Stolperstein Dedicated to Emilie Fleischer

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Emilie Fleischer in Baden-Baden, Germany, is a moving and educational experience that connects visitors with the personal histories of Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine—small brass plaques embedded in city sidewalks—are part of a Europe-wide memorial project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992. With over 100,000 stones installed, each marks the last freely chosen residence of a victim of Nazi persecution, personalizing the memory of those lost or affected (Germany.info; IamExpat; tracesofwar.com).

The Stolperstein for Emilie Fleischer, located at Weinbergstraße 7, is notable not only for the tragedy it commemorates—her deportation to the Gurs internment camp—but also for her survival, which was rare among those memorialized. Baden-Baden’s participation in the Stolpersteine project reflects its ongoing commitment to remembrance and education, with numerous stones, ceremonies, and walking tours throughout the city (goodnews4.de; claudiatravels.com; Baden-Baden Gedenkbuch).

This guide outlines the history, cultural significance, and practical visitor information for Emilie Fleischer’s Stolperstein, as well as tips for exploring the Jewish heritage of Baden-Baden.

Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project

Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) were first conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 to create a decentralized, personal memorial to Holocaust victims. Demnig envisioned commemoration rooted in daily life—where the victims themselves lived and worked—rather than at distant monuments (Germany.info). The first stone was laid in Cologne, and the idea soon spread.

Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated cobblestone engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, and fate. The concept of “stumbling” is metaphorical, encouraging passersby to pause and reflect (Prague Views).

Scope and Expansion Across Europe

The Stolpersteine project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones across 1,800+ European towns and cities as of 2025 (IamExpat). Stones now exist in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Norway, Greece, Finland, and Sweden, among others.

Stolpersteine commemorate a diverse group of victims: Jews, Sinti and Roma, LGBTQ+ individuals, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and victims of Nazi “euthanasia” programs (Stolpersteine Lübeck).

The Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Locations and Historical Significance

Baden-Baden, famous for its spa heritage, maintains a Gedenkbuch (memorial book) to restore the dignity of Nazi victims. Stolpersteine are placed outside victims’ last freely chosen residences. Emilie Fleischer’s stone at Weinbergstraße 7 is a powerful example, personalized by her survival and her family’s tragic fate (tracesofwar.com).

Ceremonies and educational events often accompany the installation of new stones, fostering ongoing engagement with the city’s history (goodnews4.de).

Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Hours, Accessibility, and Tips

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Stolpersteine are in public spaces and can be visited at any time, free of charge. No ticket or reservation is required.

How to Find Stolpersteine

Consult the city’s Gedenkbuch or the local tourist office for maps and detailed locations. Many walking tours also include Stolpersteine sites.

Accessibility

Most Stolpersteine are on public sidewalks and are generally wheelchair-accessible, though some locations may have uneven pavement.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours—often organized around Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27) or other commemorative dates—offer historical context and personal stories. Check with the Baden-Baden tourism office for schedules.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Stolpersteine bring remembrance into everyday life. The act of bowing one’s head to read the inscription is a gesture of respect. As Demnig expressed, “In order to read the names of the victims we have to bow down before them” (Stolpersteine Lübeck).

By embedding memory in urban landscapes, the project underscores that Nazi terror began in neighborhoods and homes, not only in concentration camps (IamExpat).

Community Involvement and Ongoing Remembrance

Stolpersteine installations are community-driven, with local research and ceremonies. In Baden-Baden, the city archive and staff like Dagmar Rumpf coordinate new installations and educational activities (Baden-Baden Gedenkbuch).

Cleaning Stolpersteine, laying flowers, and other acts of care—especially around Holocaust Memorial Day—reinforce remembrance (IamExpat).

Nearby Baden-Baden Historical Sites and Travel Tips

While exploring Stolpersteine, visitors can also see the Kurhaus, Roman Baths, Festspielhaus opera house, and other landmarks. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking between scattered sites, and using public transport can be helpful.

FAQ: Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden

Q: Where can I find Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden?
A: Outside the last freely chosen residences of victims; see the city’s Gedenkbuch for details.

Q: Is there a cost?
A: No, visiting Stolpersteine is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially around commemorative events. Check with the tourism office.

Q: Are the stones accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most are accessible, but some locations may have uneven pavement.

The Stolpersteine as a Living Memorial

The Stolpersteine project is ever-expanding, with new stones added as research uncovers more stories. Its decentralized nature allows for local adaptation and ongoing community participation.

In Baden-Baden and across Europe, Stolpersteine are daily reminders of the consequences of intolerance. Encountering Emilie Fleischer’s Stolperstein is an act of remembrance and a call to honor the lives disrupted by the Holocaust.

Discovering the Jewish Heritage of Baden-Baden: A Visitor's Guide

Baden-Baden’s Jewish community flourished in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with roots tracing back to the 1820s and the establishment of the Israelitische Kultusverein (Jewish Virtual Library; ANU Museum Spotlight). The community built synagogues, a cemetery, and played an active role in the city’s life until the devastation of the Nazi period.

Key Heritage Sites

• Former Synagogue (Grabengasse 14): Destroyed during the Nazi regime, now marked with a memorial plaque.
• Jewish Cemetery: Established in 1873, open during daylight hours.
• Holocaust Memorials: Plaques and monuments throughout the city.
• Witzmanngasse 1: Former assembly point for deportations, marked for remembrance.

Visitor Information

Most sites are free and open during daylight hours. Guided tours are available periodically; check the official tourism website for updates.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

• Most sites are accessible, though some have uneven ground.
• Baden-Baden is easily reached by train and car.
• Spring to autumn is ideal for outdoor exploration.
• Photography is allowed—please be respectful.

Nearby Attractions

Beyond Jewish heritage sites, enjoy Baden-Baden’s spas, casino, and parks.

Emilie Fleischer Memorial in Baden-Baden: Visiting Guide and Historical Significance

The Emilie Fleischer Stolperstein at Weinbergstraße 7 commemorates her life and tragic ordeal as a Jewish resident deported to the Gurs internment camp. The stone bears witness not just to her suffering, but also to her rare survival (tracesofwar.com).

Visiting Details

• Address: Weinbergstraße 7, Baden-Baden, Germany
• Visiting Hours: Always accessible (public sidewalk)
• Admission: Free
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible

Historical Context

During the Wagner-Bürckel Aktion in October 1940, 116 Jews from Baden-Baden were deported to Gurs. Emilie survived, unlike her husband Josef and relative Ernestine, who perished in camps (goodnews4.de).

Special Events and Guided Tours

Annual events on October 22 (anniversary of deportation) and around Holocaust Memorial Day often include guided tours. Check local listings for dates.

FAQs

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, periodically and during events.

Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, for personal use.

Summary and Encouragement to Explore Further

The Stolperstein for Emilie Fleischer in Baden-Baden stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the ongoing commitment to confronting the Holocaust’s legacy. Its presence in the city’s daily life invites reflection and engagement, whether through self-guided visits, participation in community commemorations, or exploration of related Jewish heritage sites (stolpersteine.eu; goodnews4.de; claudiatravels.com; IamExpat).

Plan your visit to experience this unique memorial landscape and explore the broader history of Baden-Baden’s Jewish community. Digital tools, city resources, and local tours can enhance your understanding and ensure these stories continue to resonate.