Berghain in Berlin: Myth of the Techno World
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
We neatly categorize the myth, history, door policy, and significance of Berlin's techno temple for the scene.
Berghain – hardly any name stands so unchallenged for techno culture as this one. A look at what truly lies behind the myth of the Berlin club is always worthwhile.
At a glance
- Opened on December 18, 2004, in a former power plant in Berlin-Friedrichshain
- Resident DJs include Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Nick Höppner, Tama Sumo, and Virginia
- Voted #1 best club in the world by DJ Mag in 2009
A Power Plant Becomes a Techno Temple
Berghain has, in a literal sense, grown out of Berlin's industrial history: The building was originally a power plant from the 1950s. After its predecessor club Ostgut had to close in 2003, the operators moved into the new halls and opened Berghain there in December 2004. The raw architecture with its high concrete ceilings still shapes the sound and atmosphere of the club today.
The Door Policy as Part of the Myth
Hardly anything has shaped Berghain's reputation as much as its strict entry policy. Photo and video bans inside are as much a part of the concept as the notoriously unpredictable door. As recently as January 2025, a DJ duo was expelled from the club for attempting to film their own performance – proof of how consistently the rules are enforced, even for booked artists.
Why the Name Attracts Worldwide Attention
In 2009, the British DJ Mag named Berghain the best club in the world. Resident DJs like Marcel Dettmann and Ben Klock have since shaped a hard, driving Berlin techno sound that has set an international precedent. If you're into clean EQ mixing, you'll sooner or later arrive at precisely this sound. Even beyond the DJ booth, many setups are oriented towards what works at Berghain – for example, when it comes to controllers like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 for live sets.
FAQ
Who are the defining resident DJs?
Established residents include Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Nick Höppner, Tama Sumo, and Virginia – they represent the club's characteristic, hard Berlin techno sound.
Source: Wikipedia – Berghain
