The Berghain Club in Berlin, Germany, REUTERS/Axel Schmidt
(Berlin, Germany) — One of the hottest dance clubs in the world is in Berlin, Germany. It’s also likely the hardest to get into. Berghain, which is inside a former East German power plant is a mecca for techno enthusiasts and hedonists alike. Its has a reputation for it’s debaucherous atmosphere, and a strict no-photos policy, that adds to mystery of what goes on inside.
If you do head to Berghain for a night, or even afternoon of fun, be warned it’s almost impossible to get in. The two bouncers who routinely work the front door are the only ones who get to choose, who in line will actually get past the front door of the club. It opens Friday night and does not close again until Monday night.
Berghain’s most famous bouncer is Sven Marquardt, who has only given a few short interviews to the press. He is a big man with face tattoos and lip piercings. He says his biggest job is to cultivate the right crowd inside. That means many a celebrity, who has waited in line, has found out the hard way that their famous face does not mean much. Lots have been turned away.
Those who have made it inside Berghain talk of an overwhelming feeling of escapism amid the techno beat, and one of uninhibited self-expression. They say the party does not stop, but there are spots to relax and reenergize. Club goers gush too about the powerful and clear sound system, designed to immerse dancers in the music and feel it through their bodies. In other words, they say the wait to get in is worth it. Many say they were rejected in line, but kept coming back each weekend until they were picked.
So how do you get in? Those who have experienced Berghain say never come in a group. Don’t wear all black and leave your “club costume” at home, because the bouncers can see through what’s real and what is a put on to get their attention. Loud talking in line will generally sink club goers chances, so will showing up high or drunk.
Those in the know say the best way to get past the bouncers is to keep quiet in line, stay off the phone, and familiarize yourself with the DJs and their style. The bouncers sometimes ask club goers what they know about the DJs. It’s also best to try and get into the club during off hours, which means never showing up between midnight to 2 a.m. on Friday or Saturday nights. The best bet is to try and get in on Sunday morning. If and when clubbers make it past the bouncers, they have to be prepared to put stickers over the camera lenses on their phones. Anyone caught taking any kind of photo is immediately thrown out.
