What the memorial is
The Stolperstein for Emilie Fleischer is set into the sidewalk at Weinbergstraße 7 in Baden-Baden, Germany. It commemorates her as a Jewish resident deported to the Gurs internment camp. Her survival was rare among those memorialized (Traces of War).
Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of people persecuted by the Nazis. The project brings remembrance into everyday life and gives each victim a personal memorial (Germany.info).
History
The Stolpersteine project
Artist Gunter Demnig conceived the project in 1992 as a decentralized memorial near the places where victims lived and worked, rather than at distant monuments. The first stone was laid in Cologne. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated cobblestone engraved with the victim’s name, birth year and fate. “Stumbling” is metaphorical: the stone invites passersby to pause and reflect (Prague Views).
As of 2025, more than 100,000 stones have been installed in over 1,800 European towns and cities. They are found in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Norway, Greece, Finland and Sweden, among other countries. The project commemorates Jews, Sinti and Roma, LGBTQ+ individuals, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses and victims of Nazi “euthanasia” programs (IamExpat; Stolpersteine Lübeck).
Emilie Fleischer and Baden-Baden
During the Wagner-Bürckel Aktion in October 1940, 116 Jews from Baden-Baden were deported to Gurs. Emilie Fleischer survived; her husband, Josef, and her relative Ernestine perished in camps (goodnews4.de).
Baden-Baden maintains a Gedenkbuch to restore the dignity of victims of Nazi persecution. Stones are placed outside their last freely chosen residences. Ceremonies and educational events often accompany new installations, and the city’s archive and staff including Dagmar Rumpf coordinate installations and educational activities.
The city’s Jewish community had roots in the 1820s and the establishment of the Israelitische Kultusverein. It flourished in the 19th and early 20th centuries, built synagogues and a cemetery, and played an active role in city life until the devastation of the Nazi period (Jewish Virtual Library; ANU Museum Spotlight).
What to see
Emilie Fleischer’s Stolperstein
The stone at Weinbergstraße 7, Baden-Baden, Germany, bears witness to Emilie Fleischer’s deportation to Gurs and survival. Stolpersteine bring remembrance into the urban landscape, emphasizing that Nazi terror affected neighborhoods and homes as well as concentration camps (IamExpat).
Reading an inscription requires bowing one’s head, a gesture of respect. As Demnig expressed it: “In order to read the names of the victims we have to bow down before them” (Stolpersteine Lübeck).
The project continues to expand as research uncovers more stories. Its decentralized nature allows for local adaptation and community participation. In Baden-Baden and across Europe, the stones serve as daily reminders of the consequences of intolerance.
Other Jewish heritage sites
- Former synagogue, Grabengasse 14 Destroyed during the Nazi regime; a memorial plaque marks the site.
- Jewish Cemetery Established in 1873 and open during daylight hours.
- Holocaust memorials Plaques and monuments are located throughout the city.
- Witzmanngasse 1 A former assembly point for deportations, marked for remembrance.
Practical visiting information
- Hours The Stolperstein is on a public sidewalk and can be visited at any time.
- Admission Free; no ticket or reservation is required.
- Accessibility The Emilie Fleischer site is described as wheelchair-accessible. Stolpersteine are generally on public sidewalks, though some locations have uneven pavement.
- Finding locations Consult the city’s Gedenkbuch or ask the local tourist office for maps and location details.
- Guided tours and events Tours often take place around Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 and other commemorative dates. Annual events on October 22, the anniversary of the deportation, and around Holocaust Memorial Day often include guided tours. Check local listings and the Baden-Baden tourism office for schedules. Guided tours are also available periodically; updates are posted on the official tourism website.
- Other heritage sites Most sites are free and open during daylight hours.
- Digital resources Some cities have interactive maps or apps for Stolpersteine; see Stolpersteine Lübeck. Baden-Baden does not yet have a dedicated app, but visitors can use online resources and contact the city archive.
Tips
Community remembrance includes cleaning Stolpersteine, laying flowers and other acts of care, especially around Holocaust Memorial Day. Photography is allowed; at Jewish heritage sites, be respectful. Spring to autumn is ideal for outdoor exploration.
Nearby places
Other Baden-Baden landmarks include the Kurhaus, Roman Baths and Festspielhaus opera house. The city’s spas, casino and parks are also nearby. Comfortable shoes are useful for walking between scattered sites, and public transport can help. Baden-Baden is reachable by train and car.
FAQ: Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
Where can I find Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden?
They are placed outside the last freely chosen residences of victims. See the city’s Gedenkbuch for details. Emilie Fleischer’s stone is at Weinbergstraße 7.
Is there an admission charge?
No. Visiting Stolpersteine is free.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours take place periodically, especially around commemorative events. Check with the tourism office for schedules.
Is the site accessible to people with disabilities?
The Emilie Fleischer site is described as wheelchair-accessible. Most Stolpersteine are accessible, but some locations may have uneven pavement.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, for personal use.
