class trip to the Bundestag? We show you how to make the visit an unforgettable experience. From registration to funding – find all the important information here. Would you like individual advice for your class trip? Contact us now!
The topic, briefly and concisely
A class trip to the Bundestag fosters political understanding and student engagement by providing them with a direct insight into German democracy.
By using travel allowances and early planning, the costs for the trip can be reduced and participation for all students can be enabled.
The combination of a visit to the Bundestag, alternative activities in Berlin and professional support from travel providers ensures a valuable and unforgettable learning experience for the students.
Discover the best tips for an unforgettable class trip to the Bundestag! Find out everything about programmes, funding and how to make the most of your visit.
A school trip to the Bundestag is far more than a simple tour – it is a targeted investment in your students' political education and the promotion of their understanding of democracy. The German Bundestag in Berlin offers a unique opportunity to experience and understand German democracy and legislation firsthand. Visiting the Reichstag building and participating in specially designed programs will sustainably foster students' political interest and understanding. Take this chance to impart the significance of democracy and active political participation to your students and educate them to become responsible citizens.
Bundestag visit: The ideal destination for an informative school trip
Experience political education firsthand: Understand democracy and legislation
The Bundestag provides a direct insight into German democracy and the complex legislative process. Students experience firsthand how laws are created and political decisions are made. This not only sparks political interest but also enhances understanding of the often-complex political connections. A visit to the Bundestag can be crucial in sensitising young people to political issues and encouraging them to actively participate in social life. This way, students become informed and engaged citizens who know and exercise their rights and duties. Take the opportunity to educate your students about the foundations of our democracy and inspire them to shape the future.
Experience historical significance: The Reichstag building as a witness of time
The Reichstag building itself is an impressive witness of German history and an architectural masterpiece. From its construction in the late 19th century to its central role in reunified Germany, the building has witnessed numerous significant events. Visiting the Reichstag dome offers not only a breathtaking panoramic view of Berlin but also deep insights into the architectural features and symbolic significance of the building. Such a visit ideally combines political education with an intense historical and cultural experience. Learn more about the eventful history of the Reichstag and its significance for German democracy. The combination of historical education and political information makes the visit an unforgettable experience.
Diverse learning offerings: Tailored programs for every class level
The Bundestag offers a wide range of special programs tailored to the needs and interests of various class levels. Interactive formats such as exciting simulations, where students simulate the parliamentary process, or stimulating discussions with experienced members of parliament, enable active and practical learning. These diverse offerings make the visit to the Bundestag a truly memorable and, above all, educational experience for all participants. Benefit from the tailored learning offerings and make the Bundestag visit an individual and sustainable educational experience. The interactive formats promote student engagement and active participation.
Seamless Organisation: How to Optimise Registration and Programme Selection for Your Bundestag Visit
Careful planning and detailed preparation are crucial to ensure your Bundestag class trip becomes a complete success and the students can fully benefit from the experience. Start early with the registration and precise scheduling to ensure you get your desired date. Choose an age-appropriate programme that aligns optimally with the interests and current knowledge level of your students. Thoroughly inform yourself about the various financial support options to significantly reduce the overall costs of the trip and make optimal use of the budget.
Planning is everything: Early registration and optimal scheduling
Best travel periods: Utilise the availability and advantages of the off-season
The months of November to February often offer significantly better availability for school groups, as there are usually fewer tourists in Berlin during this time. In your detailed scheduling, also consider the parliamentary weeks and non-parliamentary weeks of the Bundestag. During parliamentary weeks, you have the unique opportunity to attend a plenary session live, while in non-parliamentary weeks, informative lectures are often offered in the visitors' gallery. Early and careful planning allows you to tailor the visit to the specific needs of your class and adjust the programme accordingly. Benefit from the better availability in the off-season and plan your visit in good time.
Essential: The necessity of early pre-registration
To avoid unnecessarily long waiting times and ensure smooth operations, pre-registration for visiting the Bundestag is essential. Registration is usually straightforward via the Bundestag website or through specialized providers like InBerlinReisen. Be sure to submit all necessary documents, such as detailed questionnaires, in a timely manner. Careful preparation and strict compliance with registration deadlines are crucial for a smooth process and a positive visitor experience. Avoid unnecessary waiting times through timely and complete registration. This ensures that your visit to the Bundestag proceeds smoothly.
Age-appropriate programme selection: Content that captivates and imparts knowledge
Programmes for Year 7 and 8: Interactive formats for young explorers
For students in Year 7 and 8, the Bundestag offers special programmes that are optimally tailored to their needs and interests. These programmes usually include an exciting tour of the Reichstag building, a visit to the impressive Reichstag dome, and a visit to an MP’s office. A quiz at the end of the programme serves to consolidate what has been learned in a playful way and check knowledge. These programmes generally last around 2 hours, ensuring there is enough time for all activities. Choose the appropriate programme for younger students and foster their interest in politics and history.
Programmes for Year 9 and 10: Deeper insights into political work
For older students in Year 9 and 10, there are extended programmes that offer even deeper insight into complex political work. These programmes often include a quiz on the political system, a comprehensive tour of the Reichstag building, an engaging discussion with an MP, a joint lunch, and a visit to the Reichstag dome. These programmes generally last about 3-5 hours, ensuring ample time for all activities. Participating in a lively discussion with an MP gives students the valuable opportunity to ask questions and express their own opinions. Take the opportunity to give your students a deeper insight into political work and encourage their interest in societal issues.
Simulation games for older students (from Year 10): Simulate the parliamentary process
For particularly interested and engaged students from Year 10, the Bundestag offers so-called simulation games, providing a unique learning experience. In these simulations, students simulate the entire parliamentary process and actively take on the roles of MPs. This not only fosters understanding of the complex decision-making processes in politics but also enables students to develop and express their own political viewpoints. Such a simulation game can be an extremely valuable addition to regular classes and sustainably strengthen students' political interest. Promote understanding of political processes through simulation games and allow your students to actively engage with political topics.
Financial support: How to reduce the costs of your class trip
Travel cost subsidy from the Bundestag: Ease the budget and enable participation
The Bundestag offers an attractive travel cost subsidy for school classes to significantly reduce the costs of the visit and enable as many students as possible to participate. The application is usually straightforward online via the Bundestag website. The amount of the subsidy is precisely calculated based on the distance between the school location and Berlin. It is important to meet all the conditions for the subsidy, such as active participation in a discussion with an MP and attendance at a plenary session or an informative lecture. CTS Reisen provides detailed information and valuable support in this regard. Take advantage of the travel cost subsidy from the Bundestag to lower the costs of your class trip. This enables participation even for students from lower-income families.
Travel cost subsidy from the Bundesrat (from Year 9): Secure additional financial relief
For students from Year 9 onwards, there is an additional opportunity to receive a travel cost subsidy from the Bundesrat to further reduce the financial burden of the class trip. However, this subsidy is subject to certain conditions that must be met. For example, visiting the Bundesrat must be combined with a visit to the Bundestag and other state-political events. Suitable events include, for example, a visit to the moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Deutscher Dom, or the Hohenschönhausen Memorial. The Bundesrat subsidy can provide a welcome additional financial relief for the class trip and ease the budget. Make use of the Bundesrat's travel cost subsidy for additional financial relief and make your class trip even more varied.
Diverse Learning Experience: How to Make the Most of the Bundestag's Range of Programs
Make your Bundestag class trip as varied and informative as possible by optimally using the diverse programme offerings of the Bundestag and tailoring them to the interests of your students. Visit the impressive plenary chamber and the visitors' gallery for a direct insight into the exciting parliamentary work. Visit the famous Reichstag dome to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the vibrant metropolis of Berlin. Take advantage of the valuable opportunity to have a personal conversation with a constituency representative and discuss current political issues.
Insight into Democracy: Tour of the Plenary Chamber and Visitors' Gallery
Attend a Plenary Session (during sitting weeks): Experience Democracy Live
During sitting weeks, you have the unique opportunity to actively participate in a plenary session of the Bundestag with your class. Here, students can follow exciting parliamentary debates live and gain a direct insight into the important work of the deputies. It is advisable to register early, as places are naturally limited. Attending a plenary session can vividly illustrate to students the importance of democracy and active political participation. Allow your students to experience democracy live and witness parliamentary work up close. Participation in a plenary session is an unforgettable experience.
Lecture on the Visitors' Gallery (during non-sitting weeks): Compact Knowledge
In non-sitting weeks, the Bundestag often offers informative lectures on the visitors' gallery as a good alternative to a plenary session. Here, students receive substantial information on the diverse responsibilities and complex operation of the Bundestag. Following the lecture, there is an opportunity to ask specific questions and engage in personal conversation with the speakers. Such a lecture can be an excellent alternative to attending a plenary session, especially if it is not possible due to scheduling. Use the lectures on the visitors' gallery to convey knowledge to your students in a compact and clear manner. The subsequent discussion provides space for questions and in-depth conversations.
Architectural Highlight: Visit to the Reichstag Dome with Panoramic View
Architectural Highlight with Panoramic View: Discover Berlin from Above
The Reichstag dome is an undisputed architectural highlight and offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the fascinating metropolis of Berlin. Visiting the dome is usually free of charge, but prior registration is absolutely necessary. It is important to note that visiting the dome may be restricted for security reasons and due to weather conditions. Therefore, be sure to inform yourself in advance about current regulations and plan alternative programmes as necessary to remain flexible. Enjoy the panoramic view from the Reichstag dome and discover Berlin from a unique perspective. The dome is an architectural masterpiece and an unforgettable experience.
Direct Contact with Politics: Conversation with a Constituency Representative
Direct Contact with Politics: Ask Questions and Exchange Opinions
A personal conversation with a constituency representative offers students the valuable opportunity to engage directly with a politician. Students can ask targeted questions on current political issues and express and discuss their own opinions. Such a conversation can sustainably spark students' political interest and encourage them to actively participate in social life. It is advisable to prepare the conversation carefully in advance and give students the opportunity to formulate questions and research topics beforehand. Promote direct contact with politics through conversations with representatives and enable your students to have an open dialogue on political topics. Personal encounters with politicians are a valuable experience.
Audio-Visual Offerings: Experience Knowledge Interactively
Audio Guide for Different Age Groups: Discover History and Architecture
The Bundestag provides an informative audio guide for different age groups that complements the students' visit optimally. This audio guide conveys, in an illustrative manner, information on the eventful history and impressive architecture of the Reichstag building. The duration of the audio guide is about 20 minutes, making it a compact and informative addition to the regular tour. The audio guide can be a valuable addition to the regular tour and provide students with additional interesting information. Use the audio guide for interactive knowledge transfer and enable your students to discover history and architecture independently. The audio guide is an ideal complement to the tour.
Sustainable Learning Outcomes: How to Ensure the Educational Value of Your Visit to the Bundestag
Ensure the long-term educational value of your Bundestag class trip by preparing for the visit in lessons and reflecting and reviewing it afterward. Use age-appropriate and didactically high-quality teaching materials to optimally prepare the students for the visit and spark their interest. Promote interactive learning methods such as exciting quizzes and educational role-playing games to deepen the students' knowledge and encourage their active participation. Reflect on and discuss the visit in class to process and consolidate the gained impressions and new insights together.
Lesson Preparation: Laying Foundations and Sparking Interest
Using Age-Appropriate Teaching Materials: Imparting Knowledge and Awakening Curiosity
The Bundestag provides free and age-appropriate teaching materials which can be used optimally in preparation for your visit. These materials cover relevant topics like democracy, parliamentarism, and the exciting history of the Reichstag. They are tailored to age groups and can help students get optimally prepared for the visit and deepen what they've learned. Good and comprehensive preparation is crucial for the success of the visit and the sustainable learning experience of the students. Use the free teaching materials from the Bundestag to optimally prepare your students for the visit and to spark their interest in political topics.
Interactive Learning Methods: Active Learning and Consolidating Knowledge
Quizzes and Role-Playing Games: Learning Playfully and Understanding Political Processes
Encourage active learning and the intensive involvement of students by purposefully implementing interactive learning methods such as quizzes and role-playing games. A quiz can serve to check and consolidate the students’ existing knowledge about the political system and the various tasks of the Bundestag in a playful manner. A role-playing game can offer students the valuable opportunity to simulate the complex parliamentary process and take on the different roles of members of parliament. These interactive methods can spark students' interest and significantly deepen their understanding of political connections. Encourage active learning through quizzes and role-playing games and enable your students to understand political processes playfully.
Follow-up to the Visit: Processing Impressions and Consolidating Insights
Reflection and Discussion in Class: Sharing Experiences and Forming Opinions
After visiting the Bundestag, it is especially important to reflect on and discuss the gained impressions and new insights in class. Students can share their personal experiences and express and justify their opinions. The discussion can serve to consolidate what has been learned and encourage students to further engage with political topics. Good follow-up is essential to secure the educational value of the visit in the long term and to sustainably foster students' interest in political subjects. Ensure the educational value through reflection and discussion and encourage your students to further engage with political topics.
Smooth Organisation: How to Optimise Travel, Accommodation and Programme
Seamless organisation and thoughtful logistics are crucial for the success of your Bundestag class trip and ensure a relaxed and educational experience for everyone involved. Plan the journey and transport carefully to avoid unnecessary waiting times and to stay on schedule. Choose youth-friendly accommodation in Berlin that meets the needs of your students and offers a pleasant atmosphere. Combine the visit to the Bundestag with other exciting attractions and diverse cultural offerings in Berlin to make the trip varied and unforgettable.
Stress-free Arrival: Optimal Planning for a Relaxed Start
Public Transport: Convenient and Cost-effective Arrival at the Reichstag
The Reichstag is optimally connected to Berlin's transport network, allowing you to reach the Reichstag comfortably and stress-free using public transport. Check in advance for special group tickets and attractive special offers to reduce transport costs and ease the budget. Good planning of the journey and transport can be crucial in avoiding unnecessary waiting times and making the trip more relaxed overall. Use the excellent public transport connections for a convenient and cost-effective arrival at the Reichstag. This way, you save time and money.
Comfortable Accommodation: Youth-friendly Accommodation for an Enjoyable School Trip
Recommendations for Youth-friendly Accommodation in Berlin: Comfort and Safety
Berlin has a wide range of youth-friendly accommodations that are ideal for school trips and perfectly meet the needs of students. These include popular hostels, modern youth hostels, and comfortable hotels. Book a suitable group arrangement in good time to ensure you have enough rooms for your students. When choosing accommodation, pay attention to its central location, modern facilities, and attractive prices. Good accommodation can be crucial to ensuring students feel comfortable and can enjoy the trip to the fullest. Choose youth-friendly accommodation for an enjoyable school trip and ensure the comfort and safety of your students.
Discover Berlin: Additional Activities for an Unforgettable Journey
Combination with Other Attractions and Cultural Offerings: Experience Berlin in a Multifaceted Way
Combine the visit to the Bundestag with other well-known attractions and diverse cultural offerings in Berlin to make the trip as varied and interesting as possible. Visit, for example, the poignant Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the famous Brandenburg Gate, or the impressive East Side Gallery. Participate in an exciting city tour to learn about Berlin's rich history and vibrant culture. The combination with other activities can make the trip even more interesting and educational for the students and spark interest in history and culture. Our tips for school trips to Berlin help with planning and provide valuable suggestions. Make the trip varied with additional activities and allow your students to experience the full diversity of Berlin.
Professional Support: How to Plan Your Visit to the Bundestag with Expert Assistance
Utilise the skilled assistance of specialised travel providers and the comprehensive service offered by the Visitor Service of the German Bundestag to optimally plan and smoothly conduct your Bundestag class trip. These experienced providers and services offer you valuable information, professional support in organising, and the straightforward booking of programmes and suitable accommodations.
Specialised Travel Providers: Experts for Class Trips to Berlin
InBerlinReisen: Tailored Planning and Organisation for Unforgettable Class Trips
InBerlinReisen offers tailored and professional planning and organisation of class trips to Berlin, customised to meet the specific needs of your class. The company ably supports you in booking suitable accommodations, organising seamless transport, and assembling a varied and educational programme. In addition, InBerlinReisen offers interesting city tours and a wide array of cultural highlights to enrich your stay in Berlin. You can easily reach InBerlinReisen at +49 30 21003838, conveniently via WhatsApp, or through the practical contact form on the website. Benefit from the individual planning and organisation by InBerlinReisen to make your class trip to Berlin unforgettable.
CTS Reisen: Comprehensive Service for Your Class Trip to Berlin
CTS Reisen is another specialised and experienced travel provider for class trips to Berlin, offering you comprehensive service. The company assists you in easily booking trips, suitable accommodations, meals, and attractive additional programmes. Moreover, you receive valuable information on funding opportunities and competent support in applying for these to reduce the costs of your class trip. CTS Reisen boasts many years of experience in organising class trips and can assist you with any questions regarding the trip. Rely on the comprehensive service from CTS Reisen and benefit from the provider's extensive experience in organising class trips.
Direct Booking with the Bundestag: Information First-Hand
Visitor Service of the German Bundestag: Your Direct Contact
The Visitor Service of the German Bundestag is your first point of contact for all questions regarding a visit to the Bundestag, offering you competent support. Here, you receive detailed information about the various programmes and registration modalities. You can find the relevant contact information on the Bundestag's website. The Visitor Service actively assists you in planning your visit and answers your questions competently and reliably. Use the Visitor Service of the German Bundestag as a direct contact for all questions regarding your visit and benefit from expert advice.
Be well-prepared: Tackle challenges and plan alternatives for your visit to the Bundestag
Be prepared for potential challenges and plan alternatives in advance to ensure your Bundestag class trip is successful despite unexpected issues, achieving the best possible outcome. Consider the applicable security regulations and possible access restrictions of the Bundestag. Plan alternative activities in case weather conditions prevent a visit to the Reichstag dome. Be flexible and adjust your plans if the Bundestag visit is canceled at short notice.
Observe security regulations: Preparation is key
Checks and waiting times: Patience and planning required
Due to current security regulations, checks and waiting times are expected when visiting the Bundestag, but these can be minimized with good preparation. Therefore, plan for an early arrival and take necessary security precautions into account. Check the Bundestag's website in advance for the latest regulations to be optimally prepared. Good preparation can help reduce waiting times and make the visit smoother overall. Allocate enough time for checks and waiting and check the current security measures in advance. This will help avoid unnecessary stress.
Weather-related restrictions: Maintaining flexibility
Alternative activities: Plan B for the dome visit
The visit to the Reichstag dome is weather-dependent and can be restricted or even canceled in bad weather. Therefore, be sure to plan alternative activities in case the dome visit is not possible. A good alternative is, for example, visiting the parliamentary history exhibition in the Deutscher Dom or participating in an informative tour of the government district. Flexible planning can be crucial to making the excursion a success even in bad weather. Plan alternative activities in case the dome visit is not possible and maintain flexibility. This ensures the excursion succeeds even in inclement weather.
Cancellation of the visit: Alternative activities in Berlin
Flexible planning and alternative dates: Be prepared for unforeseen events
In rare cases, a Bundestag visit may be canceled at short notice due to unforeseen political events. Be prepared for this and plan alternative activities in Berlin to make the most of the day. Contact the travel provider or the Bundestag's visitor service immediately to arrange alternative dates and postpone the visit if necessary. Flexible planning can help ensure the excursion is a success even if the visit is canceled. Be prepared for a possible cancellation and plan alternative activities in Berlin. This ensures the excursion succeeds even in unforeseen circumstances.
Sustainable Impact: How to Secure Valuable Experiences for Your Students
A Bundestag class trip is a valuable and formative experience for students, providing lasting impressions and valuable learning experiences that spark interest in political topics. It promotes an understanding of democracy and active political participation among students, helping them see themselves as informed citizens. Take the opportunity to bring your students closer to the significance of politics and democracy and encourage them to participate actively in social life.
Summary of the main benefits: Political education, history, and interactive learning
Political education, historical insights, interactive learning: An unforgettable experience
A visit to the Bundestag offers a unique and valuable combination of solid political education, deep historical insights, and innovative interactive learning. Students get a direct and authentic insight into German democracy and the complex legislative process. They learn about the eventful history of the Reichstag building and gain knowledge about the diverse tasks and complex working methods of the Bundestag. Interactive learning methods, such as engaging quizzes and educational role-playing games, encourage active learning and intensive student involvement. These varied experiences can ignite students' interest in political topics and motivate them to participate actively in social life. Provide your students with an unforgettable experience with political education, history, and interactive learning to inspire their interest in societal issues.
Outlook on future developments: New offerings for school classes
New offers and programs for school classes: The future of political education
The Bundestag continuously develops new and innovative offerings and programs for school classes to make visits even more attractive and educational, providing added value to students. This includes the digitalisation of learning materials and the development of interactive formats that make learning even more engaging. The goal is to sustainably strengthen political education in schools and highlight the importance of democracy and active political participation to students. Regularly explore the current offerings and programs of the Bundestag to provide your students with an optimal and unforgettable learning experience. Take advantage of the new offers and programs from the Bundestag to make the visit even more attractive and educational for your students. Thus, you actively shape the future of political education.
State grants for class trips to the Bundestag provide an excellent opportunity to invest in your students' political education and offer them valuable experiences. Whether it’s a first class trip to Berlin or deepening political understanding, the available funding programs make visiting the Bundestag attractive and financially feasible.
With a variety of funding programs, there are numerous ways to reduce the costs of visiting the Bundestag and ease the budget. GoTuro offers comprehensive advice and competent support in planning your class trip, fulfilling the funding requirements, navigating the complex application process, and avoiding potential problems. Contact us today to start your individual consultation and swiftly and easily apply for funding. Register for free and immediately receive an initial estimate for your class trip's funding needs.
By choosing a class trip to the Bundestag, you invest actively in your students' future and foster their interest in political topics. You not only promote their political interest and secure a valuable learning experience but also make an important contribution to democracy education and the promotion of societal engagement.
More useful links
The Deutsche Bundestag provides information about its tasks, members, and parliamentary work.
On the page Bundestag - Visits, you can find information on planning and registering visits to the German Bundestag.
The Bundestag offers free and age-appropriate educational materials here, which you can use optimally to prepare for your visit.
Wikipedia offers a general overview of the tasks and history of the German Bundestag.
Wikipedia offers a general overview of the tasks and history of the German Bundesrat.
The Educational Portal (KMK) provides information on education policy and programmes for political education.
The Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) offers extensive materials on political education.
The State Institute for School Development is a specialised resource for schools in Bavaria, offering comprehensive information on political education.
FAQ
Which age groups benefit most from a visit to the Bundestag?
The Bundestag offers tailored programmes for different school levels, particularly for the 7th to 10th years. Younger students (7th/8th year) benefit from interactive tours, while older students (9th/10th year) can engage in discussions with members of parliament and participate in role-playing games.
What financial support options are available for school trips to the Bundestag?
The Bundestag offers a travel allowance to help reduce the costs of the visit. Students from the 9th year onwards can also apply for an additional travel allowance from the Bundesrat if the visit is combined with other state political events.
What programme highlights are particularly recommended for a visit to the Bundestag?
Highly recommended are the tour of the plenary chamber and the visitors' gallery, the visit to the Reichstag dome (if possible), and a personal meeting with a constituency MP. During session weeks, attending a plenary session is a special highlight.
How far in advance should a visit to the Bundestag be planned and registered?
It is advisable to plan and register the visit early, ideally several months in advance, to secure the desired date and avoid long waiting times. The months of November to February often offer better availability.
What alternative programme options are there if visiting the Reichstag dome is not possible?
If visiting the Reichstag dome is not possible due to weather or security reasons, alternative programme options are available, such as the visit to the parliamentary history exhibition in the Deutscher Dom or an informative tour of the government district.
What role do specialised travel providers play in organising a school trip to the Bundestag?
Specialised travel providers like InBerlinReisen and CTS Reisen offer comprehensive support in planning and organising school trips to Berlin, including booking accommodation, transport, and additional programmes.
How can the educational value of a visit to the Bundestag be secured in the long term?
The educational value can be secured by careful preparation in class (e.g., with age-appropriate teaching materials), interactive learning methods (e.g., quizzes and role-playing games), and a reflection and discussion in class after the visit.
What security precautions should be observed during a visit to the Bundestag?
When visiting the Bundestag, controls and waiting times are to be expected. It is advisable to find out about the current security regulations on the Bundestag’s website in advance and to plan sufficient time for the security checks.
