The irresistibly-named Turbulence nightclub has opened on the site of Berlin’s former Tegel airport and is looking to set an example in the club scene when it comes to accessibility.

Turbulence nightclub opens on Berlin Tegel site

Berlin’s nightlife scene is having a bumpy ride at the moment, with planned motorways threatening stalwarts and rising rents pushing out the possibility for smaller venues to sell beers for near-Späti prices.

But there is a new arrival, Turbulence nightclub has taken up residency at the site of the former airport, occupying a brilliantly orange brutalist extension which once housed Tegel’s cantine.

The local government in Berlin has been looking for new occupants for the expansive Tegel site since the airport closed in November 2020. Responding to a call out from the Berlin Club Commission, five artists were granted 80.000 euros in funding for a project that would use part of the vacant building. Turbulence now joins Urban Tech Republic and the Schumacher Quartier on the site.

Fewer than six months after receiving their funding the building has been spruced up, decked out with a stage, a dance floor on the former aircraft parking concourse and a customised circular ping pong table to accommodate the Germans’ favourite game format, the Rundenlauf.

On September 30, 2023, Turbulence hosted its first-ever party, Lift Off, with music from DJs lisbird and saraabb.

Turbulence vying to be Berlin’s most accessible nightclub

It might be a little off the beaten track, but the main demand of the five founders of Turbulence was that the club should set an example of accessibility on the scene. This shouldn't be too ambitious a goal considering many of the most beloved spots in the dancing capital involve going upstairs and a 15-euro entrance fee - if you make it past the front door that is.

This is both in reference to disabled access - the club worked closely with Initiative Barrierefrei Feiern - but also with regards to pricing, with visitors able to attend many of the parties for free or for a Solipreis (reduced fee for partygoers working for lower wages).

Headcount is limited to 700 per party - so get there before it becomes the Tempelhof of the north.

Thumb image credit: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com