"Berlin is a mess" - Henry Hübchen prefers the Baltic Sea - Legendary actor Henry Hübchen abandons Berlin for the Baltic Sea
Henry Hübchen, the 78-year-old German actor, has left Berlin behind. Known for his roles on stage and screen, he now spends most of the year by the Baltic Sea with his family. His frustration with the city’s decline—from crumbling infrastructure to an aggressive public mood—has driven him away.
Born in Berlin-Charlottenburg in 1947, Hübchen lived through the entire era of the GDR. For decades, he called the capital home, but his patience has worn thin. He describes today’s Berlin as neglected and overwhelmed with itself, pointing to failing schools, unreachable government offices, and chaotic housing construction. Even daily life feels hostile, with cyclists, scooter riders, and drivers clashing in public spaces.
Hübchen’s move marks a clear break from the city he once knew. His criticism highlights long-standing issues in Berlin, from governance to public behaviour. For now, the Baltic coast offers the peace—and productivity—he no longer finds in his hometown.
