Berghain, sweet Berghain. The infamous labyrinth of Techno celebrated its 20th birthday last year with a massive party, and the queue wait times showed that its dedicated following has no intention of wavering. With waits approaching eight hours on this particular evening – entry halted for three hours due to the venue being beyond capacity – leaving hundreds stuck in the rain, hopefuls were forced to either give up their place and return later, or simply wait it out.
It was clear: the club remains a top destination for a night out in Berlin. Those who haven’t yet made it inside wonder, does it really live up to the hype? The answer is a resounding “yes.” But another question often follows: are there other venues and parties in Berlin that are worthy of such obsessive attention?
That answer is also yes.
Are there other clubs that have what Berghain has?
While Berghain holds a deeply special place in many hearts, the secret of what happens inside is long out. In this age of ubiquitous social media posts, it’s hard to claim that the power plant-turned-club, or any Berlin club, is truly “underground” anymore.
Many older Berlin clubbers lament what they see as the degradation of the scene they fell in love with, as newer generations of partiers – raised with the Internet and often dubbed “TikTok ravers” – arrive on the dance floor. Which brings us to a question shared by those who haven’t yet found their way in and those who struggle to find their way out: Isn’t there some party/rave/club in this city as good as Berghain?
It’s a worthwhile question, but the premise is flawed. There is nowhere on Planet Earth quite like Berghain.
That’s what makes Berghain, well, Berghain – and why people wait for hours in sub-zero temperatures, only to be told “Heute leider nicht.”
Instead of trying to replicate the magic found at Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin, curious nightlife explorers might better ask: what made Berghain so special in the first place? It didn’t appear overnight. It began with two friends throwing events in Berlin’s gay party scene in the ’90s, evolving into the monolith it is today when it opened in 2004. Their passion, drive, and dedication to quality and innovation kept people coming back. Put simply, they were passionate about throwing a truly great party.
While the Berghain crew may have exclusive access to a glorious decommissioned power plant on the border of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, they don’t have a monopoly on inspired, high-quality events. Below are a few Berghain alternatives, for those nursing rejection from the bouncer before their next attempt, and those wondering: is there a new Berghain in the making?
Climate of Fear
Over an hour from Berghain, on the tiny Eiswerder Island in West Berlin’s Spandau District, sits Backsteinboot, a collective-run art space in a historic brick building on the Havel River. Once a month, the New York–Berlin party crew Climate of Fear throws a 24-hour event here, featuring diverse line-ups of top techno DJs, many of whom also play Berghain. Though it’s a bit far from the center, the crew offers a free shuttle bus from Spandau Station to and from the venue. They even have snacks!
With its dark, immersive vibe and inclusive spirit, CoF parties are beloved by dedicated Berlin techno heads. It’s a destination party, so the journey helps ensure a crowd that truly loves the music. Events often sell out, so advance tickets are recommended.
RSO Club
Also outside the city center, in the district of Schöneweide, is RSO, a massive venue housed in the historic Bärenquell Brewery. Opened by the same team behind the much-missed Griessmühle, and part of the larger Revier Südost cultural complex, RSO is a regular fallback for the freshly Berghain-rejected. With high ceilings, stark industrial architecture, and sprawling dance floors, it’s a worthy runner-up to the High Church of Techno. Like Climate of Fear, RSO’s lineups often feature Berghain regulars to satisfy cravings for the dark, pounding techno that one raver friend described as “a cry for help.”
Go to a random rave
Cultural landscapes change. Berlin’s party scene wasn’t always so internationally idolized, and getting into a club wasn’t once worn like a badge of honor, or in some cases, a personality. When I first visited the original Tresor in 2004, techno was far from mainstream, and no one was dressed in all black. Sure, there was a door policy, but it didn’t feel like an audition. Your genuine interest in the music and the gathering counted for something.
Though the days of acid house parties in abandoned buildings are long gone, Berlin’s street corners still bear flyers advertising raves. Everyone has a Berghain story, but what about that generator-powered party deep in a Brandenburg forest? Or the drum and bass rave in a “secret location” found via a dodgy black-and-white printout?
A walk through Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg can lead to fliers for events from up-and-coming crews who deserve your support. Just this afternoon, I saw a poster in Friedrichshain for a party at a “secure and secret location, announced on the day of the event.”
It might be a gamble, but it could be a blast. Who knows? The crew behind it might one day open their own Berghain.
While Berghain is the undisputed Valhalla of Berlin nightlife, worth the rejection and the wait, it’s not the only place to dance till sunrise and party all day. Berlin’s hedonistic rabbit hole goes deep, and its treasures await those willing to stray from the well-trodden path.
As mythologist Joseph Campbell wrote, “The adventure begins where the path ends, and you step into the forest.”
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