
Stolperstein Anna Flehinger Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolpersteine project, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, is the world’s largest decentralized memorial to the victims of National Socialism. These small brass plaques, set into the sidewalks at the last voluntarily chosen residences of those persecuted, offer an intimate and powerful means of remembrance. In Baden-Baden—a city renowned for its spa culture and rich history—numerous Stolpersteine serve as poignant reminders of disrupted lives. Among these, the Stolperstein for Anna Flehinger stands out, commemorating her resilience, exile, and survival.
This comprehensive guide explores the origins and philosophy of the Stolpersteine project, the history and significance of Anna Flehinger’s memorial, and practical visitor information including location, accessibility, and related heritage sites. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a descendant, or a traveler seeking meaningful cultural experiences, this article provides vital insights to enrich your visit to Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine.
For further information, consult the Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden, the official Stolpersteine website, and the Baden-Baden Tourist Information.
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Philosophy
Launched in 1992/93 by Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project embeds small, personalized memorials into public walkways to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution: Jews, Roma and Sinti, people with disabilities, political dissidents, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others (stolpersteine.eu). Each 10x10 cm brass plaque is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death or emigration.
The project embodies the concept of “social sculpture,” making remembrance part of daily life. These decentralized, community-driven memorials invite passersby to pause, reflect, and engage with the memory of those who once lived among them (abc.net.au).
By August 2024, over 107,000 Stolpersteine had been laid in nearly 1,900 communities across 21 countries (Wikipedia).
Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden, a prestigious spa town in southwestern Germany, is home to a significant number of Stolpersteine, including the one for Anna Flehinger. These stones honor Jewish residents and other victims of Nazi terror who lived in this vibrant city (claudiatravels.com). As of 2019, 142 Stolpersteine were installed throughout Baden-Baden, marking the last homes of those persecuted (claudiatravels.com). The Anna Flehinger Stolperstein is among several in the city, including memorials for Arthur Flehinger, Klara Lipsky, and Gerhard Flehinger (mapcarta.com).
Anna Flehinger: Biography and Historical Context
Early Life and Family
Anna Flehinger, née Lipsky, was born into a Jewish family in Baden-Baden. Her father, Robert Lipsky, owned a department store in the city (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). Anna married Arthur Flehinger, a Gymnasium professor; they had two sons, Gerhard (later Gerald Fleming) and Walter. The family moved from Mannheim to Baden-Baden in 1927, seeking a supportive environment and proximity to relatives.
Persecution and Emigration
With the rise of the Nazi regime, the Flehingers faced growing persecution. In 1935, Arthur was forced into retirement due to anti-Semitic laws. The family endured increasing hostility, economic hardship, and the constant threat of violence. In 1936, Anna and Arthur sent their sons to an English boarding school for safety. By spring 1939, the couple managed to emigrate to England, reuniting the family and narrowly escaping the fate that befell millions of other Jews (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Legacy
In England, the family rebuilt their lives. Gerhard (Gerald Fleming) became an influential Holocaust historian (Encyclopedia.com). The Flehingers’ story is one of resilience and survival, echoing the broader narrative of Jewish families displaced during the Holocaust.
The Anna Flehinger Stolperstein: Location, Inscription, and Significance
Location
- Address: Prinz-Weimar-Straße 10, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
- The Stolperstein is set in the pavement at the entrance of the family’s former residence, within walking distance of Baden-Baden’s historic center (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Inscription
The Stolperstein for Anna Flehinger follows the project’s standard format:
HIER WOHNTE
ANNA FLEHINGER
GEB. LIPSKY
FLUCHT 1939
ENGLAND
This simple inscription communicates Anna’s forced emigration and survival, standing in contrast to stones marking those who were deported and murdered.
Commemoration
The stone was installed on October 25, 2016, as part of a public ceremony attended by descendants and local residents. The act of laying the Stolperstein, accompanied by readings and moments of silence, fosters a living culture of remembrance (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Visiting the Anna Flehinger Stolperstein: Practical Information
- Visiting Hours: 24/7, no admission fee or ticket required
- Accessibility: The memorial is at street level and accessible to all, including wheelchair users
- Best Times: Daylight hours for optimal visibility; spring to autumn for pleasant walking conditions
- Guided Tours: Arranged through Baden-Baden Tourist Information; advance booking recommended
- Traditions: It is customary to place a small stone or flower on the Stolperstein as a sign of respect
- Nearby Attractions: Lichtentaler Allee, Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden Old Town, thermal baths
Educational and Community Involvement
Schools and civic organizations in Baden-Baden actively incorporate Stolpersteine into educational programs. Guided walks and research projects deepen student understanding and community engagement, using Anna Flehinger’s story to illustrate the broader history of Baden-Baden’s Jewish community (Baden-Baden Official Tourism).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Anna Flehinger Stolperstein located?
A: At Prinz-Weimar-Straße 10, Baden-Baden, outside the family’s former residence.
Q: Are there entry fees or tickets?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial with free access at all times.
Q: Can I join a guided tour?
A: Yes, guided Stolpersteine tours are available via the city’s tourism office and local organizations.
Q: How can I pay my respects?
A: Place a small stone or flower on the Stolperstein, following Jewish memorial tradition.
Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and in a pedestrian-friendly area.
Recommendations for a Meaningful Visit
- Prepare by reading about the Flehinger family and Baden-Baden’s Jewish history (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden)
- Reflect quietly at the site, considering the family’s journey and the broader impact of the Holocaust
- Join a guided walk or event to gain deeper insight
- Support local remembrance efforts through donations or volunteering
Integration with Baden-Baden’s Historical and Cultural Landscape
The Stolperstein for Anna Flehinger is part of a network of memorials that intersect with Baden-Baden’s spa culture, architecture, and public life. It provides a counterpoint to the city’s reputation for luxury and leisure, grounding your visit in the realities of 20th-century history (Baden-Baden Official Tourism).
Visuals and Media Suggestions
- Photographs of the Anna Flehinger Stolperstein (alt text: “Anna Flehinger Stolperstein in Baden-Baden embedded in pavement”)
- Map showing the Stolperstein’s location
- Virtual tours of Baden-Baden’s Jewish heritage sites
Summary
The Stolperstein dedicated to Anna Flehinger in Baden-Baden is a profound symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Accessible at all times and integrated into the city’s fabric, it transforms public space into living memory. Visitors are encouraged to engage thoughtfully, support educational initiatives, and explore related heritage sites. For more, consult the official Stolpersteine database, the Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden, and the Baden-Baden Tourist Information. Downloading the Audiala app provides additional resources, including guided audio tours and event updates.
References
- Stolpersteine Project – Official Website
- Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden – Anna Flehinger
- Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden – Walter Flehinger
- Stolpersteine Project – Facts and Figures
- Baden-Baden Tourist Information
- Encyclopedia.com: Gerald Fleming
- ABC News Australia: Stolpersteine
- Baden-Baden Official Tourism
- Stadtwiki Baden-Baden: Stolpersteine