Arriving early to Berghain can increase your chances of getting in, especially if you're keen on experiencing the club's iconic main dance floor. The exact timing can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the event, and the time of year. Generally, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances, but keep in mind that there's no guaranteed formula due to the club's unpredictable door policy.
For a typical Friday or Saturday night, arriving between 12:00 AM (midnight) and 1:00 AM could be a good window to aim for. However, lines can start forming even earlier, and during peak times, the queue can get quite long. If you're determined to experience Berghain, you might consider getting there before midnight, especially if there's a well-known DJ playing that night.
It's important to note that Berghain is open for extended hours, often well into the next day, so you have the option to arrive later if you're not concerned about getting in right at the beginning of the night. Additionally, the Panorama Bar (an upstairs area of Berghain) tends to be more accessible and might have a slightly different door policy, so you could explore that option if the main Berghain floor seems challenging to enter.
Remember that Berghain's door policy can be quite selective and unpredictable, so even if you arrive early and meet the dress code, there's no guarantee of entry. Being respectful and patient in the line can also play a role in how you're perceived by the door staff.