Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Dr. Waldemar Sack in Baden-Baden, Germany: Tickets, Hours, and Tips
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Dr. Waldemar Sack in Baden-Baden offers visitors a deeply moving portal into the city’s layered history and the personal stories of those persecuted under the Nazi regime. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones” in German—are small brass plaques set into sidewalks, marking the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. The project, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, has expanded into the largest decentralized Holocaust memorial in the world, with over 100,000 stones in more than 1,800 cities (Wikipedia: Stolperstein; pragueviews.com).
Dr. Waldemar Sack’s Stolperstein, found at Stadelhoferstraße 14, commemorates a respected local dermatologist whose life was tragically disrupted and ultimately ended by Nazi oppression. Baden-Baden, renowned for its spa culture and scenic beauty, is also home to more than 200 Stolpersteine, quietly embedded throughout the city as a decentralized network of remembrance (gedenkbuch.baden-baden.de; baden-baden.com).
This guide provides a comprehensive overview for planning your visit to Dr. Sack’s Stolperstein, including historical context, practical details, nearby attractions, and tips for respectful engagement. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a tourist, or someone seeking to honor the memory of Holocaust victims, this article ensures a meaningful and informed experience (Claudia Travels; stadtwiki-baden-baden.de).
Table of Contents
- Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project
- Physical Characteristics and Placement
- Memorial and Educational Significance
- Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Local Context & Visiting Information
- Dr. Waldemar Sack: His Life and Memorial
- Controversies and Debates
- Supporting the Stolperstein Project
- Practical Tips & Visitor FAQ
- Visual Resources
- Conclusion & Call to Action
- References and Further Reading
Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project
The Stolpersteine project was conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 as a decentralized and personal approach to Holocaust remembrance. Unlike traditional monuments, Stolpersteine are placed in everyday public spaces—outside homes, workplaces, and schools—anchoring memory within the landscape of daily life (pragueviews.com). The name is metaphorical: passersby “stumble” in thought, prompted to reflect on the individual stories beneath their feet (folklife.si.edu).
Each Stolperstein bears the name, birth date, fate, and—when known—place and date of death for an individual victim, ensuring that personal histories are publicly remembered and never forgotten (pragueviews.com).
Physical Characteristics and Placement
A Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-capped concrete block, hand-engraved with “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”) followed by the victim’s details. These stones are embedded flush with the pavement in front of the victim’s last freely chosen address, reconnecting memory with the place where they lived and were a part of the community (stadtwiki-baden-baden.de). Each stone is unique, its details carefully researched and verified to ensure accuracy (pragueviews.com).
Memorial and Educational Significance
Personalization and Decentralization
Unlike imposing monuments, Stolpersteine focus on individual stories: neighbors, professionals, families whose lives were interrupted or destroyed by Nazi persecution. This personalization makes remembrance immediate and relatable (pragueviews.com).
Community Involvement & Rituals
Installations are often accompanied by ceremonies with relatives, residents, and students, reinforcing collective memory and education (stadtwiki-baden-baden.de). On significant dates like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Kristallnacht, communities gather to clean and polish the stones, symbolizing ongoing remembrance (folklife.si.edu; pragueviews.com).
Educational Impact
Stolpersteine serve as educational tools, prompting inquiry and conversation about the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance. In Baden-Baden, schools integrate the project into curricula, with students researching victims’ biographies and participating in installations (stadtwiki-baden-baden.de).
Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Local Context & Visiting Information
Location & Accessibility
As of 2025, Baden-Baden features over 200 Stolpersteine distributed across its historic center and residential neighborhoods (de.wikipedia.org). Dr. Waldemar Sack’s Stolperstein is located at Stadelhoferstraße 14, a central and walkable area within reach of other significant sites.
The city’s Old Town (Altstadt) is mostly pedestrianized, and the Stolpersteine are accessible to visitors at any time, free of charge. While most stones are in accessible areas, some streets have cobblestones or uneven pavement, so plan accordingly if you have mobility needs.
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and can be visited 24/7 without tickets or fees. For a contemplative experience, consider visiting early in the morning or in the evening.
For deeper engagement, guided walking tours focusing on the Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage are available through local operators, especially during commemorative events. Visit the Baden-Baden Tourist Information Centers or download the Stolpersteine Guide app for up-to-date tour information and navigation.
Guided Tours & Special Events
The city offers guided remembrance walks and educational programs in both German and English. These tours often include stories behind individual Stolpersteine, visits to the Jewish Cemetery, and context about the city’s Jewish history. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9), special ceremonies and cleaning rituals take place.
Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit to Dr. Sack’s Stolperstein with a tour of Baden-Baden’s historical and cultural sites:
- Lichtentaler Allee: A historical park ideal for contemplative walks.
- Museum Frieder Burda: Showcases modern art and insights into local culture.
- Kurhaus and Casino: Architectural icons reflecting 19th-century elegance.
- Old Castle Hohenbaden: Offers panoramic city views and medieval history.
- Baden-Baden Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery: Explore more about the Jewish community’s heritage (baden-baden.com).
Dr. Waldemar Sack: His Life and Memorial
Dr. Waldemar Sack was a dermatologist who lived in Baden-Baden from 1922 until his forced emigration in 1938. Increasing anti-Semitic persecution led to the loss of his professional standing, attacks on his home, and eventual flight to Paris. He died in France in 1943, having endured internment and hiding (gedenkbuch.baden-baden.de; TracesOfWar.com).
His Stolperstein at Stadelhoferstraße 14 is inscribed with “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”), his name, birth date, and fate, inviting visitors to remember his story and reflect on the broader consequences of intolerance.
Controversies and Debates
Some communities, such as Munich, have debated the placement of Stolpersteine in sidewalks, expressing concerns about disrespect. Supporters argue that the act of looking down and reading the names serves as a gesture of humility and remembrance (folklife.si.edu). This ongoing discussion reflects broader questions about how societies confront and commemorate traumatic histories.
Supporting the Stolperstein Project
Each Stolperstein costs approximately 120 euros and relies on donations and sponsorships for new installations and maintenance. Community organizations, schools, and local groups in Baden-Baden actively support the project. If you wish to contribute, contact the local working group or city archives (goodnews4.de).
Practical Tips & Visitor FAQ
Tips for a Meaningful Visit
- Preparation: Read about Dr. Sack and the Stolpersteine project before your visit. The Stolpersteine Guide app is a helpful resource.
- Respectful Conduct: Approach the stones quietly. It is customary to clean them gently or leave a small stone or flower.
- Photography: Permitted, but remain unobtrusive, especially in residential neighborhoods.
- Combine Sites: Enrich your experience by visiting local museums and synagogues.
- Accessibility: Wear comfortable footwear; cobblestones can be uneven.
FAQ
Q: Are tickets required?
A: No, Stolpersteine are free and accessible at all times.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local tourist offices and organizations.
Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most are, but some streets may be uneven; plan accordingly.
Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, respectfully.
Q: How can I support the project?
A: Through donations or sponsorships via local organizations.
Visual Resources
For a richer experience, consult official tourism websites or the Stolpersteine Guide app for images, interactive maps, and virtual tours. When photographing, use descriptive alt text such as “Stolperstein for Dr. Waldemar Sack embedded in pavement, Baden-Baden” to enhance accessibility and SEO.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Visiting the Stolperstein for Dr. Waldemar Sack offers a profound connection to Baden-Baden’s history and a unique way to honor victims of Nazi persecution. With free, year-round access, supportive educational resources, and a network of local attractions, your visit can be both meaningful and enriching. Engage respectfully, participate in community remembrance, and consider supporting the ongoing work of the Stolperstein project.
Plan your visit today: Download the Stolpersteine Guide app for navigation and biographies, and check baden-baden.com for updates on tours and events.
References and Further Reading
- Stolperstein, 2023, Wikipedia (Wikipedia: Stolperstein)
- Stolpersteine Stumbling Stones, 2023, Prague Views (pragueviews.com)
- Stumbling Stones – Holocaust Memorials, 2023, Smithsonian Folklife (folklife.si.edu)
- Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden, 2023, Stadtwiki Baden-Baden (stadtwiki-baden-baden.de)
- Dr. Waldemar Sack, 2023, Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden (gedenkbuch.baden-baden.de)
- Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden, 2023, Baden-Baden Tourism (baden-baden.com)
- Stumbling Stones of Baden-Baden, 2024, Claudia Travels (Claudia Travels)
- Stumbling Stones Stadelhoferstraße 14, 2023, TracesOfWar (TracesOfWar.com)
- 213 Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden, 2013, Good News 4 (goodnews4.de)
