SESH

Located in the small village of Grünefeld, just outside Berlin in the municipality of Schönwalde-Glien, Schönwalde-Glien nightclub has evolved into a unique destination in the German electronic music landscape. Originally grounded in the site of an old GDR-era agricultural complex, the venue first began hosting underground raves and parties in the early 2010s, drawing adventurous crowds from Berlin and beyond. The club’s remote rural setting has played a pivotal role in shaping its reputation as a place where partygoers can escape the city and experience music in a liberated, open-air environment surrounded by fields and forests.

Over time, the venue expanded from informal gatherings to a more established club infrastructure, including indoor dancefloors, outdoor areas, art installations, and a makeshift campsite, all contributing to its raw and unpretentious charm. Despite occasional clashes with local authorities concerning noise and crowd management, the venue has persisted and adapted, maintaining a loyal following while improving amenities and focusing on sustainability. Schönwalde-Glien's cultural significance lies in its role as a nexus of Berlin’s club culture transplanted into the Brandenburg countryside.

It stands as a symbol of the region’s ongoing transformation, attracting a diverse array of artists, musicians, and ravers who seek an alternative to the usual urban nightlife. Its open-air summer events and inclusive ethos have inspired comparisons to legendary Berlin institutions while cultivating its own distinctive, down-to-earth flavor. Notably, the venue has hosted large-scale electronic music events, distinctive theme parties, and interdisciplinary art happenings.

While the structure and layout have been modified over the years—expanding stages, refurbishing barns, and adding new spaces—the club’s core identity as a grassroots, communal celebration of music and freedom remains unchanged. Notable artists who have performed at Schönwalde-Glien include international techno mainstays such as Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, Ben Klock, and Ellen Allien, alongside celebrated local talents like Sebastian Voigt, Tama Sumo, Len Faki, and DJ Hell. Up-and-coming Berlin collectives and live electronic acts, such as FJAAK and Moderat, have also made appearances, reinforcing the club's status as a platform for discovery and innovation in the dance music scene.