Berghain, a Berlin techno club housed in a former power plant, has achieved near-mythical status. Its notoriety stems largely from the notoriously stringent door policy enforced by Sven Marquardt, the club’s heavily tattooed and instantly recognizable gatekeeper. The lengthy queue outside, often stretching for hours, has become a ritualistic experience in itself, fodder for countless online discussions dissecting the secrets to gaining entry. Hopefuls scour Reddit threads for advice and scrutinize TikTok videos of successful (and often rule-breaking) entrants, desperate to glean insight into Marquardt’s seemingly inscrutable selection process. This online obsession has, in turn, spawned a backlash, with some longtime patrons lamenting the influx of ”TikTok ravers” and their perceived threat to the club’s unique atmosphere.
Inside, Berghain offers a stark contrast to the anxious anticipation of the queue. The cavernous industrial space, with its soaring 20-meter ceilings, pulsates with world-class techno music, described by some as a visceral, body-shaking experience. Darkness pervades certain areas, facilitating anonymous encounters, while other spaces are bathed in the sweat and energy of the revelers, a mix of the clothed and unclothed. Despite the club’s hedonistic reputation, many accounts also emphasize a surprising sense of community and acceptance. Stories abound of acts of kindness, spontaneous connections, and a pervasive atmosphere of inclusivity, even for those who might feel like outsiders in other settings. The club’s allure extends beyond the music and the physical space, encompassing a unique blend of freedom, anonymity, and shared experience that defies easy categorization.
For seasoned Berlin club-goers, the Berghain queue is less a source of anxiety and more an accepted part of the ritual. The uncertainty of entry is woven into the fabric of the experience, adding to the mystique and reinforcing the club’s exclusivity. This acceptance of the strict door policy stems from a belief that it is essential for preserving Berghain’s unique character and preventing it from becoming just another mainstream club. The sense of exclusivity paradoxically contributes to the inclusive atmosphere within, as Marquardt himself has stated, aiming to create a welcoming space for the ”original type of club-goer,” a demographic that historically includes marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, and people of color.
Berghain’s history is intertwined with Berlin’s vibrant techno scene. Emerging from the ashes of its predecessor, Ostgut, the club inherited a legacy rooted in the city’s underground and gay club culture. This lineage is evident in the club’s inclusive ethos and its dedication to showcasing cutting-edge techno music. The club’s location, a former East German power plant once owned by the Swedish company Vattenfall, further adds to its industrial aesthetic and symbolic resonance. In the years following its opening in 2004, Berghain quickly gained international recognition, attracting DJs and clubbers from around the world and solidifying Berlin’s reputation as a global techno mecca.
The club’s reputation extends far beyond Berlin, reaching even the shores of Sweden, where tales of its legendary parties and all-night revelry fueled its mystique. Swedish DJs like La Fleur and Staffan Lindberg, who both experienced Berghain during its formative years, attest to its influence on the global techno scene and its significance as a platform for both established and emerging artists. Lindberg, in particular, highlights the importance of Berghain as a queer space, challenging prevailing prejudices and showcasing the cutting edge of music and culture. The club’s acceptance and celebration of queerness helped solidify its reputation as a beacon of inclusivity and freedom of expression, further enhancing its allure.
Despite its enduring popularity and cultural significance, Berghain now faces an uncertain future. The rising costs of living and gentrification of Berlin are threatening the city’s vibrant nightlife, with many iconic clubs closing their doors. This ”clubsterben,” or club death, raises concerns about Berghain’s long-term viability. While the club celebrates its 20th anniversary with a star-studded lineup, some fear that its heyday may be over, lamenting the changing landscape of Berlin and the potential loss of its unique cultural spaces. Others remain optimistic, viewing Berghain as a resilient cultural institution that will continue to thrive, offering a haven for creativity, freedom, and the enduring power of techno music.
