Berghain
The Berghain nightclub building (2022) | |
| Address | Am Wriezener Bahnhof |
|---|---|
| Location | Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany |
| Coordinates | 52°30′40″N 13°26′35″E / 52.51111°N 13.44306°E |
| Designation | Cultural institution |
| Type | Nightclub |
| Capacity | 1,500 |
| Opened | 2004 |
Berghain (German: [ˈbɛʁkhaɪn]) is a nightclub in Berlin, Germany. It is named after its location near the border between Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain and is a short walk from Berlin Ostbahnhof main line railway station. Founded in 2004 by friends Norbert Thormann and Michael Teufele, it has since become one of the world's most famous clubs and has been called the world capital of techno.
Berghain traces its roots to 1990s Berlin, beginning with hardcore techno and fetish parties in the Reichsbahnbunker, evolving into the influential gay club Ostgut in 1998. After Ostgut’s closure in 2003, its founders opened Berghain in 2004 in a former power plant, merging techno music with sexual freedom. It features a techno-focused main room, the house music-oriented Panorama Bar, and a seasonal outdoor garden. Its sound systems are considered state-of-the-art. It was temporarily transformed into an art space during the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming club events in 2021. Lab.oratory is a male-only sex club located in the basement of Berghain, described by Rolling Stone as Berlin’s most extreme.
Berghain is known for its extended weekend hours, strict and selective door policy, diverse queer culture, dedicated spaces for sexual activity, and an environment that has been described as influencing fluidity in sexual orientation and behavior. It has been embroiled in controversy over drug-related incidents, including overdoses and safety concerns, as well as political criticism linked to its drug culture and atmosphere.
Berghain’s owners launched the Ostgut Ton record label in 2005, focusing on techno genres and releases from resident DJs, followed by the Ostgut Booking agency around 2007, both of which became influential in the dance music scene before closing in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Berghain has consistently ranked among the world’s top clubs in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 since 2008—reaching #1 in 2009—and has been repeatedly nominated as Best Global Club by the International Dance Music Awards. It is frequently referenced in music, television, film, and popular media.