Iconic Berlin club Berghain drops six places in top 100 clubs list
The world-famous Berghain club in Berlin has seen a hit to its reputation as it dropped six places from 6th to 12th in DJ Mag’s list of top 100 clubs in 2022.
Named after its location near the border between Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain in Berlin, Berghain is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. The instantly recognisable building that hosts the club is an imposing, dark former German power plant, and potential club-goers queue for hours and most of the time get turned away. Yes, this is a risk that thousands of people take every week.
The bouncers who guard the Berghain are notoriously difficult to impress and plenty of websites, YouTube videos and forums have been created to give those a better chance at entering. It’s not just about how you look, but also how you act while in the queue and in front of the bouncers. However, there seem to be no set rules in place for those accepted into Berghain’s techno wonderland.
Some suggest wearing all black while others state it’s important to stand out. Most of the time it’s pure luck. If you’re fortunate enough to make it through the gruelling queue and get the bouncer’s approval, you’re then subjected to a strict security search and your phone will immediately have a sticker placed over your camera. If you’re seen filming, you’ll be ejected immediately.
While Berghain has built up an unmatched reputation it’s seen a steady slip in estimations by DJ Mag. In their 2009 list, it was placed first before dropping to 18th in 2013. 2021 saw it rise again, although this time only to sixth before this year dropping once again to 12th. More conventional clubs are seen at the top end with Hï Ibiza coming in at number one and London’s Printworks at fourth.
While the club still holds immense intrigue and mystery, it seems as though in our social media age we’re losing interest. It’s no longer a venue where tales of those who enter are sparse, almost like folklore, and spread via word of mouth. Nowadays, all it takes is a quick Google search to find out what’s lurking there.
