Storm of Love

Sturm der Liebe (, lit. "Storm of Love") is a German television soap opera created by Bea Schmidt for Das Erste. It premiered on 26 September 2005. It airs 50-minute episodes on weekdays (Monday through Friday) at 15:10. It was announced in May 2024 that Sturm der Liebe has been renewed until 2027 and that its runtime will be shortened to 25 minutes starting in 2025. In July 2024, it was announced the programme's running time would remain 50 minutes. The programme is on hiatus from 17 May 2024 until 19 August 2024.

Plot
The series takes place mainly in the fictional five-star hotel called the Hotel Fürstenhof and the fictional village in which it is located, Bichelheim. Bichelheim is located in the fictional district Bichelheim-Krauting, which is located in Bavaria. The protagonists, known as the Dream Couple, are the main focus of each season. However, storylines also revolve around the many trials, tribulations and love affairs of the village residents, mainly the hotel employees and the owners of the hotel, the Saalfeld family.

Current Season (20)
For season 20, the plot focuses on the love triangle between Ana Alves and her two dream men: her childhood friend, the scheming, charming Philipp Brandes and friendly, dependable veterinarian Dr. Vincent Ritter. Ana, Philipp and Vincent all have connections to the Schwarzbach family - Ana's mother, Nicole, worked as the family's housekeeper, Philipp is Noah's best friend and Vincent is Markus's illegitimate son. Vincent and Philipp couldn't be more different, but they do have two big things in common. First, they both had difficult childhoods, with single mothers, little money and fathers who had no interest in them. Second is Ana, who will become the love of both of their lives. The question is: who will Ana choose?

Seasons (1-19)
Note: This summaries only focuses on the plot of the protagonists.

Season 1: Laura Mahler and Alexander Saalfeld
Handsome, charming Alexander Saalfeld is the eldest son of Werner and Charlotte Saalfeld and one of the heirs to the Hotel Fürstenhof. One day he meets the beautiful Laura Mahler in a park in Munich. The pair spend a magical day together and then part ways. Laura is hired as a pastry chef at the Fürstenhof and comes face to face with Alexander. They begin seeing each other and fall madly in love. However, Alexander and Laura both get the shock of their lives when it is revealed that Werner Saalfeld is also Laura's father! That means Alexander and Laura are half-siblings and their relationship is now forbidden. Laura meets Christian Deville, whose wife, Sophia, is in a coma at the local hospital. Alexander reunites with his ex-fiancee Katherina Klinker-Emden. Alexander is still in love with Laura, but marries Katherina, hoping it will finally help him move on. Unbeknownst to Laura and Alexander, Saalfeld family friend, Alfons Sonnbichler, has discovered he is actually Alexander's biological father, which means they are not siblings after all. After Christian's wife passes away, he and Laura begin seeing each other. Laura and Alexander become overwhelmed with their feelings for each other and sleep together. Laura is disgusted that she slept with her "brother," but Alexander has no regrets and feels he is meant to be with Laura. Eventually, Christian reveals to Laura his name is actually Gregor Bergmeister and Sophia was his girlfriend not his wife. It turns out the real Christian Deville was Sophia's husband who she killed in self-defense and whose body Gregor helped dispose of. Laura is understanding and gives Gregor the courage to turn himself in, which he does and receives a suspended sentence. Gregor proposes to Laura and she accepts. Laura is horrified to find out she is pregnant since the baby might be the product of incest. When Laura confesses to sleeping with Alexander, he calls off their wedding, but eventually agrees to stand by Laura. Gregor overhears Alfons confessing in church that he is Alexander's father, but does not say anything. Gregor finally confesses the truth about Alexander's paternity to Laura, who in turn tells Alexander. Since she now knows Alexander is not her brother and Alexander's marriage to Katherina has ended, Laura now must choose between Gregor and Alexander. Laura knows Alexander is the love of her life and leaves a heartbroken Gregor for him. They become engaged and look forward to the birth of their child. Laura is kidnapped by Alexander's psychotic ex, Helen Marinelli, on their wedding day. Thankfully, she is rescued by Alexander. The pair are finally married and leave to start a new life in Brussels. A few months later, their daughter is born and named Hannah. They later have a son named Peter, nicknamed Leander.

Alexander has come for several visits over the years. His most recent return was for Werner's 75th birthday, along with all of his siblings.

Season 2: Miriam von Heidenberg and Robert Saalfeld
Lovable rogue Robert Saalfeld is the only biological child of Werner and Charlotte Saalfeld. While his parents and brother, Alexander, are more business-minded, Robert is more creative and works as the head chef of the Fürstenhof. His first love was Alfons and Hildegard's daughter, Marie. However, their relationship deteriorates over time and it ends for good after Marie has a miscarriage. One day, he meets the beautiful Miriam von Heidenberg in the forest while she is riding a horse and instantly falls in love with her. He is later shocked to find out Miriam is in a wheelchair, but he soon realises that it does not matter. Miriam was deeply affected by her death of her father, Wolfgang, and is under the tight control of stepmother, Barbara. She and Robert begin a beautiful romance and become engaged. With Robert's love and support, Miriam becomes able to walk again. Barbara is determined to destroy Robert and Miriam's happiness, because if Miriam marries before her 25th birthday she inherits Wolfgang's estate, but if she does not, Barbara inherits it. Miriam is close with her childhood friend Felix Tarrasch, which Robert is not happy about. Eventually, Robert and Miriam separate and Miriam starts a relationship with Felix. To get her inheritance, Felix and Miriam elope. Miriam cannot deny her love for Robert and leaves Felix to reunite with him. Barbara confesses that she murdered Miriam's father and tries to kill Miriam, Robert and Werner. Luckily, they are able to save themselves and Barbara (supposedly) dies. Since she is still married to Felix, Miriam and Robert have a symbolic wedding. Afterwards they move to Paris, where Robert will work as a chef in his own restaurant and Miriam will be a perfumer.

A few months later, Miriam returns to Bichelheim to finalise her divorce from Felix. She and Robert marry in Paris. Some time later, Miriam tragically dies giving birth to her and Robert's daughter, Valentina. Her death leaves her loved ones heartbroken. Robert tearfully buries his beloved wife in Bichelheim.

Season 3: Samia Obote and Gregor Bergmeister
Samia Obote traveled illegally to Germany from Uganda to hide from her domineering father, Joshua, who wants to force her into an arranged marriage. She finds refuge at the Fürstenhof, where she finds work and makes friends. She dates Felix Tarrasch for some time before she falls in love with her friend, Dr. Gregor Bergmeister. Gregor is happily in a relationship with Leonie Preisinger and is oblivious to Samia's feelings for him. Gregor and Leonie's relationship ends when she has an affair with Marc Kohlweyer. Gregor finally realises he is in love with Samia. Gregor stops Samia from going back to Uganda with her father by declaring his love for her and they start a relationship. Joshua is not happy about Gregor and Samia's relationship and is determined to put a stop to it. Joshua is killed by Fiona Marquardt, but suspicion falls on Gregor, which tears him and Samia apart. Gregor begins dating the investigating detective, Jana Schneider. Samia enters into a liaison with André Konopka's son, Simon and they become engaged. Jana becomes pregnant, but suffers a miscarriage. Gregor and Jana later split up. On the day of her wedding to Simon, Samia realises Gregor is her true love and calls off the wedding. Samia and Gregor finally reunite and Gregor proposes. The pair exchange vows in a romantic ceremony on board a steamer. Afterwards, they set off for a new life in Tanzania.

Season 4: Emma Strobl and Felix Saalfeld
Felix Tarrasch discovers his biological parents are Johann Gruber and Elisabeth Saalfeld, making him part of the wealthy Saalfeld family. Felix changes his surname to Saalfeld and takes his place in the family. Emma Strobl, a chambermaid at the Fürstenhof, falls in love with Felix. However, Felix falls in love with Emma's scheming half-sister, Rosalie Engel. Rosalie is interested in the Saalfeld money, so she is happy to be with Felix and is determined to not let anything go wrong between them. It takes Felix months to understand that Rosalie is just taking advantage of him, and he also starts to develop feelings for Emma. In the meantime, Emma enters into a relationship with Ben Sponheim. Ben's biological mother is Barbara von Heidenberg, who was presumed dead, but now has returned to Bichelheim seeking revenge against Werner Saalfeld. Barbara drives Werner crazy with a poison that will make him forgetful. When she is exposed by Emma, she locks her and Felix in a power plant, where the two confess their love to each other. They are rescued and separate from their partners. Ben accepts that he can't keep Emma, but Rosalie refuses to let Felix go and fakes a pregnancy to hold onto him. Initially, Felix wants to marry Rosalie to be a responsible father, but then decides he cannot leave Emma. Ben eventually reveals Rosalie is faking her pregnancy, leaving no more obstacles for Felix and Emma's happy ending. Felix and Emma have a beautiful wedding in Austria. In the hustle and bustle of the wedding, Rosalie manages to get into a car with Emma and wants to kill Emma and herself. Despite all of Rosalie's misdeeds, Emma finds loving words for her sister and Rosalie abandons her plan. Emma and Felix leave for Canada, where they can be close to Johann.

The following winter, Felix and Emma, who is now pregnant, pay a short visit to Bichelheim to see Rosalie, who has fallen into a coma. Back in Canada, Emma gives birth to their twin sons, Max and Moritz.

Season 5: Sandra Ostermeyer and Lukas Zastrow
A shocking Saalfeld family secret comes to light: on the orders of Ludwig Saalfeld, Dr. Korbinian Niederbühl swapped Ludwig's newborn daughter, Charlotte, who had a heart defect, with Cosima Hofer, the daughter of Ernst and Luise Hofer. Cosima arrives in Bichelheim and wants to take back what she feels was taken from her. Cosima's son Lukas Zastrow also comes to Bichelheim and is appointed managing director of the Fürstenhof. Lukas meets his former classmate Annika Bruckner, who has transformed from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. Lukas is enchanted by Annika. It takes Lukas a lot of effort to convince Annika of the sincerity of his feelings, but eventually she gives in and starts a relationship with Lukas. One day, Lukas is arguing with Cosima in the car and accidentally hits Annika on her bike. Annika tragically dies of a cerebral hemorrage and her organs are donated. Her heart is donated to Sandra Ostermeyer, who was dying of heart failure. Lukas meets Sandra, who is immediately drawn to him.

Lukas is devastated by the loss of the love of his life. Sandra begins her rehabilitation at the Fürstenhof at the invitation of Werner Saalfeld, an old acquaintance of her mother, Astrid. It is later revealed Sandra is Werner's daughter. In his grief, Lukas finds it too difficult to be around Sandra. The pair grow closer, but Lukas still just wants to be friends and instead starts dating Rosalie Engel. There is a war brewing between Cosima and the Saalfelds, which Sandra and Lukas both get caught up in. Cosima wants to keep Lukas away from Sandra and pushes him to marry Rosalie since she has shares in the Fürstenhof. Lukas goes through with marrying Rosalie. The marriage is short-lived since Lukas cannot deny his love for Sandra and leaves Rosalie to be with her. Not wanting a repeat of what happened with Felix, Rosalie accepts this and agrees to give Lukas a divorce. However, Cosima is determined to get Rosalie's shares and tries to have her killed. Rosalie survives and goes into a coma. Lukas is accused of Rosalie's attempted murder, but Cosima gives him an alibi. Cosima blackmails Sandra that she will retract Lukas's alibi if she does not end her relationship with him. Sandra finds out she is pregnant, which is risky because of her heart transplant. She sadly has a miscarriage. After countless lies, schemes and manipulations, Cosima's dies. Cosima asks for Lukas's forgiveness with her dying breath and Lukas forgives his mother. Sandra and Lukas get married in an emotional ceremony. They leave Bichelheim to move to the Giant Mountains in the Czech Republic to convert an old monastery into an eco-hotel. The two later adopt a little girl named Anna.

Sandra returns for Werner's 75th birthday, along with her siblings.

Season 6: Eva Krendlinger and Robert Saalfeld
Robert Saalfeld comes to Bichelheim for a brief visit, while his pregnant wife Miriam stays behind in Paris. Robert gets a call that Miriam is in labor and rushes to be by her side. Tragedy strikes when Miriam dies after giving birth to their daughter, Valentina. Robert cannot believe he has lost his beloved wife. He has Miriam's funeral in Bichelheim and decides to move back into the Fürstenhof. Without the love of his life, Robert loses all meaning in his life and rejects his daughter, who he blames for Miriam's death. Eva Krendlinger becomes Valentina's nanny and helps Robert bond with his daughter. Robert realises that he has to try to be the best father he can be to Valentina. Eva falls in love with Robert, but he is not ready for a relationship. Barbara von Heidenberg, Miriam's evil stepmother, wants Valentina's inheritance. Barbara proves Robert to be an unfit father, because of his initial rejection of Valentina and she is taken by social services. Barbara hires Alain Briand to pretend to be Miriam's former lover and to claim he is actually Valentina's father. Eva continues to work as Valentina's nanny to protect her from Alain. Valentina is thankfully reunited with Robert. Eva finally conquers Robert's heart, the two declare their love for each other while on a trip to Verona and make love for the first time. However, Robert realises he is not over Miriam and has doubts if he can really be with Eva. When Eva tells Robert she is pregnant, he is scared he will lose her the same way he lost Miriam and separates from her. Eva is shocked to see her first love, Markus Zastrow, who had been presumed dead years ago. Eva reunites with Markus. Robert realises he and Eva belong together and wants to be with her and their child. When Eva suffers miscarriage, she decides she is done with Robert for good. Eva gets engaged to Markus. However, Eva's heart tells that she belongs with Robert and she ends her relationship with Markus to reunite with him. Eva happily accepts Robert's marriage proposal. Barbara rigs the Fürstenhof with a bomb on Eva and Robert's wedding day. The bomb denotes after the ceremony, but thankfully everyone survives. Eva, Robert and Valentina move to Verona, where Robert will run his own restaurant and Eva will achieve her dream of being a children's book author.

In 2017, Robert and Eva return for Werner and Charlotte's wedding, where Robert walks his mother down the aisle. Robert, Eva and Valentina move back into the Fürstenhof permanently in 2018.

Season 7: Theresa Burger and Moritz van Norden
Architect Moritz van Norden is the son of scheming Doris van Norden. Moritz was raised believing Günther van Norden was his father, but his father is revealed to be Werner Saalfeld. Doris is planning a takeover of the struggling local brewery, Burger Bräu, that belongs to Theresa Burger. Moritz and Theresa meet and immediately fall in love. Just as their relationship is blossoming, Moritz's twin brother Konstantin Riedmüller, who had been given up for adoption, arrives in Germany from Argentina. Moritz and Konstantin meet on a bridge and Moritz accidently fall into the water and is presumed dead. Konstantin then starts a relationship with Theresa and falls in love with her. Moritz is revealed to be alive and had only been in a coma. He returns to Bichelheim, but he has amnesia and is going by the name Peter Bach. He falls in love with Theresa all over again and Theresa cannot help but be drawn to him. Eventually, it is revealed what Konstantin did and he loses Theresa to Moritz. Moritz and Theresa have a beautiful weeding ceremony in church in the mountains. Konstantin makes peace with his twin brother and Theresa. Moritz and Theresa leave Bichelheim for Port Westfalica.

Season 8: Marlene Schweitzer and Konstantin Riedmüller
Konstantin Riedmüller is heartbroken over the loss of his great love Theresa to his twin brother, Moritz. Kind-hearted, demure pianist Marlene Schweitzer arrives at the Fürstenhof and falls in love with Konstantin at first sight. Natascha, Marlene's flamboyant mother, has also come to the Fürstenhof, and also takes an interest in Konstantin. Konstantin ends up starting a purely physical relationship with Natascha, which deeply hurts Marlene. Marlene develops a connection with Dr. Michael Niederbühl and they start dating. Meanwhile, Natascha and Konstantin's relationship becomes more serious. Marlene and Konstantin develop a close friendship, though Marlene's feelings for him still linger. Marlene accepts Michael's marriage proposal. When Natascha becomes pregnant, Konstantin also proposes and she accepts. However, Natascha changes her mind about the pregnancy, has an abortion and claims to have had miscarriage to Konstantin. Konstantin finally falls in love with Marlene. Natascha and Konstantin are about to get married at a registry office, but he leaves her at the altar. Konstantin confesses to Marlene that he is in love with her, but Marlene does not want to hurt Michael or her mother. Eventually, she gives in and they sleep together. Marlene ends her engagement to Michael, who is disgusted to learn she has left him for her own mother's ex. Distressed by her break-up with Konstantin, Natascha attempts suicide. This makes it even harder for Marlene to confess things to her mother, but Natascha eventually catches Marlene and Konstantin together. Out of revenge, Natascha pretends to be Theresa and writes letters to Konstantin saying Theresa is still in love with him. Marlene fears Konstantin loves Theresa and not her, but Kontsantin declares that Marlene is his true love. After getting engaged, Marlene and Konstantin decide to get married as quickly as possible. They marry in a gorgeous ceremony on the lake. They both make peace with Natascha before setting off for their new life in Florence. They later welcome a son, Miguel, named after Konstantin's late adoptive father.

Konstantin and Marlene return for Werner's 75th birthday and help Natascha and Michael through a marital crisis they are facing.

Season 9: Pauline Jentzsch and Leonard Stahl
Leonard Stahl comes to Fürstenhof with his father, Friedrich. Friedrich buys 90% of the hotel's stocks and Leonard becomes the CEO. Pauline Jentzsch comes to Fürstenhof with her best friend, Coco Conradi. The Fürstenhof belonged to Pauline's family before it was sold to Ludwig Saalfeld. Pauline gets a job at Fürstenhof as the hotel's pastry chef and meets Leonard, who she immediately falls in love with. However, Leonard is not interested in Pauline and starts dating the devious Patrizia Dietrich. Patrizia's grandfather Joseph Dietrich reveals to Patrizia that Pauline's grandfather Erich von Weyersbrunn was planning to sell the Fürstenhof to Ludwig Saalfeld, but he died of heart attack before the contract was signed. Joseph then helped Ludwig forge Erich's signature, bury his body and make everybody believe he had disappeared. Joseph decides to give Pauline some money as compensation, but Patrizia does not want to lose her inheritance and murders him before he can reveal the truth. Leonard realises Patrizia's scheming nature and ends their relationship. Out of revenge, Patrizia blackmails Friedrich that she will reveal the illegal sale of the Fürstenhof, which means ownership of the hotel would revert to Pauline and he would be financially ruined. To keep her quiet, Friedirich employs Patrizia as a PR manager.

Leonard and Pauline start a relationship and fall in love. Friedrich pushes Leonard to marry Pauline so he will not lose the Fürstenhof. Leonard is not ready for marriage, but listens to his father and proposes to Pauline, who accepts. However, Pauline finds out the truth about the Fürstenhof and Leonard's reason for marrying her, so she dumps Leonard. She then gets 20% of Friedrich's shares. Leonard's old university friend Daniel Brückner comes to Fürstenhof and sparks fly between him and Pauline. Patrizia becomes pregnant with twins after an affair with Friedrich, but claims that they are Leonard's. Pauline and Daniel fall in love, but Daniel seems haunted by something in his past. Famous musician Chris Brenner comes to the Fürstenhof and it is revealed that Daniel is bisexual and had an affair with Chris many years ago. Chris does not want the public to know he is gay for fear of losing his career and had even married a woman named Yvonne, who discovered Chris's affair with Daniel and then took her own life. Daniel is haunted by his role in Yvonne's death, but Pauline is understanding about Daniel's past and is more upset that he did not tell her the truth earlier. Chris schemes to get Daniel back and it culminates with Chris attempting to murder Daniel and Pauline, but thankfully they are saved by Leonard. When Friedrich finds out that Patrizia's twins are his, he pushes Patrizia down the stairs. Patrizia gives birth to premature twin girls Mara and Mila, and then falls into a coma. Mara dies, leaving Leonard devastated. Pauline supports Leonard through the tragedy and caring for Mila. Leonard realises Pauline is the love of his life and decides to ask her to marry him. However, Daniel proposes first and Pauline accepts. Patrizia awakes from her coma and fakes having amnesia. Pauline has second thoughts about Daniel and ends their engagement. Pauline and Leonard have a romantic reunion in Vienna and Pauline happily accepts Leonard's marriage proposal.

Patrizia and Daniel are both determined to get back at their exes. The two jilted lovers create a plan together to break them up. Daniel kidnaps Mila while Pauline is out with her and then hides out in San Cortez with Patrizia's half-sister, Barbara von Heidenberg. Leonard separates from Pauline and marries Patrizia so Daniel will not want to take revenge anymore. Leonard finds out about Patrizia's scheme and demands she give him Mila, but then Patrizia reveals Friedrich is actually Mila's father. Leonard quickly divorces Patrizia and reunites with Pauline. Pauline receives an offer to work as a pastry chef in Vienna and discovers she is pregnant. Leonard is happy to be reunited with his long-lost sister Sophie (though it is later revealed that Sophie is actually Julia Wegener). Leonard and Pauline finally marry and then leave for Vienna. They later welcome a son named Gabriel, who is named after Leonard's late mother, Gabrielle.

In 2015, Pauline and Leonard return for the wedding of Leonard's brother Niklas to Julia Wegener. Patrizia attempts to murder Niklas and Leonard, but Friedrich ends up killing her. Afterwards, Friedrich allows Pauline and Leonard to take Mila to Vienna with them. They return again for Friedrich's funeral in 2017. In 2020, they pay a visit to the Fürstenhof and Leonard sells his family's Fürstenhof shares to Christoph Saalfeld.

Season 10: Julia Wegener and Niklas Stahl
Julia Wegener, her brother Sebastian and his girlfriend Sophie Stahl, the estranged daughter of Friedrich Stahl, arrive in Bichlheim. Sophie and the Wegeners met in Thailand. Sophie has not seen her family in many years because she was presumed dead in the tsunami many years earlier. Upon learning that she came from a wealthy family, Sebastian began dating Sophie hoping that Friedrich will agree to pay for the treatments for his serious, rare illness. However on their way to the Fürstenhof Sophie is accidentally run over and killed by Patrizia Dietrich. With her dying breath, Sophie tells Julia she needs to pretend to be her so Sebastian can get his treatment. Sebastian buries Sophie's body in the forest and pressures a nervous Julia into impersonating Sophie. The Stahls are fooled by the Wegeners' act and welcome "Sophie" back into the family. At the lake, Julia meets a dashing, mysterious stranger who she kisses and instantly falls in love with. At Leonard and Pauline's wedding, Julia meets the mystery man again and is stunned to find out that he is Sophie's brother, Niklas Stahl, who just arrived from Barcelona. Of course, Julia knows she is not actually his sister, but Niklas does not, so to keep up the charade Julia has no other choice but distance herself from him. Niklas decides to stay in Bichelheim and work as a chef in the Fürstenhof.

Sebastian finds out that Patrizia ran over Sophie, but instead of feeling hatred for her, he begins an affair with her. Niklas becomes attracted to Patrizia and they start dating, while Patrizia continues her affair with Sebastian. Niklas and Julia are still drawn to each other, but Niklas feels disgusted by his attraction to his "sister." In the barn, Niklas and Julia kiss and are about to have sex when Patrizia photographs them and then slams the door which makes them snap out of their passion. Julia and Niklas instantly regret their misstep, and they distance themselves again. Sebastian becomes jealous of Niklas and Patrizia and triggers a landslide, which almost kills them. Niklas suffers from blood poisoning which paralyses his arm and leaves him unable to cook. He considers going back to Barcelona, but Julia convinces him to stay. Later, Niklas proposes to Patrizia and she accepts. Meanwhile, Julia becomes close with Nils Heinemann and helps him overcome his alcoholism which he developed after the death of his wife, Sabrina. When things take a romantic turn, Julia confesses to Nils that she is not Sophie Stahl. Nils is understanding and the two fall in love. Niklas marries Patrizia despite his doubts about her. Julia becomes engaged to Nils. Niklas quickly realises he cannot trust Patrizia and wants a divorce.

Sebastian has been able to get his treatment thanks to Friedrich's money and seems to be improving so Julia feels she should finally come clean about her identity. Sebastian does not want to jeopardise his access to the Stahl money so in a panic he tells Patrizia everything and convinces her to help him kidnap Julia. Patrizia wants to kill Julia but instead Sebastian decides to let her go and will simply claim she is mentally ill if she reveals the truth. When Julia admits that she is not Sophie, Friedrich and Niklas doubt her and believe Sebastian's claims of her mental illness. Afraid she will be institutionalized, Julia wants Nils to marry her as soon as possible. A genetic test is done, but Patrizia changes it and it shows that Julia is Sophie Stahl. This causes Nils to leave Julia at the altar. Patrizia plans to shot Charlotte Saalfeld and put the blame on to Friedrich, but Sebastian tries to stop her and ends up being the one who gets shot. Julia donates blood to her brother. Since they are the same blood type, this finally makes people believe Julia's claims about her identity. A second genetic test confirms that Julia and Sebastian are in fact siblings, which means the truth about the Wegeners and Sophie is finally out. Niklas is initially angry that Julia lied to him, but cannot deny his love for her. Julia and Niklas finally become a couple. Friedrich on the other hand is outraged by the Wegeners' manipulations and firmly believes that Sebastian and Julia murdered Sophie in cold-blood. Sebastian confesses to burying Sophie, but says it was Patrizia who ran her over. Patrizia gets the upper hand when she poisons Niklas and he goes into a coma. Since they are still married, Patrizia threatens to take him off of life support unless Julia takes the blame for Sophie's death. Wanting to protect his sister, Sebastian takes the blame and is arrested. Patrizia removes Niklas's life support anyways, but he is able to breath on his own. Patrizia tries to kill Niklas again, but fails and is arrested. Sebastian revokes his confession and is released. Niklas and Julia become engaged. At their wedding, Patrizia, who has escaped from custody, sneaks in to kidnap her daughter, Mila, but is caught. Patrizia threatens to shot Leonard and Niklas, but is shot by Friedrich and dies. After everything they have been through, Niklas and Julia are desperate for a new start. They move to Lisbon where Niklas will work in a high-end restaurant.

Season 11: Luisa Reisiger and Sebastian Wegener
Luisa Reisiger comes to Bichlheim to support her mother Marta, who is dying. Luisa suffered spinal cord damage from a car accident and has a hump on her back, which makes her very self-conscious. One day, Sebastian sees Luisa on the dock and is instantly smitten with her, but does not see her hump. When Sebastian does see it, he decides it does not matter to him. Martha sadly dies and Sebastian comforts Luisa. At her funeral, Luisa meets her father, Hermann Stürzebecher, who had abandoned her and her mother. Hermann confesses he is not actually Luisa's father and it was Marta who cut off contact, but he still loves Luisa as his own. Hermann unexpectedly dies of a heart attack and Luisa becomes his sole heir. However, his fiancée Beatrice Hofer also wants the inheritance. Beatrice demands her son David seduces Luisa so she will marry him and they can get their hands on her inheritance. Sebastian and Luisa get together, but are broken up by David and Beatrice. Luisa finds out that Friedrich Stahl is actually her father and wants to form a relationship with him.

Luisa gets close to David, but then his ex-girlfriend Alina Steffen shows up at the Fürstenhof. David starts a relationship with her again and Luisa gets close to Sebastian again. Beatrice wants Sebastian and Alina out of the way so David can focus on Luisa. Beatrice tries to kill Sebastian, but is unsuccessful. Alina finds out that she is pregnant, which David is thrilled about. Alina and Beatrice have an argument and Alina falls and hits her head on a stone and tragically dies. Friedrich witnessed the altercation and is ultimately arrested for Alina's murder. Beatrice helps Friedrich avoid prosecution and tries blackmailing him, but then they end up starting an affair. Luisa falls out with Sebastian again and starts a relationship with David. Luisa learns her spine is curving dangerously and she is risking becoming paralyzed. Dr. Michael Niederbühl advises her to have back surgery, but Luisa is reluctant to have the surgery. When Luisa finally decides to have the surgery, Beatrice urges David to marry Luisa before her surgery because he would receive her inheritance in the event of her death. David and Luisa marry in an intimate ceremony. Luisa's surgery is successful and she no longer has a hump on her back. Sebastian decides he cannot watch the love of his life with another man so he leaves Bichelheim. David feels guilty over accidentally shooting and killing his father when he was a child (it is later revealed that it was Beatrice who shot him). Luisa offers David her support and David genuinely falls in love with her. Beatrice is infuriated when David states he will no longer take part in her plan and decides to destroy their marriage. Beatrice lures Sebastian back to the village. When Sebastian nearly dies from a virus, Luisa realises her love for him and separates from David to reunite with him. Beatrice tries to kill David by hitting him on the back of the head, causing him to fall into a coma. David wakes up with amnesia and believes he and Luisa are still married. Luisa pretends they are still together to help David recover, but then David catches her with Sebastian.

Sebastian and Luisa feel they are finally going to have their happy ending. Sebastian admits to Luisa he was married before to a woman named Isabelle Raspe, who he had married because she came from a wealthy family and could help pay for his medical treatment. Isabelle shows up at the Fürstenhof and gives Sebastian two shocks: first that they are still legally married and second they have a son named Paul, who suffers from the same illness as Sebastian. Sebastian is devastated he has given his son the same disease. Isabelle is estranged from her family, so she agrees to work with Beatrice to break up Luisa and Sebastian and in exchange Beatrice will pay for Paul's care. Sebastian wants to be there for his son and Luisa supports him, but the pressure strains on their relationship. Sebastian steals €100,000 from Friedrich for his son's therapy. Beatrice finds out about the theft and blackmails Sebastian: he breaks up with Luisa or she goes to the police. Sebastian confesses everything to Luisa and they pretend to break up so Beatrice will drop the blackmail. Sebastian ends up having a one-night-stand with Isabelle, which Luisa forgives him for. Isabelle wants to reunite with Sebastian, but he makes it clear that is not going to happen. David regains his memory and kidnaps Beatrice out of revenge. Luisa and Friedrich manage to rescue Beatrice and Beatrice admits to Luisa her scheme to get her inheritance. Shortly afterwards, Isabelle departs to Düsseldorf with Paul, whose condition has improved. Sebastian proposes to Luisa and she happily accepts. They are thrilled when Paul arrives for the wedding and they marry with him by their side. Luisa and Sebastian decide to move to Düsseldorf to be near Paul and say goodbye to their friends and family in Bichelheim.

Season 12: Clara Morgenstern and Adrian Lechner
Clara Morgenstern, an aspiring knitwear designer, comes to the Fürstenhof to locate her grandfather, specifically the biological father of her mother Melli, who was adopted. It turns out that hotel concierge Alfons Sonnbichler is Melli's biological father. Clara and Melli both settle into Bichelheim. One day, she runs into her childhood friend, Adrian Lechner and immediately falls in love with him. When Adrian learns that the Fürstenhof is in financial difficulties, he buys 20% of the shares. Clara and Adrian spend more time together, but Adrian only sees Clara as a little sister. Desirée Bramigk, Clara's roommate, also shows interest in Adrian. Adrian starts casually dating Desirée. In order to bind Adrian to her, Desirée's mother Beatrice, who wants Adrian's Fürstenhof shares, advises her to become pregnant. Desirée refuses so Beatrice tampers with her birth control pills. When Desirée discovers she is pregnant, Adrian is thrilled to become a father and they become engaged. Clara is heartbroken and decides to finally confess her feelings to Adrian, but Adrian tells her he does not feel the same way. Desirèe sadly loses the child, but decides not to tell Adrian, who she knows is only marrying her because of her pregnancy. Clara suspects that Desirèe is no longer pregnant, but has no proof. A devastated Clara watches her beloved Adrian marry Desirèe. Desirée notices Clara's closeness with Adrian and warns her to stay away from her husband. Desirée needs to fake a miscarriage and decides to make Clara look responsible to get her out Adrian's life. As Clara is driving a Fürstenhof shuttle, Desirée purposely falls under the car and fakes her miscarriage. Beatrice bribes a witness to claim Clara deliberately hit Desirée. This causes Adrian to cut Clara out of his life.

When Adrian was a child, his mother Joanne and little brother William were believed to have died. However, he learns that they might actually be alive and he wants to find them. Clara had also been good friends with William and wants to help Adrian. Adrian is overcome with emotion when he speaks to his little brother for the first time in almost two decades. Soon afterwards, William travels from Australia to Bichelheim and they have an emotional reunion. Adrian and William's mother, who now goes by the name Susan Newcombe, confesses that their father Hagen was a contract killer and she fled to her native Australia to protect William. Susan also confesses that Hagen was not William's father, his biological father is actually Werner Saalfeld. Clara and Adrian manage to become friends again. William becomes a fitness trainer and the Fürstenhof. Clara and William become close and he falls in love with her. Clara wants to move on from Adrian and she and William start dating. When William proposes to Clara, she turns him down since she is not ready to take such a big step. Adrian finally falls in love with Clara and wants to be with her. However, Clara changes her mind and accepts William's marriage proposal before Adrian can confess his feelings. When Adrian admits to William he is in love with his fiancée, tension mounts between the two brothers. Desirée is scared she is losing Adrian so Beatrice pretends to be a stalker so Adrian will feel obligated to protect Desirée.

Clara finds out that Adrian is in love with her. With her wedding to William approaching, Clara becomes overwhelmed with her feelings for the two brothers. When a snowstorm hits, Clara and Adrian become trapped in one of the hotel's cabins. Clara and Adrian finally confess their love for each other and they make love. Afterwards, Clara decides she is still going to marry William. Meanwhile, Adrian tells Desirée their marriage is over. When William suggests that they go to Las Vegas to get married, Clara finally confesses that she is in love with Adrian and ends their engagement. Clara feels guilty about hurting William and keeps her distance from Adrian. However, Adrian fights to be with the woman he loves and Clara finally gives in. They become a couple, which annihilates William and Adrian's relationship. Adrian finds out about Desirée's schemes and quickly annuls their marriage. Adrian proposes and an overjoyed Clara accepts. Clara is offered a job in Tokyo and it is originally decided she will live there while Adrian stays in Germany. However, Adrian decides he will go with Clara and open a Bavarian restaurant in Tokyo. Surrounded by family and friends, Adrian and Clara become husband and wife. William reconciles with both of them and they promise they will always be the "three musketeers." After a touching farewell party, Adrian and Clara set off for their new life in Japan.

Clara returns for Melli's wedding to André Konopka. Melli later joins Adrian and Clara in Tokyo after her marriage to André breaks down. In 2022, Alfons receives word that Clara and Adrian have welcomed a son named Junichiro.

Season 13: Rebecca Herz, Ella Kessler and William Newcombe
Ella Kessler and Rebecca Herz have been best friends since childhood. When they were young, Ella's boyfriend Marcel and Rebecca had an affair. After Marcel died in a motorcycle accident, the shared grief made the two girls come together again and they swore to each other that no man would ever come between them again. Years later, Ella and Rebecca start working as chambermaids at the Fürstenhof in order to finance their big dream: their own wedding agency “Herzkomplizen”. There they meet the young, handsome fitness trainer William Newcombe, who is still heartbroken over losing his great love Clara Morgenstern to his brother Adrian. Ella immediately falls in love with William, while Rebecca is unimpressed by him. By chance, William and Rebecca come into possession of each other's mobile numbers without knowing who the numbers belong to. They start an anonymous text chat as Mr. and Mrs. Wrong, where they have intimate conversations and develop feelings for each other. Rebecca is shocked to realise that William is Mr. Wrong and breaks off contact so as not to endanger her friendship with Ella. Rebecca lets William believe Ella is Mrs. Wrong, paving the way for her friend to have a relationship with William.

After sharing a kiss with William, Rebecca finally realises that she, too, has fallen in love with William. However, she keeps her feelings to herself. Meanwhile, Ella is on cloud nine with William and loses her virginity to him. Ella confesses to William that Rebecca is actually Mrs. Wrong, which makes William see Rebecca differently. Ella grows insecure in her relationship with William and she demands that he marries her to prove his love for her, but William refuses and the relationship breaks down. William falls in love with Rebecca, but when Ella finds out about their feelings for each other, she gives Rebecca a choice: their friendship or William. Rebecca chooses Ella, but still cannot deny what she feels for William. Eventually, Ella and Rebecca's friendship breaks down and Ella leaves Bichelheim. Rebecca and William officially become a couple. Ella returns and asks Rebecca to plan her wedding to millionaire Patrick von Brahmberg. Ella enjoys rubbing her happiness with Patrick in Rebecca and William's faces, but Ella is only with Patrick for his money. William receives an offer to train with the Australian national taekwondo team for the 2020 Olympics, but this will mean moving back to Sydney. Rebecca wants William to achieve his dreams and agrees to go with him. Ella realises it is wrong to marry Patrick and leaves him at the altar. Ella reconciles with Rebecca and William and William spontaneously proposes to Rebecca. They get married that same day, so Mr. and Mrs. Wrong are now Mr.and Mrs. Right. They later depart for Australia.

William returns for Werner's 75th birthday, along with his siblings.

Season 14: Alicia Lindbergh and Viktor Saalfeld
Charlotte Saalfeld reconnects with her long-estranged brother Gottfried, who had been disowned by their father, Ludwig. Charlotte meets Gottfried's son Christoph, a successful hotelier. Christoph buys a large amount of shares in the Fürstenhof and tells his son Boris that some day the hotel will be all his. Christoph's much-younger girlfriend, Dr. Alicia Lindbergh, pays an unexpected visit and is upset when she catches him with Desirée Bramigk. Christoph explains to Alicia that he believed they were broken up because she had said she did not want a long-distance relationship. Christoph and Alicia reconcile and he ensures that Alicia gets a job at the local hospital. Alicia is head over heels in love with Christoph and overlooks a lot of his morally ambiguous actions. Alicia hopes to marry and have a family with Christoph, but he is reluctant to become a father again at his age. Alicia proposes to Christoph and he accepts.

Christoph's estranged eldest son, Viktor, arrives in Bichelheim. Viktor has a criminal past, but wants to leave it behind. Viktor falls in love with Alicia at first sight without knowing who she is and is stunned when he learns she is engaged to his father. Viktor and Christoph immediately clash. Viktor hopes Alicia can see what kind of man Christoph truly is, but Alicia ignores Viktor's warnings and remains fully dedicated to Christoph. Viktor begins working at the stables at the Fürstenhof. Viktor and Alicia bond over their love of horses and Viktor feels he and Alicia are meant for each other. On her wedding day to Christoph, Viktor begs Alicia not to marry him, but she goes through with the ceremony and is excited about starting her life with Christoph. Viktor and Alicia grow closer, which is noticed by Christoph. Christoph encourages Jessica Bronkhorst to pursue Viktor and they begin a casual relationship. Christoph's ex-wife and Viktor and Boris's mother, Xenia, arrives in Bichelheim after twenty years of estrangement. Alicia is disgusted to find out that Christoph blackmailed Xenia into leaving their children behind when they were young after he had found out she had an affair. Alcia ends their marriage and grows close to Viktor. Viktor and Alicia are about to become a couple when Alicia discovers she is pregnant by Christoph. Viktor offers to pretend to be the father, but Alicia does not want to keep Christoph's child away from him. Alicia wants to give her child a proper family and reconciles with Christoph. Xenia poisons Alicia and she sadly has a miscarriage.

Alicia decides her marriage to Christoph is over and she declares her love for Viktor. Christoph sees them in bed together and is determined to not let his beloved Alicia get away from him. Alicia tries to end their marriage, but Christoph threatens to harm Viktor, Alicia's brother Paul and her grandmother Anna if she does not stay with him. Alicia complies with Christoph's threats and lies to Viktor that she wants to stay with Christoph, but Viktor knows something is amiss. Jessica tells Viktor she is pregnant and he is the father (the father is later revealed to be Paul). Alicia tells Viktor about Christoph's threats and they start seeing each other in secret. When Boris comes out as gay, Christoph rejects him. When Alicia questions Christoph why he cannot accept Boris's sexuality, he confides in her that he was molested by his football coach when he was a child. Alicia is genuinely moved by Christoph's confession and wants to be there for him, but still declares their marriage is over. Alicia fakes being ill so she will not have to leave the country with Christoph, who she knows is trying to kidnap her. Alicia is believed to be dead after a car accident, but it is revealed she faked her death so she could get away from Christoph. Viktor and Alicia plan to run away together, but Christoph finds out about the plan. Christoph holds Alicia and Viktor at gunpoint. Viktor and Christoph have a fight in the lake and Christoph has a heart attack. Despite everything, Viktor and Alicia still save his life. Afterwards, Christoph finally accepts their marriage is over and agrees to give Alicia a divorce, which means Viktor and Alicia can finally be together. Viktor proposes to Alicia and she accepts. The pair marry in a small ceremony and then leave for Wachau. After they leave, Christoph tells his daughter Annabelle that Alicia is and will always be the love of his life.

A few months later, Viktor and Alicia return for Boris's wedding to Tobias Ehrlinger and things are still tense between them and Christoph. Alicia tells Viktor she is pregnant. Christoph realises he has to make peace with them if he wants to be in his grandchild's life and offers them genuine congratulations. They later welcome a daughter named Mia and Christoph is happy to become a grandfather. When Viktor comes for Denise's wedding to Joshua Winter, he and Christoph are happy to see each other, indicating father and son are truly at peace with each other.

Season 15: Denise Saalfeld and Joshua Winter
Shy, sensitive artist Denise Saalfeld is the youngest of Christoph and Xenia's four children. Denise has always been close with her father and is his favorite child. She has been living in the United States with her wild, glamorous older sister Annabelle. The sisters decide to stay in Bichelheim and help Christoph run the Fürstenhof. Denise finds an antique mirror which claims to help a person see their true love and in the reflection she sees Joshua Winter, the son of Robert Saalfeld, a cousin of her father (though Joshua and Denise are not related by blood). Denise instantly falls in love with the handsome young man, but is too shy to confess her feelings. While cleaning out an old house, Joshua and Denise come across an old painting, which depicts a couple that looks exactly like them, which makes Denise feel like Joshua is her destiny. However, Annabelle, who has always been jealous of Denise's closeness with their father, decides to take Joshua for herself. Annabelle manages to seduce Joshua, breaking Denise's heart.

Denise's mother, Xenia, kills Joshua's adoptive father, Henning Winter. When Joshua finds out, he confronts her and she ends up kidnapping him and Denise. Xenia shoots Denise by accident and in her delirium Denise confesses her love for Joshua. Xenia attempts to flee and is shot by Annabelle. Before she shot her, Xenia had confessed to Annabelle that Christoph was not her biological father, which Annabelle keeps to herself. Denise meets charming veterinarian Henry Achtleitner and there is an immediate spark between them. Xenia had left Christoph a message revealing he is not the biological father of one of their four children. Christoph believes Xenia is lying, but to be sure he decides to run paternity tests on Viktor, Boris, Annabelle and Denise. Annabelle switches the paternity test to show Denise is not his daughter instead of her. Denise is devastated when she finds out the "truth," but Christoph assures her it changes nothing. Henry and Denise fall in love, while Joshua realises his love for Denise. Joshua breaks up with Annabelle who is devastated since she had actually fallen in love with him. Henry proposes to Denise who at first turns him down, but then eventually accepts. Joshua confesses his love for Denise, but she wants to stay with Henry. As their wedding day approaches, Denise starts to have doubts and realises it is because she loves Joshua. Henry is devastated when Denise ends their engagement and attacks Joshua. Annabelle attempts to poison Denise out of revenge for "stealing" Joshua from her. However, she accidentally poisons Romy Ehrlinger, who dies on her wedding day to Paul Lindbergh. Eventually, the truth about everything Annabelle has done comes out (the paternity switch, poisoning Romy, among other misdeeds) and she flees. Joshua proposes to Denise on the dock at the lake and she accepts. Annabelle returns, kidnaps Denise and tries to drown in her in the lake. Thankfully, Denise is rescued by Joshua and Annabelle is arrested. Denise and Joshua marry in a big ceremony with their family and friends at the Fürstenhof. The next day, Denise is stunned to learn she has another brother, Tim, who is Boris's identical twin who had been kidnapped as a baby. Denise and Joshua leave for Paris, where Denise will assist in restoring Notre Dame.

Season 16: Franzi Krummbeigl and Tim Saalfeld
Down-to-earth country girl Franziska "Franzi" Krummbeigl grew up with her aunt Margit's after the death of her parents. Franzi enjoys helping Margit on her apple orchard and loves their quiet country life. Franzi falls in love at first sight with a handsome stranger she briefly encounters, but forgets to ask his name. The next day, Boris Saalfeld is perplexed when Franzi approaches him and starts talking about their meeting. Franzi's dream man looked exactly like Boris, but Boris has never met Franzi. Word starts to spread around the Fürstenhof about Boris's supposed doppelgänger, which upsets Boris's father, Christoph. It turns out Christoph and his sister Linda have been hiding a decades-long secret: Boris has an identical twin brother! While they were living in Thailand, their mother Xenia had been unaware she was pregnant with twins, gave birth while unconscious and one of the babies was kidnapped. Christoph later received a ransom demand, but believing it was a hoax and not wanting to pay the money, he never responded. Christoph decides to track his son down. He finds out that his name is Tim Degen and he was sold on the black market to another German couple. Tim is in the army and stationed near Bichelheim. Tim shows up at the Fürstenhof on the day of Denise and Joshua's wedding and is stunned to come face-to-face with Boris. Christoph confesses everything to Tim and the rest of his family, but leaves out the part about not wanting to pay the ransom. Once the shock wears off, Tim is happy to meet his biological family and wants to get to know them. Tim also meets Franzi again and their chemistry is palpable.

Tim agrees to work at the Fürstenhof, while trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a polo player. He and Franzi start spending time together. Franzi finds out about Christoph not wanting to pay the ransom for Tim, but keeps quiet. When he finds out the truth, Tim is furious. Tim eventually forgives Franzi and Christoph and even agrees to change his surname to Saalfeld. Franzi and Tim confess their love for each other. Nadja Holler, Tim's ex-girlfriend and the fiancée of his late best friend Ralf, comes to Bichelheim and wants to reconcile with him. Nadja claims she still loves Tim, but in reality she is just interested in the Saalfeld money. Nadja has a one-night-stand with Tim and then lies about being pregnant. Although he loves Franzi, Tim had promised Ralf he would always take care of Nadja and he proposes to her. Nadja sleeps with Linda's husband, Dirk Baumgartner, and actually becomes pregnant, but passes off the child as Tim's. Franzi tries to stop their wedding, but Nadja and Tim have already married. Franzi and Tim help Eva Saalfeld give birth during a snowstorm and the joy of the event results in the exes sharing a kiss, but Tim tells Franzi he is dedicated to Nadja and their child.

It comes out that Dirk was responsible for Tim's kidnapping and Tim openly swears revenge on him. Nadja murders Dirk when he threatens to expose her lies. When Dirk's body is found, Tim becomes the prime suspect. Boris returns to Bichelheim and the twins come up with a plan: Boris will pretend to be Tim and flee to Thailand, while Tim will pretend to be Boris and stay in Bichelheim to clear his name. Franzi becomes close to "Boris," but finds his behaviour strange. Tim confesses everything to Franzi and she agrees to help him. When Nadja sees Franzi kissing "Boris," she figures out he is actually Tim since Boris is gay. Nadja wants to make sure Tim goes down for the murder, but then she is exposed as the murderer. When Nadja tries to flee, Franzi chases her, they have a fight and Nadja hits her head on a rock. With her dying breath, Nadja swears to Tim on Ralf's grave that Franzi pushed her and dies in his arms. Tim has trouble believing Franzi's innocence and this tears them apart yet again. Tim eventually finds out Franzi is innocent and declares his love for her. However, Franzi has already started a relationship with Tim's cousin, Steffen. Tim in turn starts dating Amelie Limbach. However, there is still a magnetic pull between Franzi and Tim. After numerous trials and tribulations, Franzi and Tim finally reconcile and become engaged. Shortly before their wedding, Franzi and Tim are overjoyed to learn they are expecting a child. They have a beautiful wedding at the Fürstenhof. They leave for London where Tim can become a professional polo player. A few months later, they welcome their daughter, Natalie.

Season 17: Maja von Thalheim and Florian Vogt
Selina von Thalheim's adoptive daughter, Maja von Thalheim, shows up at the Fürstenhof in her wedding dress and tells her mother that her fiancé Frederik cheated with her best friend, Shirin Ceylan, and she has called off the wedding. Maja decides to stay with her mother and gets a job at the Fürstenhof. Maja and her family have had a rough few years. The von Thalheims were once a very wealthy family, but have since lost most of their fortune. Maja's father, Cornelius, supposedly died four years earlier after being caught up in a financial scandal. Maja is the only one who knows Cornelius faked his death and is hiding out in South America. Maja desperately misses her father and hopes he can one day be free. Maja meets Florian Vogt while walking in the forest. They immediately dislike each other, however they eventually become friends. Florian has come to Bichelheim to work as a forester at the Fürstenhof. His older brother Erik, who he is very close with, also joins him in the village. Florian and Erik are shocked to learn that their father Lothar was an illegitimate child of Ludwig Saalfeld, founder of the Fürstenhof, and they are entitled to land rights to the forest next to the hotel. Florian helps Maja care for her sick rabbit Napoleon and she falls in love with him. Florian soon relaises he feels the same way and they start a relationship. Cornelius, under the name Lars Sternberg, comes to Bichelheim. It soon comes out that Erik actually framed Cornelius for financial crimes that Erik himself committed. The strain of the war between Cornelius and Erik takes its toll on Florian and Maja and they break up.

Maja's first love, Hannes Fröhlich, arrives in Bichelheim and Maja is not happy to see him since he dumped her with no explanation. Hannes explains that Maja's grandfather, Quirin, had threatened to have Hannes's father, the von Thalheim family chauffeur, fired if he did not stop dating his granddaughter. Maja falls in love with Hannes again, though her feelings for Florian still linger. Shirin, who has since reconciled with Maja, falls in love with Florian, but he does not return her feelings. Hannes and Maja get stuck in a cave and Florian rescues them. Realising life is short, Hannes proposes to Maja, who does not accept, but says she still wants to be with him. Florian realises he still loves Maja and wants another chance with her, but she turns him down. Florian becomes ill with a deadly infection, which he contracted in the cave. There is no treatment, because the doctor who was researching it has since stopped. All of Florian's loved ones are determined to get Florian treatment. After some time, Maja realises she loves Florian and wants to be with him again, but Florian does not believe she should be with a dying man and tells her to stay with Hannes. Maja still ends up breaking up with Hannes, who is determined to get her back. Florian has a one-night-stand with a woman he meets while out drinking, who turns out to be Maja's sister, Constanze. Florian does eventually get treatment thanks to Hannes. Florian wants to get back together with Maja, but out of gratitude to Hannes, he agrees to stay away from Maja for a short period of time so Hannes can win her back. After receiving a job offer in California, Florian decides he cannot keep his promise to Hannes and he is going to ask Maja to come with him to California. A desperate Hannes lies that he and Maja slept together. Florian believes it is over between them and decides to leave without saying goodbye to Maja. Hannes confesses his lie to Maja and she runs to stop Florian from leaving. They share a romantic reunion. Hannes makes peace with Florian and Maja before leaving for New Zealand. Florian asks Maja to marry him and she accepts. They get married in a beautiful ceremony in front of family and friends and then leave for California.

They briefly return for the wedding of Erik's daughter Josie Klee and Paul Lindbergh. Florian comes for a brief visit in 2023. In early 2024, Erik goes to see Florian and Maja in California after they welcome their daughter, Lea.

Season 18: Josie Klee and Paul Lindbergh
Scatter-brained but lovable Josefina ″Josie″ Klee comes to Bichelheim to apply for a job as a chef in the Fürstenhof kitchen. Josie grew up in Hanau with her maternal grandmother. Her mother was gone a lot and she never met her father. Josie hopes to work alongside André Knopka, who she greatly admires. However, Josie is a vegetarian chef and André is reluctant to take her on, but she wins him over. Paul Lindbergh has been down on his luck: his business failed, his girlfriend left him and his daughter, Luna, has moved to Lisbon with her mother Jessica and stepfather Henry. Needing to move on from his misfortune, Paul decides to return to Bichelheim to work as managing director at the Fürstenhof. On his way to the hotel, Paul sees Josie, who is looking for her glasses on the ground. He finds the glasses and when Josie puts them on, she instantly falls in love with Paul. From then on, Josie is flustered every time she is around Paul, causing some awkward situations. Paul is oblivious to Josie's feelings for him and starts a casual relationship with Constanze von Thalheim. Josie's mother, Yvonne, comes to Bichelheim and informs Josie that Erik Vogt, who she has not gotten along with, is her biological father. Josie and Erik decide to get to know each other and try to form a relationship. Paul is shocked when he finds out Josie is in love with him when she mutters it in her sleep. There is a worker's strike at the Fürstenhof and when Paul sees Josie giving a passionate speech, he suddenly sees her differently and falls in love with her. However, by then he and Constanze have become more serious with each other so Paul decides to keep his feelings quiet.

Josie wants to move on from Paul, since she believes he will never feel the same way. When Paul declares his love for her, Josie is over the moon. Paul plans to break up with Constanze, but she has a car accident and he feels he cannot leave her. Paul and Josie start seeing each other in secret. With Josie, Paul feels for the first time since the death of his wife, Romy, he can finally move on. Constanze finds out about their affair and swears revenge. Paul eventually breaks up with Constanze to be with Josie. Their happiness is short-lived because Josie finds Paul in bed with a woman named Tatjana (this was all staged by Constanze who had Tatjana drug Paul and put him in her bed). Josie ends things with Paul despite his protests of innocence. Paul begins seeing Constanze again and Josie starts dating Leon Thorman. Paul agrees to move to London with Constanze. Josie is devastated when she finds out a man named Ricky Müller is actually her biological father and not Erik. Paul comforts her and they almost kiss, making Paul realise he still loves her and cannot leave with Constanze. Constanze is heartbroken and confesses to her scheme with Tatjana. Paul is furious, but still makes peace with Constanze before she leaves town. Paul wants to tell Josie the truth, but Erik advises him to let Josie move on with her life. When Josie learns the truth about what happened with Tatjana from Leon, she declares she is happy with Leon and it changes nothing for her. Paul still holds out hope that Josie will come back to him. Leon and Paul constantly clash over Josie and Leon even accuses Paul of trying to kill him. Leon proposes to Josie, but in that moment Josie realises she loves Paul and wants to be with him. Paul and Josie share a romantic reunion. Paul proposes to Josie and she accepts. Josie gets a job in Lisbon, which Paul is thrilled about since he can be close to his daughter. After a series of mishaps, they get married in a small ceremony with family and friends. Paul takes Josie's surname and Erik also officially adopts Josie. Leon also decides to leave town and parts on good terms with Josie. After heartfelt goodbyes with everyone, Josie and Paul depart Bichelheim for their new beginning in Portugal.

Josie returns for Shirin's wedding to Gerry Richter a few months later. In 2024, she returns again for Erik and Yvonne's wedding. Josie shares how happy she and Paul are in Lisbon and that she has become good friends with Jessica.

Season 19: Eleni Schwarzbach and Leander Saalfeld
Eleni Schwarzbach comes to Bichelheim to see her parents, Markus and Alexandra, the new majority shareholders of the Fürstenhof. Dr. Peter ″Leander″ Saalfeld, son of Laura and Alexander, comes to Bichlheim to take up a position as a doctor at the local hospital. During an argument between Markus and Christoph Saalfeld, Eleni falls down the stairs and goes into a coma. Alexandra confesses to Christoph that he is actually Eleni's father. Leander walks into Eleni's hospital room and immediately falls in love with her. Eleni wakes up from her coma and also feels drawn to Leander. The pair fall head-over-heels in love. Vroni, Eleni's younger sister, comes for a visit and is involved in a motorcycle accident. Leander performs an emergency operation on Vroni, but unfortunately Vroni does not survive. Alexandra and Markus Schwarzbach file a civil lawsuit against Leander, because they believe he botched the operation. The strain of these events tear Eleni and Leander apart. Eleni meets Julian Specht, a chauffeur at the Fürstenhof, and they start dating. Eventually, Alexandra and Markus drop the lawsuit, but Alexandra refuses to forgive him. Leander declares his love for Eleni, but she makes it clear she is happy with Julian.

Eleni has grown closer to Christoph since learning of her paternity, but tells Markus he will always be her father. Markus has to have an operation because of abnormalities in his brain. Leander successfully performs the operation on Markus. Alexandra apologizes to Leander for everything and they agree to move on. Eleni and Leander realise they still love each other and want to be a couple again. Eleni plans to break up with Julian, but then discovers that she is pregnant. Leander tells Eleni he will love the child as his own, but Eleni does not want her child torn between two fathers like she is and decides to stay with Julian. Julian proposes to Eleni and she accepts. Unfortunately, Eleni has a miscarriage. Leander accepts a job in Tanzania to overcome his heartbreak. Upon learning that Leander is leaving, Eleni realises they belong together and rushes to stop him. The pair happily reunite and Eleni ends her engagement to Julian. Eleni accepts Leander's marriage proposal and they agree to move to Tanzania together. They marry in front of family and friends. Afterwards, they leave Bichelheim. A little while later, Eleni calls her mother and informs her she is pregnant.

Season 20: Ana Alves, Philipp Brandes and Vincent Ritter
Note: This summary only focuses on the plot of the protagonists.

Ana Alves arrives in Bichlheim to spend her semester break with her mother, Nicole, at the Sonnbichlers' house. Ana has decided to stop studying mechanical engineering at university and settle in Bichlheim, bringing along her beloved stallion, Apollo. Ana's childhood friend, Philipp Brandes, comes to Bichelheim to use the Fürstenhof as permanent accommodation for his sick, wealthy great-aunt Wilma von Zweigen, whose estate he is determined to inherit. Ana has always been in love with Philipp, but Philipp only sees Ana as a friend. Philipp and Ana both get jobs at the Fürstenhof. Ana meets Dr. Vincent Ritter, who has come to the village to work at the local veterinary practice and the Fürstenhof also hires him to work at the stud farm. Vincent immediately falls in love with Ana, but she takes no notice. Vincent gives Markus the shock of his life when he reveals himself to be his illegitimate son, the product of one-night-stand between him and his secretary, Jackie Ritter.

Ana is head-over-heels in love with Philipp, while Vincent secretly longs for Ana and doesn't understand what she sees in Philipp, who he considers to be mean and snobby. Philipp and Vincent unexpectedly become flatmates. After Ana impulsively kisses him, Philipp breaks her heart when he tells her he only sees her as a little sister. Philipp tries with all his might to convince Wilma to leave him her estate, but she makes it clear that he will not be included in her will. Wilma becomes close to Ana and encourages Vincent to pursue her, but Ana insists Vincent is just a friend. Vincent wears Philipp's discarded costume to a masquerade ball, where Ana mistakes him for Philipp and they have a magical dance. Later, Ana is shocked to learn the identity of her dance partner and now has to realise her undeniable connection to Vincent. Philipp begins a relationship with Ana to please Wilma, while at the same time having an affair with Zoe de Lavalle. Ana doubts Philipp's feelings for her and breaks up with him. Vincent sees Zoe and Philipp kissing and tells Ana, who confronts Philipp about whether he cheated on her. To get back at Vincent for his meddling, Philipp anonymously reports him for treating some farm animals with expired medication and Vincent's veterinary licence is temporarily revoked. Vincent still risks his entire career by operating on Apollo's back and is later cleared of any wrongdoing. Ana is overwhelmed by everything Vincent has done for her and confesses to him that she has fallen in love with him.

Wilma sadly dies, leaving Ana devastated. Philipp is furious when he learns that Wilma not only left him nothing, but also left most of her estate to Ana. Philipp decides in order to get the inheritance he has to marry Ana, make her look mentally unwell and then take control of her estate. Ana and Vincent enjoy their love while Philipp plots to destroy their relationship. Philipp brings Vincent's secret wife, Natalie Junghans, to the village to help him with his plan (Natalie is Vincent's childhood friend who he spontaneously married in Las Vegas years before). With some clever manipulations, Philipp finally manages to separate Ana and Vincent.

A turning point for Philipp comes when Ana saves his life and upon opening his eyes he falls in love with her and no longer wants her inheritance. Meanwhile, Vincent also realises Ana is the love of his life and emotionally asks her to give him another chance. Ana turns Vincent down and starts a new relationship with Philipp. To get over his heartbreak, Vincent starts sleeping with Natalie. Ana learns about her inheritance from Wilma and cannot believe she is now a wealthy woman. Vincent immediately suspects that Philipp knew about the inheritance all along and that is his only reason for being with Ana, but Ana dismisses his concerns. Ana decides to turn Wilma's home, Gut Thalheim, into a horse sanctuary. Philipp asks Ana to marry him and an overjoyed Ana accepts. Natalie is in love with Vincent, but realises that he will never get over Ana and tells him the truth about Philipp's scheme. Vincent is devastated and angrily confronts Philipp, who finally confesses the truth to Ana. Ana tells Philipp she never wants to see him again. Natalie leaves Bichelheim, but Philipp decides to stay and fight for Ana.

Ana Alves
Free-spirited Ana Alves has a passion for nature, loves her beloved stallion Apollo and is always up for an adventure. Ana dropped out of her university studies and is now looking for her true calling in Bichlheim. She is close with the Schwarzbach family, because her mother, Nicole, was their housekeeper. She fell in love with her good friend, Philipp Brandes, when they were kids. Philipp also comes to Bichelheim and she falls in love with him all over again. Ana meets Vincent Ritter and soon develops a connection with him. Both men start vying for Ana's affections. Ana has two candidates for her heart, but who will she choose?

Philipp Brandes
The cunning, clever and always well-dressed Philipp Brandes is one of the candidates for Ana's heart. Ana has been in love with Philipp since they were kids, but he is far from the kind-hearted Prince Charming that Ana believes he is. Philipp grew up with little money and an absent father, but his luck changed when he became best friends with wealthy Noah Schwarzbach. He was accepted into the Schwarzbach family and found a father figure in Noah's father Markus. Philipp comes to the “Fürstenhof” to seemingly selflessly look for accommodation for his great-aunt Wilma von Zweigen, but in reality he is only interested in receiving an inheritance from her. Philipp doesn't return Ana's feelings, but starts a relationship with her to pave his way to big money. Philipp has no shame in using Ana for his own purposes, but then he suddenly falls in love with her.

Dr. Vincent Ritter
The warm-hearted and intelligent Dr. Vincent Ritter is the other candidate for Ana's heart. Vincent comes to Bichlheim to work as a veterinarian and he meets his biological father – Markus Schwarzbach. Vincent falls in love with Ana at first sight, but she only has eyes for Philipp. In contrast to Philipp, Vincent is a real Prince Charming and has sincere feelings for Ana, who shares his love of animals and adventure. Vincent hopes that he can win Ana over, but Philipp won't make it easy.

Current main characters


Alexandra Schwarzbach (née Bamberg) comes to take over the Hotel Fürstenhof from the Saalfelds. She and her husband Markus become the new majority shareholders through their AG. Alexandra was Christoph Saalfeld's first love and they had even been engaged, but he left her for his first wife, Xenia. Alexandra later married Markus and their marriage produced three children - Eleni, Vroni and Noah. It is soon revealed that Eleni is actually Christoph's daughter. Christoph wants another chance with Alexandra and the old lovers begin an affair. When Alexandra wants to leave Markus for Christoph, he blackmails to stay with him by telling her he knows that she bought her state exam and is therefore not actually a lawyer. Alexandra helps Markus get out of prison when he is accused of financial crimes and he agrees to give her a divorce. Christoph and Alexandra can finally be together. Tragedy strikes when her daughter Vroni dies after a motorcycle accident. Alexandra and Markus blame Eleni's boyfriend Dr. Leander Saalfeld for Vroni's death due to an error he allegedly made and seeks revenge on him. Eventually, Alexandra accepts Leander is not at fault and makes peace with him. Alexandra is severely burned in a kitchen accident and is horrified by the scar on her neck causing her to push Christoph away. Christoph cheats on Alexandra with their friend, Yvonne Klee, and Alexandra dumps him. Alexandra then starts seeing a much younger Tom Dammann, who develops an unhealthy obsession with her. Tom tries to frame Christoph for murdering him, but when he finds out Christoph and Alexandra have reunited, he kidnaps Alexandra. Thankfully, Christoph rescues her and Tom is sent to jail.

Alfons and Hildegard (née Hansen) Sonnbichler are the flagship couple and have been employees of the Fürstenhof for decades; she as a sous chef, and he as the very capable concierge. Their daughter is Marie Sonnbichler, who lives in London with her family. Alfons and Hildegard are extremely loyal to the Saalfelds and enjoy a special relationship of mutual trust with them. Alfons had a relationship as a teenager with Charlotte Saalfeld, and they had a child together, Alexander, who was raised by Werner. Alfons also has a daughter, Melli Morgenstern, with his former girlfriend, Gerti Schönfeld. Hildegard is involved in the local city council and was a candidate for mayor. The pair are known for their perfect marriage and generosity. They often open up their home to newcomers in Bichelheim. Everyone is welcome in the Sonnbichler house.

Christoph Saalfeld is the son of Charlotte Saalfeld's estranged brother, Gottfried. He is one of the shareholders of the Fürstenhof and the owner of Top Comfort, a hotel chain with branches worldwide. Unlike the rest of the Saalfelds, he grew up poor due to Gottfried's gambling addiction. Christoph fought his way to the top with an iron will. He can appear charming and engaging as well as dominant and threatening. Christoph's first love was Alexandra Bamberg (later Schwarzbach) and they had even been engaged, but he left her for his first wife, Xenia. Xenia came from a wealthy family and could further Christoph's career aspirations. They had four children together: Viktor, Boris, Annabelle and Denise (another child Tim would be discovered later). Christoph discovered Xenia was having an affair and blackmailed her into leaving the family. He then raised his children by himself and was a loving, but controlling father. Christoph plans to make the Fürstenhof his family seat, as he sees himself as the only legitimate successor to his grandfather, Ludwig Saalfeld, since he is a biological Saalfeld unlike Charlotte and Robert. He has been married to Xenia (twice) and Alicia Lindbergh. He is the biological father of Viktor, Boris, Tim, Eleni, Denise, Emilio and the adoptive father of Annabelle. He is the grandfather of Mia and Natalie. His most memorable times in Bichelhem include a love triangle between himself, his son Viktor and Alicia, affairs with Alexandra Schwarzbach and Eva Saalfeld, an engagement to Selina von Thalheim, meeting his previously unknown children Eleni and Tim, the revelation that he was molested as a child (which resulted in him rejecting his son Boris for being gay), being framed by Xenia for the attempted murder of Boris's boyfriend Tobias Ehrlinger, being in a coma after being run down by Valentina Saalfeld, Ariane Kalenberg's revenge on him and constant power struggles over control of the Fürstenhof with Robert, Werner and others.

Erik Klee (née Vogt) is the restaurant manager at the Fürstenhof. When he first arrives at the Fürstenhof, he takes up the position as PR manager. Erik learns that he belongs to the Saalfeld family (his father was an illegitimate child of Ludwig Saalfeld), which means that he and his younger brother Florian are entitled to land rights. He sets his sights on the scheming Ariane Kalenberg and quickly becomes her lover and accomplice. He helps Ariane with numerous intrigues against the Saalfelds. Erik's complicity in a financial scandal comes to light, which four years earlier had led to Cornelius von Thalheim being framed for the scandal and having to go on the lam. Erik loses everything after being convicted for his crimes, but slowly builds trust again with the Saalfelds. Erik is shocked when he learns he is the father of Yvonne Klee's daughter Josie. It is revealed that he is not Josie's father, but they remain close and Josie allows Erik to adopt her. He is currently married to Yvonne.

Greta Bergmann is the head chef at the Fürstenhof and Yvonne's cousin. She had a relationship with Noah Scwarzbach.

Katja Saalfeld is the Fürstenhof sommelier. She is the niece of Ludwig Saalfeld (her father was his brother). She comes to Bichelheim fresh of a difficult divorce. She has a son and a daughter with her ex-husband. She is immediately drawn to Markus Schwarzbach, but their relationship is undermined by his manipulations against her family to take control of the Füstenhof and sell it.

Lale Ceylan is a fitness trainer at the Fürstenhof and a fitness influencer on social media. She came to Bichelheim for her cousin Shirin's wedding. She is currently in a relationship with Theo Licht.

Markus Schwarzbach is a successful businessman, who built his company, Schwarzbach AG, with his wife Alexandra, with whom he shares three children, Eleni, Vroni and Noah. Markus is Christoph Saalfeld's old friend from university and he arrives in Bichelheim to take over the Saalfeld family's hotel, the Fürstenhof. The Schwarzbach marriage falls into a serious crisis due to Alexandra's affair with Christoph. Markus refuses to let Alexandra leave him for Christoph and blackmails her with his knowledge that she bought her state exam and is therefore not actually a lawyer. As revenge, Christoph ensures that the falsification of balance sheets at Schwarzbach AG is exposed and Markus is imprisoned. Alexandra helps Markus get released and he reluctantly accepts her relationship with Christoph. The Schwarzbachs are severely shaken when youngest daughter Vroni dies shortly after a motorcycle accident. Alexandra and Markus quickly pinpoint Eleni's boyfriend Dr. Leander Saalfeld as being responsible for her death due to an alleged medical error and they want him held accountable. Eventually, the Schwarzbachs make their peace with Leander, who later marries Eleni. Markus decides he wants to sell the Fürstenhof from underneath the Saalfelds for a huge profit. Markus falls in love with Christoph's distant cousin Katja Saalfeld, but their relationship is complicated by Markus's determination to destroy the reputation of her family's hotel.

Dr. Michael Niederbühl runs the local medical practice. He comes to the Bichelheim to take over the practice from Evelyn Konopka. Many years ago, his father, Korbinian, was the unwitting accomplice of Ludwig Saalfeld when he swapped infants Charlotte Saalfeld and Cosima Hofer. Michael falls in love with Charlotte and plans to marry her. Charlotte ends her relationship with Michael when she learns he has a son Fabien with Tanja Liebertz, the product of a one-night stand. Michael also has a daughter, Debbie Williams, from a previous relationship with an American woman. Michael's best friends are Robert Saalfeld and André Konopka. He was married to his great love Natascha Schweitzer and had a fake marriage to André. Particularly memorable about Michael's life in Bichlheim are his many flings and love affairs with various women, including Poppy Saalfeld, Xenia Saalfeld, Marlene Schweitzer, Rosalie Engel and Carolin Lamprecht. Other memorable times include when he was temporarily blinded, had an addiction to pills and when he and Natascha adopted a baby he found in the forest, who turned out to be Luna Bronckhorst (daughter of Jessica Bronckhorst and Paul Lindbergh). Michael is currently in a relationship with Nicole Alves.

Nicole Alves is the owner of Liebling Café and Ana's mother. She worked as a housekeeper for the Schwarzbach family for several years and remains close friends with the family. She had a relationship with Robert Saalfeld, which ended because she developed feelings for his best friend. Dr. Michael Niederbühl. She is currently in a relationship with Michael.

Theo Licht is a bellboy at the Fürstenhof. He struggles with his ADHD diagnosis. He is currently in a relationship with Lale.

Werner Saalfeld (née Heinz-Werner Konopka) escaped the GDR to give himself a better life. He married wealthy Charlotte Saalfeld, heiress to the Fürstenhof Hotel, and took her surname. For many years he served as the director of the 5-star hotel and helped her keep the hotel successful. He and Charlotte raised two sons, Robert and Alexander. A womanizer, Werner cheated on Charlotte over and over again, which led to several illegitimate children and finally a divorce from Charlotte after 36 years of marriage. After almost 40 years of estrangement, he reconciled with his younger brother André, and hired him as a chef at the Fürstenhof. He is the biological father of Robert, Laura, Sandra, Moritz, Konstantin, William and the adoptive father of Alexander. He is grandfather to Valentina, Joshua, Anna, Miguel, Leander and Hannah. He was married to Charlotte (twice), Barbara von Heidenberg (twice), Doris van Norden and Poppy Schweitzer.

Yvonne Klee is the bar manager at the Fürstenhof. She arrives in Bichelheim to visit her daughter, Josie. Yvonne was a young mother, who was unable to cope with raising a child by herself so she left Josie in the care of her late mother. Yvonne and Josie have a complicated relationship because of this, but Yvonne hopes she can make up for lost time. She runs into her ex-boyfriend Erik Vogt and reveals he is Josie's father, although this later proves not to be true. Yvonne starts dating Christoph Saalfeld, but it does not last since he is not interested in a serious relationship. Erik and Yvonne fall in love again. Yvonne is diagnosed with breast cancer, but thankfully recovers after receiving treatment. Yvonne and Erik become engaged, however shortly before their wedding Yvonne sleeps with Christoph. The truth comes out after the wedding, but Erik forgives his wife.

Current recurring characters
Antonia Wiener- Justice of the peace, often appears when there is a wedding Heribert Finkentsein- Juror for the Top 500 Hotels  DI Siggi Meyser- Detective Inspector from the local police, often appears when there is a crime to investigate Stella Johanson- Maid, fan of Lale's fitness videos Theodor Licht- Father of Theo

Format
Originally created as a telenovela with 100 episodes, Sturm der Liebe has been extended several times. The show has maintained the format of a telenovela in many aspects, while also having aspects of a traditional soap opera. Certain elements have always remained consistent: a new dream couple is introduced every season, there is a voiceover dubbed by a female lead to hear her inner thoughts, the dream couple falls in love, has obstacles that tear them apart, overcomes the obstacles to reunite and then marries before setting off for a new life out of Bichelheim.

Anniversaries
On 26 January 2010 was broadcast the episode 1000th The anniversary was telenovela script comes with a big party and fireworks to "250 years Fürstenhof implemented Following this episode was one of Sepp Schauer (Alfons Sonnbichler) and Judith Hildebrandt (Tanja Liebertz) moderated, 50 -minute "anniversary special storm of love – happiness and tears at the court." aired a special broadcast on ARD and ORF 2 On 23 March 2023, it aired its 4,000th episode

Filming
The Bavaria TV Production GmbH (until 31 January 2007: Bavaria Film GmbH) produces the series since the summer of 2005 in the studios of Bavaria Film in Green Forest in Munich. Per day of shooting creates a complete sequence (Length 48 minutes, episode 111–150: 43 minutes). Storm of Love is produced digitally: The external rotation, the images stored directly to disk, the interior rotation is recorded on a deck. The cameras are all connected directly by cable to the cut. Since episode 447 the series in widescreen format 16:9 is broadcast. ARD Degeto is responsible for editorial work, but also transfers it to the WDR and in part from the BR.

Outdoor locations
The exterior design for the fictional hotel "Fürstenhof" is a private castle in Upper Bavaria. The shooting is generally not accessible to the public.

On the site of Bavaria Film GmbH in Green Forest Geiselgasteig In addition, a villa in the Bavaria Film City (48.06639°N, 11.55083°W). Since March 2006, filmed for the renovated West Wing the prince's court. For this, the facade of the Villa man was used in 2000 as a backdrop for the historical drama The Manns - Novel of a Century was built. Modeled after the original gate was renovated and rebuilt. This setting is played from the inside. In difficult weather conditions during the winter months because of the proximity to the studio, shot mostly here.

Between the scenes of the soap opera landscape studies are recorded, which are adapted to the seasonal flow. The recordings are from the foothills of the Alps. Between these scenes alternate and separate the individual scenes in the plot.

In episode 1193 to 1195 have Robert Saalfeld (Lorenzo Patané), Eva Krendlinger (Uta Kargel), Hildegard Sonnbichler (Antje Hagen) and husband Alfonso (Sepp Schauer) three days in Verona, northern Italy spent. The German actor spoke in the scenes in German and their Italian colleagues Selene Gandini, Fabio Mazzari and Enrico Mutti responded in their language. In the latter post-production were dubbed.

Directing
Always five episodes will be produced in a block of five days. On each block work two directors who is a responsible for studio shooting, the other for the parallel emerging field recording.

Music
Each pair of protagonists in Storm of Love has a common love song that unites them.


 * In the first season at Laura and Alexander, this was "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel.
 * Alexander's rival with Laura Gregory had the song "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King.
 * In the second season, which intensively studied with the love life of Robert and Miriam, was the song of the two "Your Song" by Elton John. During the season Miriam was married to Felix Tarrasch. Their common song was "Total Eclipse of the Heart" in the sung version of Glee.
 * The love song from the third season with Greg and Samia was "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, which is already on the soundtrack for the film The Bodyguard was used.
 * The love story of Emma and Felix was accompanied with the song "Moon River" by Barbra Streisand.
 * Sandra and Luke, the pair connects the fifth season, the song "Without You" by Harry Nilsson.
 * The love song of the lovers Eva and Robert, "When You Say Nothing at All" by Ronan Keating.
 * Theresa and Moritz: Billy Joel – "Honesty"
 * Theresa and Konstantin: Billy Joel – "Just the Way You Are"
 * Marlene and Konstantin: Elvis Presley – "Can't Help Falling in Love"
 * Pauline and Leonard: Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra – "Summer Wine"
 * Julia and Niklas: Debby Boone – "You Light Up My Life"
 * Luisa and Sebastian: Elvis Presley – "Always on My Mind"
 * Clara and Adrian: Robbie Williams – "Angels"
 * Ella and William: Wet Wet Wet – "Love Is All Around"
 * Rebecca and William: Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
 * Alicia and Viktor: With or Without You, both the original by U2 and the cover version by the choir Scala & Kolacny Brothers.
 * Denise and Joshua: Eternal Flame, an in-house production was used.
 * Denise and Henry: Perfect by Ed Sheeran
 * Franzi and Tim: Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
 * Franzi and Steffen: Take My Breath Away from Berlin
 * Maja and Florian: Stay by Hurts
 * Josie and Paul: Run by Leona Lewis
 * Josie and Leon: Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
 * Eleni and Leander: A Million Dreams by P!nk
 * Eleni and Julian: Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez and Em Beihold
 * Ana and Philipp: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
 * Ana and Vincent: Falling by Harry Styles

Audience share and audience reach
In the first six months, the market share steadily to over 20 percent at most about 3 million viewers. The target audience of 14- to 49-year-olds regularly reaches an audience of over 10 percent [28] But there were episodes with much longer range.

"Regularly seek the ARD Telenovela" Sturm der Liebe "market shares of more than 25 percent of the public for three years from – the place in the top 5 of the Public Service program is the production of the Bavaria Film therefore safe."

– Quote meters Some standard internal records [edit] 26 September 2005: Episode 1: It reached 1.04 million viewers, an audience rating of 10.3%. 3. April 2006: Episode 121: The audience rises to over 25%. 6. August 2007: Episode 432: The most successful and September 2009, following 3.03 million viewers, a market share of 32.0%. 1. February 2008: Episode 544: 3.21 million viewers with an audience share of 25.1%, 11.5% of the young target group 14. September 2009: Episode 914: The most successful result with 3.28 million viewers, a market share of 27.9% 26. January 2010: 1000 Episode: The anniversary saw 3.13 million viewers, which is a market share of 24.1%. The special storm of love – happiness and tears at the court saw 2.2 million viewers, market share 15.2%. The best value in its third season was 29.7 percent market share. 3.44 million viewers, the range record set in season two there were only 3.95 million viewers, the peak labelled.

Repetition and transmission blocks
The episodes are broadcast on a fixed channel position of the ARD. All third party programs repeat the series in the morning program on the following day. In addition, there is a repeat in the night. As part of the internet in the last episodes of ARD library will be available. For the curious, there are on the web site of the ARD a synopsis and a cast list for four weeks in advance. The hr-TV, the first episodes of the telenovela was repeated. But decided the third programs (according to own data) to repeat only new episodes, since storm of love alone is a trademark of ARD.

ORF has bought the serial rights and repeated the following morning on each ORF2.

Pocket folders
In January 2007, published monthly in the pocket guide series Publisher Cora storm of love. Here are written by Johanna Theden of the scripts be rejected novels. As the title pictures stills from the TV series are used.

As of July 2006 saw the storm of love – photo story. The first volume came as a photo book, the romantic love story of Laura and Alexander to be reprinted. The second edition was issued in August 2008, and showed the stars of the series in exciting scenes. Are complemented by background information on the novels series. The series is published once a year. The author remains anonymous.

Prizes and awards

 * 2010: German TV Award 2010 in the category Best daily series.
 * 2009: On Fantag Sepp Schauer received the Fan Award (from 50,000 votes) on the grounds of Bavaria.
 * 2008: Premio Napoli Classic for Cultural and Martin Gruber Susan Hoecke as Victoria and Felix Tarrasch.
 * 2007: Premio Napoli Cultural Classic for Lorenzo Patané as Robert Saalfeld.
 * 2007: Smoke-free seal for storm of love because of the deliberate decision on smoking characters.

International broadcast
Storm of Love has been licensed to 20 stations worldwide, and rights to all episodes were given to RTVS (Slovakia), LTV1 (Latvia), TV 3 (Lithuania), TV3 (Estonia) and Rete 4 (Italy). Rete 4 broadcasts the series under the name Tempesta d'amore. Nova TV in Bulgaria has broadcast the series since the end of July 2009 under a title translating as "Winds of Love." VTM3 in Belgium broadcasts under the title Sturm der liebe. Polish channel TV Puls broadcasts it under the title Burza uczuć, Finnish channel Sub under the title Lemmen viemää, and Icelandic channel RÚV under the title Ástareldur (Fire of Love). In France, the series was broadcast from episode 1392 (season 7) since 2 April 2013 on France 2 with the name of "Le Tourbillon de l'Amour" and in Austria, the series was broadcast from episode 166 onwards since mid-July 2006 on ORF 2. A summary of episodes 1 to 165 was broadcast as a pilot.