DJ Mag

8

8. Berghain/Panorama

The Holy Grail for Europe's Easyjet-set ravers, Berghain and Panorama Bar are the destination of choice for those you like it long and hard.

Housed in an old power station, its non-stop partying is fuelled by liberal German licensing hours and an anything-goes mixed atmosphere that sees leathered bears rubbing shoulders, and sometimes more, with chic, club Consigliere, and can tire even the most hardcore with a potential marathon stint in the iniquitous darkness from Saturday until Monday morning.

A no camera policy protects this lawless atmosphere, enforced by tattooed doormen who've possibly just escaped the Thunderdrome, while remote controlled shutters cause the crowd to erupt like modern-day vampires when they open to allow daylight to pierce the timelessness within.

With Berlin now home to many of the world's top DJ and producers, both floors regularly draws the biggest names, with Berghain's techno bent attracting the likes of Carl Craig and Juan Atkins, while Panorama Bar residents include Casey and Prosumer.

"It's a spectacular place," admits Nat Self of Zombie Disco Squad, residents at Jesse Rose's monthly Saturday Made To Play night. "It's got a really patient dancefloor and a legendarily difficult door policy that keeps away the people who aren't there for the music. Playing there is truly special."

"Everything about Berghain is amazing, the venue, the sound, the atmosphere," agrees Scuba who hosts monthly Friday dubstep event, Sub:stance. "The best thing about it is the door policy though: you can't beat the looks of sheer terror in the queue!"

Words: djmag

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