Get into Berghain—the iconic Berlin nightclub known for its eclectic crowd, pounding techno, and notoriously selective door policy. With its enigmatic bouncers, gaining entry has become both a challenge and a status symbol. While there’s no surefire way to secure your spot inside, a few insider tips and unspoken rules can significantly increase your chances. We’ve compiled 13 essential tricks to help you hear that sought-after “Ja” at the door. So, dress your best, prepare your senses, and get ready to experience one of the world’s most legendary nightlife destinations.
Things You Should Know
- Know the Scene: Take some time to research the DJ lineup for the night and familiarize yourself with Berghain’s rich queer history—it shows respect for the culture.
- Dress the Part: When in doubt, stick to dark, understated clothing. However, don’t shy away from expressing your personality with a bold, unique outfit.
- Choose Your Crew Wisely: Small groups of 3 or fewer are ideal. Going with a queer person or someone around 35 years old might improve your odds.
- Stay Cool: Be calm, polite, and composed when interacting with the bouncer. If you don’t get in, don’t stress—try again on a quieter night.
- Know the music before you go.
Know Your Techno
Understanding the techno scene and knowing who’s performing at Berghain that night can work in your favor. The bouncer might ask which DJ is playing, and a correct answer could secure your entry. Since Berghain is a techno haven, it helps to explore electronic and dance music, particularly from Germany. Be sure to check the Berghain website for the evening’s lineup before heading out.
Notable German techno artists you might encounter include Chris Liebing, Monika Kruse, Paul van Dyk, Ricardo Villalobos, and Ellen Allien.
- When in doubt, dress dark.
Dress to Impress (in Black)
Dark colors, especially black, are a staple for Berghain-goers. While it’s not a strict rule, wearing an all-black outfit or incorporating dark tones into your look is the norm and can improve your chances. Choose a club outfit that reflects your personal style while sticking to darker shades for a classic yet edgy vibe.
- Check the Dress Code: Some events at Berghain have specific dress codes, so it’s worth checking the website before your visit to ensure you’re dressed appropriately.
- Showcase Your Style: Don’t be afraid to stand out! A unique look—like pairing a denim jacket with a black T-shirt and dark pants—can impress the bouncer and make you memorable.
- It’s About the Vibe: Getting into Berghain isn’t just about appearances. The bouncers select a diverse mix of people who contribute to the club’s unique atmosphere, so authenticity and individuality matter as much as style.
- Stay sober in line.
Stay Sober Before You Go
While alcohol is permitted inside Berghain, showing up intoxicated is a quick way to get turned away. The bouncers are carefully curating the club’s vibe, and visibly drunk individuals don’t fit the atmosphere they’re creating. To increase your chances of getting in, avoid drinking excessively before heading to the club—or better yet, skip the pre-drinks altogether. Save the partying for once you’ve made it past the door.
- Go at the right time.
Try Sunday Mornings for a Better Chance
Berghain can get incredibly crowded, so visiting during off-peak hours may improve your chances of getting in. One of the quietest times to go is late Sunday morning, after 6 a.m. Skip the Saturday night rush and opt for a relaxed Sunday entrance instead—grab some coffee and a bagel, and embrace the casual vibe. Who knows? The bouncers might just appreciate your laid-back approach.
- Opening Hours: Berghain operates Thursdays (10 p.m.–5 a.m.), Fridays (12–9 a.m.), and Saturdays from midnight through Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
- Avoid Peak Times: The busiest time is around 1 a.m. on Saturday nights, so plan accordingly for a smoother entry experience.
- Go with the right crowd.
Join a Diverse, Queer-Friendly Crowd
Berghain has its roots as a gay club, and while it’s now “straight-friendly,” its culture still celebrates inclusivity and diversity. Rolling up with a queer crowd or friends who embrace the club’s vibe might boost your chances of getting in.
- Be Authentic: If you’re cisgender or straight, there’s no need to “look gay.” Simply be yourself, embrace a fun and expressive style, and show respect for the club’s culture.
- Bring Your Tribe: Grab your most vibrant, open-minded friends and let your group’s energy reflect the unique and inclusive spirit of Berghain.
6.Find an older buddy.
Avoid trying to enter with a large group of friends. Bouncers are less likely to admit big groups because they fill up the venue quickly and are harder to manage. If you’re in a group of more than three, it’s better to separate and pretend you don’t know each other. If your friends get in but you don’t, either head somewhere else or give it another shot later.
Consider attending Berghain with older individuals, ideally those in their mid-30s. Unlike typical nightclubs, the average age of patrons tends to be around 35. If you’re under 30, it’s helpful to go with friends in their late 20s or early 30s to increase your chances of getting in. If you don’t have older friends, choose companions who are mature and won’t attract unnecessary attention while waiting in line.
Stay quiet and avoid drawing attention while waiting in line. You might have to wait for hours before reaching the door, so remain patient and composed. With the club now dealing with rowdy tourists, keeping a calm, cool demeanor shows the bouncer that you respect the venue. If you arrive earlier, before the club gets crowded, the bouncers may be more lenient in their judgment compared to later in the evening.
9.Keep your phone in your pocket.
Refrain from taking selfies while waiting in line, as Berghain has a strict no photography or recording policy. Keep your phone in your pocket and leave cameras at home to avoid trouble with the bouncers or other patrons. If they catch you taking selfies, you may be asked to leave and lose your spot. Besides, that in-line selfie is a bit too touristy. While photography is prohibited, you can still bring your phone with you to Berghain.
10.Learn or memorize some German.
If possible, speak German with the bouncer. Since Berghain is a popular spot for tourists, some of whom may act disrespectfully, speaking German can improve your chances of getting in.
If you’re not comfortable speaking German, showing respect by saying, “Es tut mir leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch” (I’m sorry, I don’t speak German) can go a long way. You might also memorize other useful phrases, like:
- “Ich heiße ___” (My name is ___).
- “Vielen Dank!” (Thank you very much!)
- Basic German numbers, in case the bouncer asks how many are in your group. For example, if you have three people, you can say “drei.”
11.Keep a low profile in line.
Stay low-key and keep a neutral expression while waiting in line. Many tourists are turned away because they appear nervous, out of place, or overly excited. If you’re feeling anxious, take a deep breath and focus on staying calm. You don’t need a perfect poker face, but it’s important to keep your emotions in check until you’re inside.
To relax, try a simple breathing exercise or focus on the music around you to center yourself.
12.Accept the bouncer’s decision.
Always remain polite and respectful with the bouncer. Since some people in line may be drunk, rude, or angry after being turned away, bouncers tend to favor those who are civil. Whatever the outcome, thank the bouncer for their time and avoid arguing or making insults. If you confront them, they’ll likely remember you, making it harder to get in next time.
Keep in mind that the bouncer is simply doing their job, and treating them with respect increases the chances they’ll treat you the same way. Additionally, steer clear of any rude or disruptive people in line. The bouncers might assume you’re associated with them and remove you as well.
13.Try, try again.
If you don’t get in the first time, don’t be discouraged—try again later. There are many factors that influence the bouncers’ decisions, which are often subjective and based on the club’s vibe at the moment.
You might have better luck returning later in the night after some patrons have left or when the atmosphere inside has shifted. Alternatively, consider coming back the next morning when the crowd has thinned out or early the following night.