SO36, Berlin, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

SO36 is a legendary music club at Oranienstraße 190 in Kreuzberg, Berlin. It takes its name from the old postal district Südost 36 and has long been tied to the punk, alternative and countercultural life of the neighbourhood. For many Berliners it stands for the rough, independent spirit of Kreuzberg.

The story behind it

The name comes from the postal code system of old Berlin, where SO 36 was the label for the southeastern part of Kreuzberg. During the Cold War this area sat right against the Berlin Wall on the western side, with cheap rents and plenty of empty flats. That drew artists, musicians, squatters and people who wanted to live outside the mainstream, and the club grew up in the middle of that scene.

Over the years SO36 became a stage for punk and alternative acts, and several German bands are said to have played here early in their careers. The wider neighbourhood had a rough reputation in those decades, shaped by squatted houses and social problems. As Kreuzberg has changed and become more fashionable, the club has stayed a lasting link to that earlier era.

What to look for

• The SO36 lettering and the posters around the entrance show you what is on, and they change with the concert programme.
• The building sits in the middle of Oranienstraße, a street lined with bars, shops and street art that gives a good feel for the area's mixed character.
• On an event evening, look for the crowd gathering outside, which shows the club is still very much in use.
• Look at the surrounding buildings and their murals and graffiti, which carry on the alternative tradition of the neighbourhood.

Tips for your visit

• Allow about 10 to 15 minutes for the exterior and the street. The inside is normally only open during events, so check the current programme if you want to go in.
• Come in the evening if you want atmosphere, or in daytime if you prefer a quieter look at the facade and the street.
• Oranienplatz and Kottbusser Tor are close by, and Görlitzer Park is within easy walking distance, so SO36 fits well into a longer walk through Kreuzberg.
• Wear comfortable shoes and keep your phone charged, since the best way to see the area is on foot.

See it on a quest

SO36 is one stop on Kreuzberg Highlights Berlin: The Secret Society, a self-guided walk through the neighbourhood. You reach the club on foot as part of a longer route, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle based on what is in front of you. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group, so you can start whenever suits you, with no guide and no set departure time.