Sisyphos Nightclub

"Often compared to both a music festival on the beach and "Alice in Wonderland," Sisyphos isn’t as well-known as some of the other clubs on our list, but it’s not one to miss. Once you get past the gates (it used to be a former dog food factory), you’ll find a beach, an abandoned bus, a lake, more than a few dancefloors, and a pizza place. Open nonstop from Friday night at midnight to Monday at 10 a.m., it’s one of Berlin’s craziest—and most joyful—spots to dance the weekend away." - Krystin Arneson

"What's the bar's name? Sisyphos Nightclub Tell us where the bar is: Hauptstraße 15, 10317 Berlin, Germany Service info: All visitors must pay an entrance fee, which is generally around 15 euros. If there’s a well-known DJ lineup, or a more popular weekend party, the entry fee shoots up to around 20-25 euros. There are standard well cocktails, averaging around 10 euros, and chilled beers spanning 6-8 euros. While they have an ATM inside, bring cash in case you need it for the door—and of course, to avoid any unnecessary fees. What is the latitude and longitude of this location? 52.4930° N, 13.4912° E Summarize the place: You might be familiar with the mythical Greek tale of Sisyphus— who was condemned with a punishment to roll a gigantic boulder on a hill for his entire existence. Sisyphos, in Lichtenberg, of southeast Berlin, has received this name as a testament to a different kind of eternal bound: to never-stop partying. It’s a bit off the beaten path from other popular nightlife hubs in the city, but it’s accessible via tram, bus, and really any kind of local transportation. Its entrance, with plated gates of large kissing ducks, is open all weekend (from 10 p.m. on Friday to Mondays at 8 a.m.), and the queue’s wait time can be a few minutes or a few hours. Like many Berlin nightclubs, bouncers judge you at the front door, and there is no rhyme or reason to why you may or may not get in. Sometimes you might be dressed too dark, sometimes too colorful. When I was waiting in the queue, I was told by the stranger in front of me to not have “my look wear me—do exactly the opposite.” Though your patience might be tested, it’s best to keep your cool—if you’re rejected, this space is one to come back and try again. Sisyphos opened back in 2008 inside an abandoned dog biscuit factory. Blossoming into a carnivalesque techno haven for locals and tourists alike, the industrial complex is vast and unusual. Upon entry, the bouncer places a sticker on your phone cameras to protect the space’s underground nature. From there, immediately, you can tell that this isn’t just any other night club. You’ll walk into a cozy garden with a lake that replicates a small beach. The entire outdoor space is a tranquil escape, dripping in color with graffiti, art, and light installations. All smack in the middle of this concentric circle, the “yard” is aligned with three indoor dance floors. Hammahalle, the large warehouse main room, is pure magic—especially for music lovers. While genres vary throughout, expect dark techno, electronic, and house—they do not rule out disco or even upbeat funk. The DJ and live music lineups are most diligently curated for Hammahalle, and the sound system replicates that of Berghain, well known for its perfect delivery of bass (A.K.A. “crunchy beats”). Dampfer and Wintergarten are the smaller dance floors, yet carry an unmistaken energy in their brick walls and steel structures. With endless nooks and crannies to explore, even spending an entire weekend in this space might not be long enough. All of these dance floors, though, light up through the days into nights (or vice versa)—transforming from one color to the next, keeping with the rhythm of the music. There’s a feng shui here, and it plays off of the polarity of energies around you. Whether dancing, chowing down a slice of pizza at their food station, or re-energizing at their coffee shop adjacent Hammahalle, which is probably playing a tune by Frank Sinatra— this is the polarity that the (perhaps, enervating) bouncers are working to protect. Surveil your barmates: There’s not just one type of barmate you might cross paths withs at Sisyphos. You'll find a diverse and spirited crowd, ranging from devoted “lovers of the beat” to curious tourists making it part of their Berlin itinerary. Some are seasoned visitors, while others are experiencing it for the first time. Many camp out for the entire weekend, taking breaks at the coffee shop or by the campfire outside to recharge. Thanks to its open design and crowds, Sisyphos fosters this friendly, super unique carnival demeanor. So whether on the dance floor or sitting by the small lake, even if you're strangers, you'll often find yourself engaging with others— friendly glances,hugs and sweet embraces, or breaking out into random dance moves. As an understatement, Sisyphos’ scene is vibrant and eclectic, with a lot of spontaneous and heartfelt dancing—from lightly swaying to rigid club moves (depending on the track, of course). Watching a performance, you can tell that the artists performing are passionate about shape shifting and curating an immersive atmosphere for those on the dance floor. The club is often described as the "Alice in Wonderland" or an "adult Disney" of nightclubs for its colorful whimsy, in contrast to the typical image of Berlin clubbers in all-black attire. The drinks themselves: Similar to many other nightclubs in Berlin, Sisyphos is not a swanky cocktail scene—nor more of a beer joint. They mostly serve standard cocktails or cups of beer in clear cups or red solo?. If you’re in the mood for something weird or new, you can always ask for recommendations from the bartender. They might be able to whip something up that you’ve never tried before. Otherwise, it’s pretty much all about the vodka sodas and gin and tonics here. For non-alcoholic drinks, head to the calming and cozy café for a latte or espresso. While it’s completely surreal that this space exists, it does wonders for those who are looking for a step away from the outside chaos. From neon lights and ground-shaking bass, the café mirrors a homey-cottage from the outside. With golden-hued lights, soft classics on the stereo, and dusty red painted walls— the space is the most quaint and welcoming haven in the club. All of their drinks are the easiest to enjoy on their large couch, where strangers usually bond with huge smiles planted on their faces. Bar eats: Given that some folks stay the entire weekend, the club makes it easy to recharge and nourish. Especially in the summer months, Sisyphos hosts food trucks or stalls of street food options—including burgers, loaded fries, falafel wraps, tacos, and other quick bites. There’s a pizza stand that’s open the entire weekend, day through night, with vegetarian and vegan options as well. What impression did the bar staff make? While some bouncers are said to be cold and rude, especially when rejecting a group after hours of waiting, the staff is efficient and maintains a safe, protected club environment. The bartenders are quick on their feet—and keep up with large crowds that make large messes. It’s surprisingly tidy at the counters, and they’ll look after you if you’ve had too much to drink. Don’t make a habit of doing so, though. At the end of the day, and assuming it's worth the stop, what's this place good for? Sisyphos is Berlin's ultimate playground of freedom and creativity. With its versatility, open-air spaces, and endless depths to explore, the club is multi-sensory, captivating, and really, just unreal. While you’ll never quite know if you'll get in, if you do, it's a place where you can feel completely yourself, yet also get delightfully lost in its expansiveness. Head there for a chance to embrace freedom and connection, music and art, and a perfectly weird essence of Berlin’s club scene. Would you send someone here to impress a client, or win a heart? Catch up with old friends, or catch the World Cup? Or does it simply make the best Old Fashioned in the city? If you’re heading to Sisyphos, be open and kind to those around you—do not be a lousy tourist. End the night at Hammahalle, and soak in the sun outside of Wintergarten. Let your guard down, dance the night away. Sit by the fire and chat with strangers. Learn their stories, share some of your own! Treat the space like a carnival, and perhaps a sense of childlike wonder will return back to you for the weekend." - Krystin Arneson