Local legends spill the beans on RTLZwei

In the photo above: Klaus Barkowsky (who died in April 2023) was a prominent figure in Hamburg's red-light district and founder of the "Nutella Gang".

The Reeperbahn has stories to tell that go beyond the normal program.

RTLZwei dedicates a special episode to Hamburg's most famous street, delving deep into the past and present of the red-light district.

Eyewitnesses report from five decades

In “Reeperbahn privat! Das wahre Leben auf dem Kiez – Spezial” people who have shaped the district for decades have their say.

Helmuth “Schnecke” Wendt, who ran several brothels in the 1980s and 1990s, now guides tourists along the strip and organizes amateur boxing matches.

Koberer Fabian has been standing at the entrances of clubs for over 30 years and started his career in the last live sex cabaret in St. Pauli.

Of particular note is the last interview with Klaus Barkowsky, the founder of the former "Nutella Gang." In his final interview, the deceased pimp offered new insights into an era that oscillated between glamour and darkness.

Three women talk about their daily work routine

The documentary-Soap It sheds light on various perspectives of sex work. Laura has been working in the industry for 16 years, six of them at the "Pink Palace," the largest brothel on the Reeperbahn.

Domina Manuela is the longest-serving employee at Herbertstrasse, a world-renowned address.

Kitty has consciously decided against street prostitution and brothels and receives clients in her private apartment.

The three women speak openly about earning opportunities, working conditions, and their relationship with pimps.

Private glimpses into unknown lives

For the first time, the protagonists open their personal photo albums. The previously unpublished photographs from their childhood and youth show how differently their paths into the red-light district unfolded.

In addition to the past, future wishes and dreams are also discussed.

Broadcast date: January 8, 2026, 20:15 pm on RTLZwei.
Available in advance: Seven days earlier on RTL+.
Production: Story House Productions GmbH.

The special episode promises an unvarnished look behind the scenes of a neighborhood that has changed massively between the wild 1970s and today.

Sierks Media / © Photo: RTLZWEI, Story House Product