Last updated on: August 11, 2025
Heiko Santelmann is perhaps most famous as the father of Norwegian actor Tobias Santelmann. But Heiko Santelmann has a story of his own. He is a German-born doctor who dedicated his life to healing people using both conventional medicine and alternative treatments. His work took him from hospitals in Germany to rural towns in Norway, and even into refugee camps in the Middle East.
Quick Facts About Heiko Santelman
| Full Name | Heiko Santelmann |
| Birthdate | June 23, 1950 |
| Age | 75 years and 5 months old |
| Occupation | Physician, Holistic Medicine Practitioner |
| Husband/Wife | Wife Name Not Known |
| Education | Studied psychology, chemistry, and medicine in Münster, West Berlin, and Freiburg |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Siblings | Not Known |
| Children | Tobias Santelmann (actor) |
| Grandchildren | Alba Santelmann (born July 13, 2015) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
| Nationality | German |
Early Life
Heiko Santelmann was born on 23rd June 1950, in Germany. He was brought up there and studied medicine, chemistry, and psychology at universities in Münster, West Berlin, and Freiburg. Through his studies, he gained a profound knowledge of the mind and body of human beings.
After finishing his studies, Heiko began working as an assistant physician in Germany. These early years helped shape his skills and his interest in caring for people in different ways.
Move to Norway
In 1981, Heiko relocated to Norway. He chose the seaside town of Mandal. It was a large adjustment, but it led to a many-years-long career as a general practitioner. He worked in clinics, hospitals, and even emergency departments.
A Blended Approach to Medicine
Heiko thought that the whole person, not only the disease, should be treated. He followed holistic medicine, that is, modern and traditional treatments. Through the years, he studied and used treatments like:
Acupuncture
Homeopathy
Neural therapy
Ayurveda
He did not only want his patients to get better physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
Research and Teaching
Heiko did not confine his work to his clinic alone. He became a researcher and lecturer, talking about integrative medicine throughout the globe. He published articles in medical journals and participated in health conferences. His single aim was to inspire physicians to integrate the best of conventional and alternative medicine.
Humanitarian Work
Assisting others was always a priority to Heiko. He once served as a Red Crescent doctor in a Palestinian refugee camp. This work demonstrated his sense of service in challenging conditions. He also founded and funded health institutions to enhance patient care.
Challenges and Retirement
Heiko had a stroke in 2010. His active medical practice ceased, but not his voice. He was still a well-respected holistic medicine figure and continued to impart his wisdom.
Family Life
Heiko is the father of Tobias Santelmann, born August 8, 1980, in Freiburg, Germany. Tobias’s mother is Norwegian, although her name is not publicly disclosed.
When Tobias was around the age of one, the family relocated to Norway. Tobias developed there and became a successful actor, featuring in Norwegian movies and foreign television productions.
Tobias is in a relationship with Jennifer Braathen and they have a daughter called Alba Santelmann, born on July 13, 2015. Tobias does not have any known siblings.
READ ALSO: Tobias Santelmann Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More
Legacy
Heiko Santelmann lived by curiosity, service, and compassion. He practiced medicine in so many places — from big-city hospitals to tiny clinics, from convention centers to refugee camps. His method combined science and tradition in a quest to heal the whole person.
Despite the fact that a stroke made him retire, his concepts continue to motivate others in the medical community. For Tobias, his father’s experience is a testament to devotion and kindness.
