Bouncer of legendary Berghain nightclub finally reveals how they choose who gets in

Berghain nightclub is famed for its strict door policy, with hundreds of clubbers being turned away from the venue over the years.

Located in Berlin, Berghain was founded in 2004 by pals Norbert Thormann and Michael Teufele and sits near the border between Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

One of the world's most famous clubs, it is known for its extended weekend hours, which sees the club stay open from Saturday night until Monday morning, inclusive environment and world-class sound systems.

However, it is notoriously difficult to gain access Berghain.

Berghain nightclub is located in Berlin (Getty Stock)

Headed by legendary bouncer Sven Marquardt, the club has earned an exclusive reputation due to entry being so unpredictable and selective.

Marquadt, also a photographer, has worked as a doorman at Berghain since it opened in 2004 and previously worked at Ostgut, the club's predecessor.

Speaking in the 2019 documentary, Berlin Bouncer, Marquadt opened up about the strict door policy he's enforced at Berghain and what he considers his criteria to be when accessing whether he wants to grant somebody entry.

"It's subjective. Only a few of my guys are allowed to select guests at the door.

"I feel like I have a responsibility to make Berghain a safe place for people who come purely to enjoy the music and celebrate - to preserve it as a place where people can forget about space and time for a little while and enjoy themselves," he explained.

Despite many partygoers having been left frustrated at being turned away from the club, Marquadt's reasoning gained a lot of support online.

"Thanks to bouncers to make this selection at the door. They create the atmosphere inside, without them, this club wouldn't have the same soul," one person said.

Another added: "Yes! It is a culture and NOT everyone gets it."

"A selective bouncer is fundamental to preserve underground nightlife from becoming a touristic attraction," someone else wrote.

Sven Marquadt has enforced a strict door policy at Berghain (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

While there appears to be no specific rules to follow to guarantee entry to Berghain, there have been tips shared to help maximise the chance of being let in.

According to Euro News, arriving early and in a small group is beneficial, and it's important to have not consumed too much alcohol beforehand.

A study based on 38 in-depth interviews with Berlin bouncers, club owners, DJs, security staff and clubbers found that the right balance between standing out and fitting in is essential to successfully being let in to Berghain - or any of Berlin's popular clubs.

Tim Hill, a senior lecturer at the University of Bath’s school of Management, said: "Selectors are assessing the extent to which people 'fit in' but, paradoxically, also whether they 'stand out'.

"Highly stylised dress codes, knowledge of the nuances of Berlin techno club culture, the ability to strike up conversation with others in the queue and evident 'energy' and 'charisma' are key.”