Bittersweet Farewell: “Morden im Norden” Star Sven Martinek Reflects on Demolition of Iconic Filming Location
Lübeck, Germany – For over a decade, the unassuming house at Brodtener Steilufer in Lübeck served as both a picturesque backdrop and a symbolic home for Kommissar Finn Kiesewetter, the central character in the long-running German crime drama “Morden im Norden.” Now, that landmark is set for demolition, prompting a wave of nostalgia from fans and a poignant reflection from actor Sven Martinek, who has portrayed Kiesewetter since 2012. The building, which also housed a youth center operated by Die Falken, is being torn down due to safety concerns, marking the complete of an era for the series and the local community.
Martinek, speaking to local news outlet LN Online, expressed his sadness at the news. “Ja, es macht mich traurig, dass dieses besondere Haus nun abgerissen werden muss. Aber die Natur ist stärker als wir – und daran gibt es nichts zu verhandeln,” he stated, acknowledging the inevitability of the situation. The actor recalled with gratitude the years spent filming at the location, emphasizing its significance as a piece of the show’s history. The house, often depicted as a somewhat dilapidated but charming residence, became intrinsically linked to the character of Finn Kiesewetter, representing his grounded nature and connection to the Baltic Sea coast.
A History Rooted in Community and Crime
The house’s story extends beyond its role as a television set. Originally used as a holiday retreat for children by the youth organization Die Falken, the property fell into disrepair. According to reports, it was sold for a sum of less than €100,000, but its structural instability quickly became apparent. LN Online reports that safety concerns ultimately necessitated its demolition. Renate Paulin-Wittmaack, the district chairwoman of Die Falken, remembers the house fondly, having been involved with the organization since 2011 when they took over from the city youth council.
“Morden im Norden” first aired in 2013 and quickly became a staple of German television, consistently drawing a large audience with its compelling storylines and relatable characters. The series, which recently concluded its eleventh season in January 2025, follows Kommissar Kiesewetter as he investigates crimes in and around Lübeck. TV Movie reports that Martinek has been with the show for nearly 14 years, and has no immediate plans to leave, enjoying the function and the camaraderie with the cast and crew. He currently resides on Mallorca but returns to Germany regularly for filming.
The Future of “Morden im Norden” and a New Special
Despite the loss of its iconic location, “Morden im Norden” continues to evolve. A new feature-length special is currently in production, filmed in Lübeck, Hamburg, and surrounding areas, with principal photography scheduled to wrap on July 11, 2026. Joyn details that this isn’t the first time the series has experimented with extended formats; a primetime special was also aired during the Christmas season of 2023.
The upcoming special centers around a cold case – the disappearance of a young woman two years prior. Initially, a suspect was apprehended, but was later acquitted in court. Kommissar Kiesewetter and his colleague, Lars Englen (played by Ingo Naujoks), identify themselves revisiting the investigation when the victim’s body is discovered, leading them back to the previously cleared suspect. The plot thickens with the disappearance of a key witness, adding further complexity to the case. Martinek has described the case as particularly personal for his character, noting the emotional toll it takes as he becomes deeply involved with the victim’s family.
Martinek’s Vision for Kiesewetter’s Departure
While the future of “Morden im Norden” remains bright, Sven Martinek has already contemplated how his character’s journey might eventually conclude. In an interview with web.de, he expressed a desire for a quiet, human ending for Finn Kiesewetter, eschewing dramatic exits like car crashes or shootouts. According to TV Movie, Martinek envisions Kiesewetter simply acknowledging his limitations and stepping away from the job, a poignant reflection on the weight of years spent confronting darkness. “Er wird einfach sagen: ‚Freunde, ich kann nicht mehr…,’” he reportedly said, suggesting a peaceful transition for the beloved detective.
The demolition of the house at Brodtener Steilufer marks the end of a physical chapter in the story of “Morden im Norden,” but the series’ enduring popularity and Martinek’s dedication suggest that the spirit of Kommissar Finn Kiesewetter will continue to captivate audiences for years to approach. The new special promises a compelling case and a deeper exploration of Kiesewetter’s character, ensuring that the legacy of this iconic German crime drama remains strong.
The next confirmed update regarding “Morden im Norden” will be the broadcast of the new feature-length special, currently scheduled for release later in 2026. Fans can stay informed about upcoming episodes and news through the official ARD website and Joyn streaming platform.
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