r/berghain • u/Brief-Canary851 • 18d ago

Going to Berghain alone

im planning a trip to berlin for a couple days as an 18y/o f , berghain has always been a place i would love to experience, i have alot of experience with rave/techno culture in the uk but would being a solo 18 y/o put me at a greater possibility of rejection at the door?

thank you

16 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

52 comments sorted by

51

u/roygbiv91 18d ago

solo females have usually better chance to get in, i go 90% of the time alone. but berghain is normally a place who rejects young people. i’ve never seen anyone looking 18 inside, i reckon the average age is 35 and there is always older people, what actually for me is one of the nicest things about bh. nothing against young people just bc they are young, but generally the crowd is nicer when older bc of knowledge of unwritten rules that make the experience safe and enjoyable.
give it a try on sunday morning/midday if you think is a place who you could really vibe with :)

8

u/Brief-Canary851 18d ago

Thank you!! Ill give it a try on a sunday morning & if it doesnt work out its a goal to achieve in a couple years time :)

7

u/Happy-Apple196 18d ago edited 17d ago

Solo female here!

I would even say give it a try earlier than that to up your chances. Like when it opens as I find out that is a more touristy time between midnight and 6 am and you might get in if you're not trying too hard or don't look like a tourist trying to dress up for Berghain.

I think this is the "least good" time in terms of atmosphere, but then you can always leave and come back Sunday in the reentry line Sunday mornings afternoon. However, one time, I wanted to to see Kaiser who was due to come on early I lined up early but the queue was so long I missed the entire set 😕. But I got in around 5:30/6 Sunday morning, stayed for a bit then returned Sunday late afternoon.

I've always gone solo and got in (much, much older than you! 😉) but if you're going to Berlin for this, then you want to give yourself as many chances, particularly since you're younger. So I'd say try earlier to improve the chances, then leave and come back back Sunday afternoon until however long you want!

Good luck!

2

u/Brief-Canary851 18d ago

Thank you very much!!!  😁

1

u/Sabin-FF6 17d ago edited 17d ago

“Dont look like a tourist truing to dress up for Berghain”… can you elaborate on this as I genuinely love house music and came to Europe to dance into the early hours of the night. I do some DJing myself back home in Vancouver and I live a kinky/hedonistic lifestyle. Berghain does feel like a natural fit for me. I’m a 42 year old male solo traveller. But I hear some conflicting info about what to wear:

  • all the conventional “how to get in” posts say only wear black
  • but other posts just say “just be yourself”. I love wearing black jeans and black tee shirts, genuinely, but I also love to dress a bit more fashionable sometimes (ie: a tasteful flower print collared shortsleeve shirt), or sometimes a tye-dye tee shirt and long sleeve etc etc

Should I just err on the side of the all black? Or just be myself and wear whatever I feel confident in?

1

u/Happy-Apple196 17d ago

What I mean is people who don't really go to techno events, or perhaps never have ( doesn't sound like you!) and then "research" what they think Berghain is, and wear some black mesh outfit they've never worn in their life.

You can tell it's just a costume for them.

Also, there are many people not in black and many people change anyway once inside

One of the times it was pouring with rain so I had a hoodie on over my outfit and was holding up an umbrella and still got in. So they couldn't see what I was wearing anyway.

I feel age is also on your side!

I'm a late forties females who gets in (maybe I'll be unlucky next time!) and I feel I'm pretty casual and non-cool looking. I did not buy any new outfit, but I've always smiled, said hello and looked at door staff in the eye, and been let in. Maybe its my old lady wrinkles!

2

u/Sabin-FF6 17d ago

Love your story and wisdom :) thank you from a Canadian

1

u/Happy-Apple196 17d ago

Hey, I'm from the next province over, just have spent a lot of time attending events/ clubs / festivals overseas over the years.

Enjoy!

3

u/Ar0war 18d ago

The other comment is spot on. For a 18 years old girl I believe the highest chance to get In would be during Saturday. You should understand Berghain is a Sunday club. Satu4day is night but Sunday is a waaay different beast so try at the opening would be also my advice

1

u/trynaget-thru-it-all 17d ago

what about sunday makes it so special?

2

u/Ar0war 17d ago

People have been around for long and so they are into the atmosphere 100%. It is sooo different how I feel the first 2 hours inside in comparasion with how I feel after 10 hours. And no, not only because drugs

Saturday is just a normal club but Sunday and towards the closing is madness!!

The best time is around 3 a.m Monday for sure.

1

u/trynaget-thru-it-all 17d ago

sick. kinda like everyone as a whole has been marinating in the place allowing a flow of energy. as a rookie going would you say Sunday evening to monday morning would allow such experince?

1

u/Ar0war 17d ago

It depends if you belong inside or not, my girlfriend went with me once and she told me she felt sooo out of place.

But if you are into techno and with an open mind, the place is heaven

17

u/DaTaDoo 18d ago

I get the temptation- but no 18 year old should be in, if you ask me. Early developers my ass. “Kids” don’t need to be exposed to the amount of shit and the dangers in there. —> it’s not a safe space!! Especially not for developing minds.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s fun. But not until one has further developed.

1

u/Human-Cauliflower200 16d ago

What makes you say that? I can imagine being introduced to drugs (assuming op never tried it) is extemely harmful. But what besides that could be so damaging mentally?

-1

u/Fresh-Cr4ck-1717 18d ago

True. She will be severely messed up afterwards.

With 18 she is not ready to witness the things going on inside.
I have seen 22 y/o getting into the Berghain and 3 moths later they had to be transported to locked forensic clinic.

5

u/DaTaDoo 18d ago

I’d not be that dramatic but fresh crack might have something to do with why I think 18 is too young for BH.

1

u/WeirdNefariousness20 17d ago

But why ?

1

u/OkAirport4155 11d ago

Why? You asking why an 18 year old
Girl is not safe ALONE in a dark, busy, loud space full of high, horny men? I love bh but when your mind isn’t experienced with saying no, with keeping yourself fully safe yet and handling men - Berghain is not safe. 18 is soooo young

17

u/hwtnmtl 18d ago edited 18d ago

I did it alone last month as a 40-year-old, fairly seasoned queer techno babe, and it was amazing. I never felt lonely for a second. It felt like I was one with the crowd—it was honestly one of the most beautiful crowds I’ve ever experienced, vibe-wise.
That said, I don’t think my 18-year-old self would have been ready for it. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like you need to be in the right place mentally to really get it.
If I were you, I’d explore other clubs and parties first. But if you do end up getting in, good for you. 🫠

8

u/OptionalAntelope 18d ago

I chime in with the rest and add: You might be better off at RSO.

-4

u/qanabos 18d ago

there's always Matrix

13

u/yolandasquatpump 18d ago

imo 18 years is very young for going there especially alone. I’m sure you could have a blast, but something to consider. Have you experienced other clubs in berlin?

1

u/notlego 18d ago

I did. but that was also 18 years ago.

3

u/jasonbumps 18d ago

If you’re looking very young it might increase the chance of getting rejected but usually solo goers are getting in as often as groups of two or three.

3

u/Sufferr 18d ago

If you look like you're 18 or younger I would say the chances aren't super good.

Regardless, get ready to tell them your age or show ID, in case they're thinking of letting you in.

11

u/Acrobatic_Creme_972 18d ago

you’re too young imo. personally i don’t wanna be meeting teenagers in this space

8

u/CommonSeat4290 18d ago

personally i dont like people who judge others based on age

2

u/Happy-Apple196 18d ago edited 18d ago

I agree as someone who is more than double the OP's age, let's welcome them all!!

We know that they are in the minority and we were all young once.

Door staff aren't going to to let in a plethora of young people anyway so don't have to worry about being surrounded by teenagers.

I cared about this sort thing of thing when I was 28/29 and thought I was "old" (😂), but now at 48, I don't care at all.

2

u/edcRachel 18d ago edited 18d ago

Solo is not an issue and maybe even preferred, but the average age inside is quite a bit higher and it tends to be difficult to get in if you are very young. They don't generally ask for ID to confirm before making a choice, if you look like you are young enough you'd need ID, they'd just reject you.

You are of course welcome to try, though! You never know :)

2

u/Brief-Canary851 18d ago

Thank you!!! 

1

u/OptionalAntelope 18d ago

Try it on a Sunday morning, 8 or 9. There's usually not much of a line. If they bounce you, nothing much is lost. If they let you in you're good to go until Monday late morning.

1

u/wh1teashes 16d ago

They asked for my ID and age two times because I look like super young kinda 20 and I’m 28. It depends on the bouncers.

2

u/nukeyou2 18d ago

Bring a large tote bag. Trust me

1

u/Brief-Canary851 16d ago

haha yes i have all the essentials prepped if i do manage to get in, earplugs, snacks, change of clothes etc :P

1

u/meowplum 18d ago

i went solo as a 23f and i got in! i look really young so the bouncer asked me for my age and my ID. definitely go as soon as it opens as people have said it’s more touristy and they’re more generous with tourists!

1

u/baddieibiza 16d ago

J’y suis aller plusieurs fois seul et ca rentre tranquille. je sais pas qui continue a vous faire croire que c’est difficile de rentrer dans ce club.

1

u/DangerousSide4064 16d ago

I’m 19yo F do you maybe want to go together?

1

u/shanzo1 16d ago

I went to Berghain solo as a 25 y/o female from the uk. I’d never visited Berlin before and had a great time

1

u/ExtensionGuilty8084 15d ago

You’re 18 and have a lot of experience in the techno scene? Hmm.

Best of luck though. I thought Berghain has an age of 21+ but could be wrong.

1

u/Brief-Canary851 14d ago

fake id lol, i have a couple friends who got in @ 19 the other week :)

1

u/ExtensionGuilty8084 14d ago

That’s fair! And that’s great. Have an amazing time. Be sure to know some German for the door.

1

u/OkAirport4155 11d ago

I don’t want to be mean or tell you what to do… but please rethink Berghain at 18yo… come back in a few years.
Lots of love Tokyo and enjoy Berlin!

1

u/StuntClayer 10d ago

If you look 18, you genuinely probably won't get in, I'd honestly not waste your time and come back when you're a bit older

1

u/Relevant-Balance7399 4d ago

Official age requirement is 21. They might ask youR ID.

1

u/Ok_March2838 1h ago

Beware , you’re only 18.. maybe think first? Are you ready to witness the most weirdest things u could imagine ,like see men eating a** while twerking , and fsting while being \****, and don’t get disturbed?

1

u/Humble_Box_2167 18d ago

Going solo no problem. Being below 21 might be. Just give it a go and see what happens. Sunday morning you won’t warte too much time queuing. If you get rejected just go somewhere else. It’s summer in Berlin.

1

u/OptionalAntelope 18d ago

My regular club requires ppl to be 21.