Clubbing in Berlin

BERLIN Clubbing in:

Inside the popular clubbing hotspot: a look at nightlife in Berlin

Berlin, Germany has long been hailed as one of the most famous European hotspots for alternative clubbing. The clubs there open later than most UK clubs but stay open and active through the night into the next day. This place has generated so many rumours about why is it best place in the world to go for clubbing, that the nightlife itself even has a part in its own TV show as a mysterious force that draws people into the city. >> By Gabrielle Van Meurs

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Berlin is described as wild, almost out of control but with a very strict method to its madness. For example, there are parts of the city that encourage uniqueness in forms of self expression such as makeup and clothes, or lack of. However in other areas there is a strict dress code of all black, tattoos, piercings with some type of leather accessory being a necessity. You have to look ‘Berlin' enough to enter this world. This city and its nightly entertainment can be so exclusive that if you're not used to its wicked ways it can be hard to unlock the full potential. We recruited Germany based student Orlanda James to detail her way of getting the best out of Berlin. “There really isn't anywhere that is better or worse for students than Berlin. Club entry is usually 15 euros but if you pay once for the weekend you can go in and out as you please."After living and working in the city, it seems she has come up with a bizarre but perfect strategy. “The best time to go out is a sunday morning. You can tell you're a tourist if you queue for hours on a saturday night, so the best of all is sunday through till monday. You have to get used to clubbing in the day, it's a thing." Of course when talking about Berlin nightlife Berghain has to be discussed and Orlanda appears to be part of the lucky few that have managed to get in. “My best suggestion is to go on a sunday at around 7am when there won't be a queue. If there is a queue don't be a dick and stand in line. Jump in front on the left where the barriers start and you just have to deal with the eyes burning into the back of your head, everyone does it." With the reputation of being the best but most exclusive club in Europe, Berghain, a stoney grey building looms, in place of what used to be a power station. It is looks like a concrete box projecting no light and decorated with no colour. It is the last place you would think to be one of the world's most prestigious and exclusive night clubs. Everyday a thick line of people waits at the doors snaking all the way back and humming with excitement at the prospect of entering the building otherwise known as the Church of Techno. The only indication that this place

younger generation at night are the splashes of graffiti that appear at the bottom of the building. The people in the queue will dance through the night and bee Clubbers leave Berghain wearing what it takes to successfully get you in

well into the next day. But what makes Berghain so exclusive? As they reach the door the humming of the crowd turns from excitement to nervousness.

The first step to trying to get into this club is getting past the notorious staff. Referred to as the gatekeeper, Sven Marquardt radiates intimidation

and authority. The perfect list of requirements to actually entering Berghain and satisfying the picky staff still remains unknown. Rumours circle as

the lucky few to have gotten in advise people on what the bouncers will accept but nothing is for certain. Despite how mysterious and

interesting this makes the establishment seem, there is also a downside to this exclusivity. Many believe that they turn people away simply

because they can or because they want to. In Orlanda's opinion this is right. “The bouncers sniff out anyone not comfortable in what they are wearing. They're on a power

been filmed and a number of

trip no matter what you look like so don't argue or take rejection personally. And you must know what DJs are on that night because they will quiz you."

This club has created such an obsession with trying to figure out what you must do/look like to get in. Apps have been created, countless YouTube videos have magazines (much like this one) have tried to decode the dress code. However do not let this mysterious cover of controversy

distract from what is inside. Behind the doors, 1500 clubbers pulsate in time with the music.

prohibited in Berghain but for a more unique reason than normal. Orlanda remembers dark booths specifically for sexual encounters in the corners of the

club. Although it does not come close to KitKat, one of Berlins sex clubs. If you're looking for a more erotic experience KitKat is a club

where sex is allowed and even encouraged. Usually clubs will have specific dress codes on what to wear, KitKat has reversed this rule

and encourages less clothes and more latex or leather. Orlanda has visited KitKat a lot and has gathered together some Germany. In history classes

pointers on this night out. “People's outfits are especially amazing at this place. But be prepared to not get in with any clothes on. There is a pool and

sauna inside KitKat so it's nice to hang out in during the day before you start clubbing. You see people doing loads of weird stuff but the odd thing is

that none of it feels odd when you are there. Doesn't feel scary or weird, it's just part of the city." The name and purpose of this

club was inspired by the famous original KitKat club, from the 1920s, the golden years of around the UK, pupils are taught about clubs such as this one and the years of excess in Germany that saw people throwing crazed parties that lasted days. It

seems as though the city got a taste for this lifestyle and the parties never stopped. Not only the clubs here are described as wild and unhinged,

so are the festivals. One of these is Sisyphos, not just a nightclub but also a festival, an event, anything you want it to be. Every two weeks throwing parties that

last all weekend with no cease in the action, this place is more like a village of happiness than just a

KitKat Club

simple nightclub. The acts that play there are hardly ever announced before the event so going there you are pleasantly surprised with what they have in store for you. It is also known to be a lot more casual on who they let in so if you aren't quite as ‘Berlin as they want Sisyphos

might be the place to go. Huge gates unlock to welcome you in like a giant amusement park for adults. It's decorated with bunting, hanging lights and old armchairs, perfect for chilling out with a hangover, says Orlanda. There are hundreds of more clubs dotted around Berlin that have their own weird and wonderful quirks making this city one of the best in the world for students. With a rich culture leading all the way back to the early 1900s, this place is the perfect balance between an insane, never-ending night out.

Sisyphos - the clubbers village