Stolperstein Eugen Bruchsaler Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
In the heart of Baden-Baden, Germany, a modest yet powerful memorial—the Stolperstein (stumbling stone)—commemorates Eugen Bruchsaler, a Jewish resident who fell victim to Nazi persecution. This small brass plaque, set into the pavement of Gunzenbachstraße 8, serves as a tangible reminder of both an individual life and the broader tragedy of the Holocaust. As part of the Europe-wide Stolpersteine project by artist Gunter Demnig, the stone personalizes history and connects visitors to the once-thriving Jewish community of Baden-Baden.
This detailed guide explores the historical background of Eugen Bruchsaler and Baden-Baden’s Jewish community, the Stolpersteine project’s origins and cultural impact, and provides practical visitor information including location, accessibility, and opportunities for deeper engagement. Whether you are planning a visit or wishing to reflect on Holocaust remembrance, this article offers essential insights to enrich your experience.
For further background, visit Stolpersteine.eu and juden-in-sulzburg.de.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Background: Eugen Bruchsaler and the Jewish Community in Baden-Baden
- The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose
- The Gunzenbachstraße 8 Memorial
- Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours & Accessibility
- Cultural and Educational Significance
- Practical Visitor Tips and Etiquette
- Integrating Your Visit: Nearby Attractions and Further Exploration
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Call to Action
- References and Further Reading
Historical Background: Eugen Bruchsaler and the Jewish Community in Baden-Baden
Eugen Bruchsaler was born on March 30, 1886, in Sulzburg and later became a prominent part of Baden-Baden’s Jewish community. As a businessman, he contributed to the city’s economic and cultural life before the rise of National Socialism. He married Marie Bruchsaler and settled at Gunzenbachstraße 8. Like many Jews in Baden-Baden, the Bruchsalers faced escalating persecution following the Nazi takeover.
The Jewish community in Baden-Baden, once vibrant and integrated, suffered under increasingly repressive laws and violent episodes such as Kristallnacht in 1938. Eugen was arrested during this time and briefly imprisoned at Dachau concentration camp. After his release, the family attempted to escape the tightening grip of Nazi policies, fleeing to Luxembourg in 1939. Marie passed away soon after, and Eugen’s journey led him to Belgium and then to internment in France’s Saint Cyprien camp. On September 11, 1942, he was deported to Auschwitz and murdered.
The Stolperstein in front of his last freely chosen residence stands as a personal and communal memorial, anchoring his story within the city’s present landscape (juden-in-sulzburg.de; Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek).
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose
Initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated cobblestone inscribed with the name and fate of a victim of Nazi persecution, embedded in the pavement before their last freely chosen home or workplace (Stolpersteine.eu).
The project’s guiding principle is to bring remembrance into daily life—transforming abstract history into individual stories encountered during everyday routines. Over 75,000 Stolpersteine have been placed across Europe, each beginning with “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”) and inviting passersby to remember the lives once lived in their communities (iamExpat.de).
The Stolperstein for Eugen Bruchsaler is part of this wider initiative, making the memory of the Holocaust visible and tangible in Baden-Baden (claudiatravels.com).
The Gunzenbachstraße 8 Memorial
At Gunzenbachstraße 8, you will find the Stolperstein dedicated to Eugen Bruchsaler. The stone is set in the sidewalk before his last freely chosen residence and is engraved with his name, birth date, fate, and the location of his murder in Auschwitz. This quiet yet striking memorial sits among the everyday life of Baden-Baden, inviting reflection from residents and visitors alike.
The Stolperstein is maintained by local volunteers and organizations, especially around Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27) and the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9–10), when stones are often polished and commemorative events are held (iamExpat.de).
Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours & Accessibility
Location
- Address: Gunzenbachstraße 8, Baden-Baden, Germany
- The Stolperstein is embedded in the pavement at the entrance to the building.
To find the exact location and other Stolpersteine in the city, consult the official list or ask at the Baden-Baden Tourist Information office.
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day, year-round
- Admission: Free; no tickets or reservations required
Accessibility
- The site is at street level and accessible to visitors with mobility aids.
- The surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly, but always exercise caution near roadways (germanyfootsteps.com).
Guided Tours and Events
- Guided walking tours focusing on Jewish history and Stolpersteine are available through local organizations and the Baden-Baden Tourism Office.
- Special commemorative events may be held around Holocaust Memorial Day and Kristallnacht.
Cultural and Educational Significance
Personalizing History
Stolpersteine transform the incomprehensible scale of the Holocaust into individual stories, restoring names and dignity to victims like Eugen Bruchsaler. The act of kneeling or bowing to read a stone’s inscription fosters an intimate connection with history and has become a meaningful gesture of remembrance.
Community Engagement
The Stolpersteine project thrives on local involvement—residents, schools, and organizations research victims’ biographies, organize installations, and maintain the memorials. This ongoing engagement ensures that remembrance remains a living, communal responsibility (Stolpersteine Bruchsal).
Educational Value
Stolpersteine are valuable tools for formal and informal education. Many schools incorporate them into curricula through research projects, walking tours, and ceremonies, fostering historical awareness and empathy among young people. Digital platforms like the Stolpersteine Guide provide maps, biographies, and virtual tours, expanding access to these stories worldwide.
Practical Visitor Tips and Etiquette
- Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and remember Eugen Bruchsaler.
- Polish the Stone: Carry a soft cloth—polishing the Stolperstein is a respectful act.
- Leave a Tribute: A flower or candle placed beside the stone honors the individual’s memory.
- Visitor Etiquette: Approach quietly, kneel or bow to read the plaque, avoid standing directly on it, and be considerate when taking photos.
- Prepare in Advance: Read more about Eugen Bruchsaler’s life and the Stolpersteine project before your visit to deepen your experience (juden-in-sulzburg.de).
Integrating Your Visit: Nearby Attractions and Further Exploration
While in Baden-Baden, enrich your visit by exploring these sites:
- Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden: Learn about the city’s history, including its Jewish community (germanyfootsteps.com).
- Former Synagogue Site: Visit the location of the former synagogue and other Jewish heritage sites.
- Kurhaus and Roman Bath Ruins: Experience more of Baden-Baden’s cultural and historical offerings.
Guided tours are available, often including Stolpersteine and other key memorials (abc.net.au).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Stolperstein?
A Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a small brass plaque embedded in a sidewalk, commemorating a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence.
Where is the Stolperstein for Eugen Bruchsaler located?
It is at Gunzenbachstraße 8, Baden-Baden, in front of his last residence. Official lists and the Stolpersteine Guide can help locate the exact spot.
Are tickets required to visit?
No, the memorial is public and free to access at any time.
What are the best times to visit?
Daylight hours are ideal for safety and visibility. Visiting during Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27) or Kristallnacht (November 9–10) is especially meaningful.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, tours are offered by local organizations and the Baden-Baden Tourism Office.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Stolperstein is accessible at street level.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Stolperstein for Eugen Bruchsaler in Baden-Baden is more than a memorial—it is a living site of education, reflection, and remembrance. By engaging with this decentralized monument, visitors honor the memory of a life lost to the Holocaust while reaffirming the importance of tolerance, diversity, and human rights today.
We encourage you to explore Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine and historical sites, participate in local remembrance events, and share what you learn to keep these vital stories alive. For up-to-date visitor information and audio guides, download the Audiala app or consult the Baden-Baden Tourism Office.
