Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Beate Schwarz in Baden-Baden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Beate Schwarz

Stolperstein Beate Schwarz Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is one of the most personal and profound forms of Holocaust remembrance in Europe. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, these small brass plaques are embedded into sidewalks to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution, marking the locations of their last freely chosen residences. With over 100,000 Stolpersteine installed in more than 26 countries, the initiative integrates memory into the urban landscape, literally causing passersby to “stumble” upon history (Stolpersteine.eu, Wikipedia).

In Baden-Baden—a historic spa town with a once-thriving Jewish community—Stolpersteine carry particular resonance. Among them is the memorial dedicated to Beate Schwarz, whose story of forced emigration encapsulates the broader tragedy experienced by many residents during the Nazi era. This guide provides an in-depth look at the Stolpersteine project, the historical context of Baden-Baden’s Jewish community, and detailed visitor information for those wishing to view Beate Schwarz’s Stolperstein and related memorials.

The Origins of the Stolpersteine Project
Symbolism and Meaning
Design and Installation
Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Local History and Impact
The Story of Beate Schwarz
Visiting the Stolperstein: Hours, Location, and Accessibility
Nearby Memorials and Sites of Interest
Special Events and Guided Tours
Etiquette and Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Controversies and Perspectives
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

The Origins of the Stolpersteine Project

Gunter Demnig launched the Stolpersteine project in 1992, starting with a tribute to Roma and Sinti individuals deported from Cologne (Leo Baeck Institute). Rather than a single monument, Stolpersteine create a decentralized memorial: each small brass plaque is placed in front of the victim’s last freely chosen residence, workplace, or school.

The project’s reach is vast. Over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been laid across more than two dozen countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. The stones commemorate Jews, Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, people with disabilities, and others persecuted by the Nazis (Stolpersteine.eu, Prague Views).

Symbolism and Meaning

The German word “Stolperstein” translates as “stumbling stone.” Metaphorically, these stones invite people to “stumble” across history, pausing to remember. Each plaque is inscribed with “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”), the person’s name, date of birth, fate, and deportation or emigration details if known. This direct personalization affirms the Talmudic principle: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten” (Prague Views).

Placed at street level, the stones require viewers to bow slightly to read them—a subtle gesture of respect. The memorials thus integrate remembrance into the rhythm of daily life, fostering ongoing engagement (Stolpersteine.eu).

Design and Installation

Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate. The research behind each stone is meticulous, involving historians, community members, and often relatives of the victims. Installation ceremonies are typically public, involving local officials, students, and families—transforming the act into a communal event of remembrance (Prague Views).

Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Local History and Impact

Before World War II, Baden-Baden had a flourishing Jewish community that contributed greatly to city life. The Nazi regime’s rise in 1933 led to escalating discrimination, culminating in the destruction of the synagogue during Kristallnacht and the forced emigration, deportation, or murder of Jewish residents (Black Forest Germany).

Today, more than 200 Stolpersteine are found throughout Baden-Baden, placed outside homes and buildings linked to victims. The stones not only commemorate individuals like Beate Schwarz but also serve as a visible reminder of the city’s commitment to remembrance and education (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden).

The Story of Beate Schwarz

Beate Schwarz was born in 1931 in Baden-Baden. As Nazi persecution intensified, her family fled to Luxembourg in 1939 and eventually emigrated to the United States in 1941 (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). The Stolperstein for Beate Schwarz, installed at Heimstraße 1, marks her last freely chosen residence before escape.

The inscription reads:

HIER WOHNTE
BEATE SCHWARZ
JG. 1931
FLUCHT 1939 LUXEMBURG
1941 USA

This small plaque encapsulates a life uprooted by hate, but also resilience and survival (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).

Visiting the Stolperstein: Hours, Location, and Accessibility

Location:
Heimstraße 1, Baden-Baden, Germany (Mapcarta).

Access:

On Foot: The site is a short walk from Baden-Baden’s city center, near other historical sites like Stiftskirche and Marktplatz.
Public Transit: Local buses serve the area, and stops are nearby.
By Car: Limited street parking is available.

Visiting Hours:
The Stolperstein is located in a public space and accessible 24/7. No tickets or advance reservations are required.

Accessibility:
The site is set on an even sidewalk, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, minor unevenness in paving may exist. Assistance may be helpful for those with limited mobility (Stolpersteine.eu).

Nearby Memorials and Sites of Interest

Other Stolpersteine:
Stones commemorating Ilse and Ernst Schwarz (Beate’s parents) and other members of the Jewish community are nearby (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden).

Memorial to the Burned Synagogue:
Located on Stephanienstraße, this site remembers the synagogue destroyed during Kristallnacht (Goodnews4.de).

Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden:
Historical exhibits detail the city’s Jewish community and the impact of National Socialism (Germany Footsteps).

Other Attractions:
Combine your visit with a walk through Baden-Baden’s Old Town, the Kurhaus, and the Museum Frieder Burda to enrich your experience.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Guided Tours: Baden-Baden’s tourist office and local historical societies occasionally offer walking tours focused on Stolpersteine and Jewish history. Advance booking is recommended (Baden-Baden Tourist Information).
Commemorative Events: Attend installation ceremonies or Holocaust Remembrance Day events for a deeper connection. Check with local organizations for schedules.

Etiquette and Visitor Tips

Pause and Reflect: Read the inscription and take a moment to remember the individual.
Tokens of Remembrance: Traditionally, visitors may leave a small stone, flower, or candle at the site.
Photography: Discreet photos are allowed, but avoid disturbing residents or blocking the sidewalk.
Cleaning: Gently wiping the plaque with a soft cloth is a meaningful gesture to maintain its visibility (Folklife Magazine).
Respect Residents: Keep noise low and do not obstruct entrances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Beate Schwarz Stolperstein?
A: The Stolperstein is in a public space and can be visited anytime, day or night.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No, visiting the Stolperstein is free and open to the public.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided Stolperstein tours are occasionally offered by the tourist office and local groups.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the Stolperstein is at ground level on an even sidewalk, though some may need assistance.

Q: Can I take photos at the Stolperstein?
A: Yes, discreet photography is allowed; be considerate of residents and other visitors.

Controversies and Perspectives

While Stolpersteine are widely respected, some critics argue that placing memorials in pavements—where they may be stepped on—can be seen as disrespectful, recalling the desecration of Jewish gravestones by the Nazis. This view has led a few cities, such as Munich, to ban pavement plaques in favor of alternative forms of commemoration (Leo Baeck Institute). However, supporters emphasize the humility required to read the stones and the value of integrating remembrance into daily life (Wikipedia).

Conclusion

Visiting the Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden—especially the memorial to Beate Schwarz—offers a uniquely personal and moving encounter with history. These unobtrusive plaques are powerful reminders of the individuals and families whose lives were upended by Nazi persecution. Through the decentralized and accessible nature of the Stolpersteine project, Baden-Baden transforms its urban landscape into a living memorial that fosters reflection, education, and communal remembrance (Stolpersteine.eu, Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).

To enrich your visit, consider joining a guided tour, attending a commemorative event, or exploring nearby historical sites. For ongoing engagement, download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and stay updated through social media.

By pausing to remember Beate Schwarz and others commemorated by Stolpersteine, visitors help keep their stories alive, fostering a culture of remembrance and compassion for future generations.