How do you get to Berghain?
The legendary techno club Berghain in Berlin Friedrichshain is considered the club of the city. When visiting the capital, this club is the place to be. But why is that? And what are the myths surrounding this club? Does Berghain really have “the hardest door in town”?
What is Berghain anyway?
Berghain is one of the most famous clubs in Berlin, and when we say famous, we mean that this name is sometimes known in the most remote places in the world. The name itself is a combination of the district names Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain and has established itself quite quickly since its reopening in 2004, although the club already existed in 1998, albeit under the name Ostgut and in a warehouse of a former goods station. But since 2004, the club has been reported on nationally and internationally.
The iconic club Am Wriezener Bahnhof is located in a former district heating station and close to the new Ostbahnhof on the site of the former Ostbahnhof. The four-storey building is divided into a cash desk area, a checkroom and a small bar on the first floor. From there, stairs lead up to dance floors of different sizes, which are sometimes combined depending on the event. However, the club itself only takes up half of the building; the other half is used for events such as exhibitions or fashion shows. Except for special events, the doors are often opened and the club benefits from the increased capacity.
The hardest door in Berlin
The cult that has been created around this club can be explained by various things. Firstly, there is always talk of the “hardest door in Berlin”, which naturally attracts all kinds of people. The bouncers at Berghain make no statement about who is allowed to enter the club and who is not. There are no guidelines whatsoever. This gives visitors to the club a certain coolness factor once they have passed through the door. Guests say it is advisable not to show up in fancy clothes. Black instead of colorful probably increases the chances of not being turned away. Ultimately, however, it always depends on the mood of the doorman. The selection of guests can certainly be regarded as strict.
What happens in Berghain, stays in Berghain
Photos and videos are prohibited in the club, which gives guests maximum freedom and privacy. Where else can you find something like this nowadays, where you are not allowed to take out your smartphone inside a building? This attracts people from all over the world. Even those who want to have a drug experience come to this club. Berghain regularly ends up in the press with headlines like this. As recently as summer 2017, an American woman died as a result of an MDMA overdose. A friend is said to have bought the pills from a dealer in the club’s toilet.
If you still want to visit Berghain in Berlin, or would like to do so for this very reason, you can find out more about the opening times and prices:
The party usually lasts from Thursday to Monday morning, admission costs around 15 euros, the dress code is rather casual and by no means too chic, a water (0.5) costs around 3 euros.
Specific opening times, prices and open floors are best obtained directly from the organizer, as there are no fixed opening times.
Some tips on how to get to Berghain …
… when the bouncer is in a good mood:
✓ The outfit is half the battle: No dress and no high heels, no polo shirt and sailing shoes. A T-shirt, jeans and rucksack are more likely to open the door here.
✓ Go at unusual times, for example early on a Sunday morning or late on a Sunday evening.
✓ It’s better not to attract attention in the queue by shouting and gesticulating wildly, you can still do that in the club if you’re let in.
✓ Come sober. No doorman likes to let drunks in, not even at Berghain.
✓ A small group of 2-3 people is easier to get into than a larger group of 5-8 people – preferably in mixed groups.
✓ Wait until the staff changes. If you didn’t get in that evening, you should try again in the morning. Of course, only if it’s really THAT important to you.
There used to be this Berghain app
Unfortunately, the Berghain app, which provided information about the length of the queue, failed to establish itself. Therefore, those interested now have to stick to the classic tips when it comes to getting into the cult club. Otherwise, don’t despair, other operators also have great clubs! Sure, it’s not Berghain, but if you’re looking for a good party, you can go somewhere else. At a less strict door. With a shorter waiting time.