The son of an architect and a teacher, he began playing the piano at the age of five and considered pursuing a career as a pianist as a young man. But ultimately, he found that too uncertain. Music remains a favorite hobby to this day.

In addition to his music, which he enjoys pursuing with his children, he and his wife are often out in nature and, whenever possible, take outdoor trips in their vintage VW bus. They camp in the wilderness, cook soup and other delicacies on a gas stove, and canoe on lakes and rivers. This is why Sweden is one of his favorite countries, which he has often explored with his family. Sometimes, the Elbe River – or another body of water in Lower Saxony – is enough for a few days. Dr. Tom Steinmetz is connected to the region.