A Glimpse Into Berghain: Berlin's Most Notorious Club

Berghain has created an entire sub-culture, influencing all areas of life, from what people wear to the music they listen to, from the way they dance to the general attitude they carry around. The cult of Berghain is tangible in Berlin.

Countless guides have been written to help wannabee Berghainers gain access to this notorious club, while many horror stories have been told about being turned away by a ferocious doorman.

The club is the temple of techno in Berlin, disciples of the hard industrial sound have found a spiritual home at Berghain. But access isn’t all that easy, Berghain is notorious for being one of the most difficult clubs to get into.

This place is not keen on tourists; arriving in a group, being too loud or cheerful, showing any signs of nerves or too many bright colours, are all frowned upon. Don’t be surprised to wait in line for a few hours before being turned away with just one look! If you do manage to pass the bouncer’s gauntlet, don’t even think about using your camera phone. This is a place where people come to party freely, and what happens in Berghain, stays in Berghain.

So what is waiting on the other side? Well, unadulterated freedom, some fans would say. Berghain is the birthplace of EDM (electronic dance music) – the rooms pump with incredibly loud, monotonous beats that are layered with drone-like sounds, amid industrial textures and an onslaught of flashing lights.

From Friday night right through to Monday afternoon, the concrete icon blasts hypnotic techno, and many ravers choose to forgo the light of day. Substances of choice tend to be a mixture of MDMA, speed or ketamine, helping revelers complete a 24-hour cycle of non-stop raving.

This liberty also extends far into the realm of sexual exploration and fetishes, people here are not afraid to express their deepest and strangest desires and fantasies. It might initially seem bizarre, but the space is committed to safety; this is the very reason why people are able to express their sexuality so freely, and you’d be hard pressed to find this kind of openness in any other city in the world.

Sex rooms, drugs and thumping music – it might not be to everyone’s taste. But Berghain’s appeal comes from its enigma, its unpredictable and volatile approach to the dance scene certainly keeps partygoers on the edge and wanting more.

Berhain, Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.