Lab.oratory occupies part of the same building as Berghain but is an entirely separate venue with its own entrance, its own programme and its own door. Confusing the two is a common and consequential mistake — this is a men-only fetish and sex club, not a techno club with a darkroom.
Who it is for
Gay and bisexual men. This is not a mixed venue, not a couples venue, and not somewhere to bring a partner of another gender. That is a straightforward statement of the club’s format rather than a judgement, and the door applies it without exception.
The dress codes are literal
More than almost anywhere in this guide, the stated dress code means precisely what it says. A night specifying naked or underwear-only is not using shorthand for “dress down”. There is a cloakroom and using it is expected.
Nights are themed and specific — leather, rubber, sports gear, work wear, and various play-focused formats. Check which is running.
Inside
Dark, industrial, and considerably more intense than the mixed venues in this guide. There is no pretence about what the space is for. The layout includes multiple play areas of different character.
Etiquette
The standard rules hold and are taken seriously by staff and regulars alike:
- Ask before touching. The intensity of the space changes nothing about this.
- A no ends it, immediately.
- No phones, no cameras, anywhere. Enforced absolutely.
- Clean up after yourself.
Berlin venues of this kind generally provide condoms and lubricant. Sexual health services in the city are good and used routinely by the community; look after yourself and others.
If you are new
Go on a less extreme night first. The specialised events assume familiarity, and arriving at one without it is uncomfortable for you and disruptive for everyone else.
Before you go: events, dress codes and opening patterns change. Confirm the specific night on the venue's own listing — and do not assume Berghain's schedule tells you anything about this one.