| Topic | Rule (read 30 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| ED-R 146 zone | 3 nautical miles (about 5.56 km) around the Reichstag |
| First nautical mile | Only professional flights can be approved, apply to the federal air traffic authority |
| Between 1 and 3 miles | General rules of notice NfL 2024-1-3127 |
| Fine | Up to 50,000 EUR for breaking drone rules |
| Holocaust memorial | No official ban on photos, but no selfies or inappropriate poses |
| Museums | Rules vary by building: check at the entrance |
Drones: zones and steps
The city centre, with the government district, is covered by the restriction zone. For a tourist, flying over the centre is not realistic: check the DFS airspace map before any flight and go only with the required EU registrations. Within the first nautical mile, the application goes to the BAF and the police must be told two hours beforehand.
Photographing in Berlin
Photographing buildings from the street raises no particular problem. At the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, signs ask for respectful behaviour: avoid smiling selfies and poses. For each museum, check the rule at the entrance, because it varies from room to room, for example at the Humboldt Forum.
FAQ
Can I fly a drone in front of the Brandenburg Gate? No, it is the ED-R 146 zone, reserved for authorised flights.
Can I photograph the Holocaust memorial? Yes, but respectfully.
What do I risk with a banned drone? A possible criminal offence and fines up to 50,000 EUR.
Go further
A guided walk along the East Side Gallery gives good viewpoints with no equipment: see the Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery walking tour. Also read the best photo spots in Berlin, laws and fines in Berlin and around the Reichstag.
The Berlin Authority editorial team
