# ZDF series ‘Die Bergretter’ season 18 developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zdf-series-die-bergretter-season-18-developments
> Updated: 2026-10-09T12:10:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The ZDF television series ‘Die Bergretter’ is returning for its 18th season, featuring seven feature-length episodes. The new season, which includes the premiere ‘Stimmen der Vergangenheit’, follows the rescue team as they investigate a voice recording related to a climber’s death.

During this season, long-time actor Heinz Marecek will depart the series after 17 years. His character, innkeeper Franz Marthaler, is set to die in the episode ‘Bruchstelle’, scheduled to air on November 12. The plot involves a rescue mission following a rockfall in the Dachstein Mountains, where the team must deal with the character's death. ZDF stated the decision to end the character's story was made for “dramaturgical reasons”.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Heinz Marecek to depart ‘Die Bergretter’ after 17 years

Heinz Marecek will leave the ZDF series ‘Die Bergretter’ after 17 years, as his character Franz Marthaler dies in the upcoming 18th season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heinz-marecek-to-depart-die-bergretter-after-17-years

### 2026-09-14: ZDF series ‘Die Bergretter’ announces season 18 return

ZDF’s ‘Die Bergretter’ returns for its 18th season on October 29, while hundreds of fans recently gathered in Ramsau am Dachstein for a traditional fan hike featuring both actors and real rescue services.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zdf-series-die-bergretter-announces-season-18-return

---
Cite as: ZDF series ‘Die Bergretter’ season 18 developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zdf-series-die-bergretter-season-18-developments