As a passionate techno enthusiast and music producer, I’ve spent countless hours on the dancefloor of Berghain. It’s a place where my tracks have been played through its iconic Funktion One sound system, where I’ve connected with the music on a deeper level, and where the energy of the crowd feels almost otherworldly. After all these years, I still believe Berghain is the most authentic techno club in the world—a true temple of sound and hedonism. I’ve gained a deep respect for what this place truly represents and this isn’t going to be another superficial “how-to” guide written by tourist bloggers who’ve never truly understood the club’s soul.
In this post, I’ll share three practical tips on how to get into Berghain, drawn from my own experiences over the years and dispel some common myths often spread by those who’ve never set foot inside.
If you’re genuinely curious about this hedonistic, Techno space, I’m happy to offer guidance based on my experiences. However, let me be upfront: Berghain is more than just a club. It’s a safe space with deep roots in Berlin’s LGBTQ+ and FLINTA communities, born from the legacy of Ostgut. The club also honours the origins of techno by regularly booking Detroit artists and showing respect for the BIPOC community as a whole.
Read more: What is techno? A dive into the genre’s origins.
Those who come only to ride the hype risk disrupting its unique atmosphere. If you’re here just to tick a box or chase some viral Instagram moment, please close this page now.
The Door Policy
Berghain’s door policy is as infamous as the club itself—arguably even more so. It’s part of what has cemented its legendary status over the years. Yet, despite the endless speculation online, there is no official door policy public. The club has never released any formal guidelines, leaving most of what we know to come from the selectors themselves, such as the iconic Sven Marquardt. He explained in an interview with GQ that: “It’s subjective. Only a few of my guys are allowed to select guests at the door. They have to understand what Berghain is all about first, and I try to give them that foundation. Beyond that, there are no set rules.” 1
So it’s important to understand that the decisions of the bouncers are entirely subjective, based on their personal impression in the moment. Their judgement is not always perfect and can sometimes be influenced by factors beyond your control. This subjectivity is central to the mystique of Berghain’s entry process, but it’s also what makes it unpredictable—even regulars can be turned away (happened to me a few times as well).
My Proven Tips to Get into Berghain
After living in Berlin for many years and experiencing Berghain firsthand on countless occasions, I’ve gathered a few tips that have proven to be the most useful when trying to get in. These strategies have worked for me, but it’s important to keep in mind that my experience might differ from others, especially since I’m German with an Afro-European appearance. This could influence how I’m perceived at the door, and your experience may vary depending on factors like your appearance and the energy you bring to the door. That said, these tips are worth considering as you prepare for your visit.
Go with Someone Who Has Been There Before
This tip might sound simple, but I mean it wholeheartedly—it’s probably the most effective advice I can give (it’s also how I got in the first time, too). If you know someone who has been to Berghain multiple times, or ideally someone who is a regular, it’s a good idea to queue up with them.
Berghain places a lot of value on its regulars, and the club tends to trust that guests brought by familiar faces have been well-prepared for the experience, ensuring they’ll fit into the club’s vibe. From my experience, the selectors have an uncanny ability to remember faces, and they can often recognise guests who’ve been there a few times. So, going with someone who’s already part of the Berghain family could significantly improve your chances of getting in.
Try at Different Times and Find “Your” Bouncer
Another helpful tip is to try getting into Berghain at different times. Not only does this help you avoid peak hours (saving you from standing in line for ages only to be turned away), but it also gives you the advantage of encountering different selectors. Door staff typically rotate every 8 hours, so if you’re rejected during one shift, you might have better luck with a different selector later on. This is one of the perks of a club that stays open for multiple days in a row lol. A good time to try is usually early Sunday morning to midday (~05 – 11h), when the initial rush after opening has subsided and the next big crowd for the Sunday afternoon/ closing hasn’t yet arrived.
Each selector has their own personal preferences, as even Sven Marquardt has mentioned in the interview stated above.
That means you might not get in with one selector but could have more luck with another. Once you’ve succeeded in getting in, it’s worth returning at a similar time in the future to increase your chances of encountering the same selector again. As mentioned earlier, Berghain’s selectors have an impressive memory for faces, and consistent appearances could help you establish yourself as a regular over time.
Find the Right Outfit
When it comes to what to wear to Berghain, the internet is full of myths and clichés. My take? Don’t dress up in a costume, but make sure you fit into the club’s overall aesthetic. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the “vibe” you project at the door, which is what the selectors will ultimately judge you on. Your outfit is one of the few visual cues they have to go on in the brief time they see you, so it does play an important role.
As mentioned earlier, Berghain is, at its core, a space for subcultures and marginalised communities. Your style should reflect a connection to this scene. That doesn’t mean you need to show up in full latex or leather fetish gear—unless that’s your authentic self. Instead, aim for an alternative or edgy look that feels natural and genuine. The key is to appear authentic, not as though you’re trying too hard to fit a stereotype.
Giving specific advice here is tricky, as everyone needs to find their own balance between personal expression and the club’s vibe—and no, it doesn’t have to be all black (more on that below). Experiment to discover what feels right for you, but always stay authentic to yourself.
Pro tip: Choose an outfit that is comfortable for several hours of dancing. It gets warm inside, and you’ll want something that still feels good after 10+ hours of moving to the music. It’s also a smart idea to bring an extra shirt or shorts with you, giving you more options once you’re inside. This small preparation can make a big difference for your overall experience and gives the bouncers another clue that you are prepared for the Berghain experience.
Common Myths About Getting Into Berghain
A lot of myths surround Berghain’s door policy, many of which don’t stand up to closer inspection. Based on my experience over the years, here are seven of the most common myths and my honest opinion about them:
1. You need to know which DJ is playing and who you want to see
This is simply not true. I’ve never been asked at the door which DJ is performing, nor have I ever witnessed anyone else being questioned about this. The line-ups for each Klubnacht are publicly available on Berghain’s official website, so it’s no secret who’s playing. However, while knowing the DJ isn’t necessary, I still think it’s important to have a genuine interest in techno and a basic understanding of what kind of music you’ll experience that night. After all, Berghain is a music venue above all else, so being musically prepared can only enhance your experience once inside.
2. You must speak German
Speaking German is not a requirement, but it can be helpful. The selectors usually address people in German, so understanding the basics can make things smoother when they ask you a question. That said, if you don’t speak German, it’s no problem—just politely respond in English, and they’ll switch languages. If the door policy were limited to German speakers, the club would hardly have any tourists inside, and that’s clearly not the case. While speaking German might give you a slight edge (this could just be my personal bias as a German speaker), it’s far from being a deciding factor for getting in.
3. You’re not allowed to talk in line
This is nonsense—you can absolutely talk while waiting in line. What else are you supposed to do the whole time? The key here is simply using basic common sense and social etiquette. Don’t yell, push, cut in line, or act disruptive. As long as you’re being respectful, chatting and even laughing with your friends is perfectly fine.
4. You have to come alone
This isn’t entirely true. Larger groups can get in as well, but it’s a bit trickier since everyone in the group needs to project the right vibe, not just one person. As mentioned earlier, having someone in the group who’s been to Berghain before can help boost your chances. Ultimately, it depends on the dynamic of your group and how well you collectively fit into the vibe the selectors are looking for.
5. You must wear all black
While the “all-black” dress code has become a hallmark of Berlin’s techno scene, it’s far from a decisive factor for getting into Berghain. The myth persists because the majority of guests do show up in black, but it’s not a rule. If anything, wearing something different can make you stand out in a sea of monochrome outfits. On the flip side, blending in with black attire might help you avoid being labelled as a party tourist. Ultimately, this point ties back to the idea of finding your own style and staying authentic. Whether you go bold or stick to black, it’s all about how you carry yourself.
6. You have to be sober
This isn’t a strict requirement, but it definitely helps. After all, it’s still a nightclub, and alcohol is part of the experience. However, it’s important to be able to control yourself and behave appropriately. Drunk, unruly guests who don’t know their limits aren’t welcome, and that’s understandable. That said, you don’t have to be completely sober to get in—just ensure you can handle yourself well and respect the space.
7. Don’t argue with the bouncers
This is a point I wholeheartedly agree with. Berghain’s door policy is unique, and once a decision is made, it’s final. You won’t get an explanation or justification for the decision, so it’s best to accept it and move on. As mentioned earlier, the selectors are only human and make subjective decisions, and they can sometimes be wrong. But arguing or questioning their decision won’t help. Even I, as a long-time guest, have tried to negotiate after being rejected, but it was pointless. Occasionally, I’ve heard of regulars managing to change a “no” by arguing, but that’s extremely rare. The best course of action is to accept it, turn around, and go home—heute leider nicht!
