Stolperstein Dedicated To Frieda Fried

Stolperstein Frieda Fried in Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Frieda Fried in Baden-Baden, Germany, stands as a poignant symbol of remembrance within the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial project. First initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, Stolpersteine—or “stumbling stones”—are small, brass plaques set into sidewalks across Europe. Each stone is placed in front of the last freely chosen residence of a victim of Nazi persecution, serving as a direct and personal reminder of the individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. The Stolperstein for Frieda Fried, located at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 1, is freely accessible year-round, requiring no ticket or set visiting hours. This guide provides historical context, practical visitor information, insights into local commemorative practices, and recommendations for a meaningful visit.

For more information, consult sources such as the Stolpersteine Official Website, the Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden, and Germany.info.

Introduction
Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project
The Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
The Story of Frieda Fried and Her Family
The Gurs Deportation
Visiting the Stolperstein for Frieda Fried: Location, Hours, and Accessibility
Visitor Tips and Respectful Engagement
Nearby Historical and Cultural Sites
Community Involvement and Debate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Resources and Further Reading
Conclusion and Call to Action

Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was conceived by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, driven by the desire to embed commemoration into everyday life. The first unofficial Stolperstein was laid in Cologne in 1996, inspired by the anniversary of the Auschwitz Decree, which ordered the deportation of Sinti and Roma to extermination camps (fabriziomusacchio.com). Each Stolperstein reconnects memory with the physical spaces where victims lived, embodying the Talmudic teaching, “A person is only forgotten when his name is forgotten” (pragueviews.com).

The stones, measuring 10 x 10 cm, are capped with brass and hand-engraved with the victim’s name, birth date, deportation date, and fate if known (stolpersteine.eu). The act of stooping to read the plaque is a gesture of respect and remembrance, inviting passersby to “stumble” in reflection (pragueviews.com).

As of August 2024, over 107,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in nearly 1,900 municipalities across 27 European countries, honoring Jewish victims, Sinti and Roma, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ people, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime (stolpersteine.eu; fabriziomusacchio.com).

The Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden’s first Stolpersteine were installed in 2008, with support from local schools and community groups (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden). By 2013, the city had over 200 stones (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden), each marking the last address of individuals and families affected by Nazi persecution. The stones are scattered throughout the city, particularly in areas with significant pre-war Jewish populations (goodnews4.de; Claudia Travels).

The Story of Frieda Fried and Her Family

Who Was Frieda Fried?

Frieda Fried (née Marx), born in 1881, was a Jewish resident of Baden-Baden. In October 1940, she was deported to the Gurs internment camp in southern France as part of the “Wagner-Bürckel Aktion.” Her fate after deportation remains unknown, as indicated by the inscription on her Stolperstein:

HIER WOHNTE
FRIEDA FRIED
GEB. MARX
JG. 1881
DEPORTIERT 1940
GURS
???

(Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden)

The Fried Family’s Fate

The Stolpersteine for the Fried family are clustered together, underscoring the collective loss experienced by families. Other members include Emil Fried (deported to Gurs and murdered in Auschwitz), Anna Fried (deported to Gurs and murdered in Auschwitz), Hans Fried, Johanna Fried, Marianne Fried, Sigmund Fried, and Dr. Eugen Fried—many with fates unknown or murdered in extermination camps (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden).

The Gurs Deportation

The “Wagner-Bürckel Aktion” in October 1940 targeted Jews in southwestern Germany, including Baden-Baden. Victims were deported to the Gurs camp in Vichy France, where harsh conditions prevailed and many perished or were later sent to extermination camps (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden; Germany.info).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Frieda Fried: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location

Address: Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 1, Baden-Baden, Germany

This site is within walking distance of the city center and near other notable landmarks such as the Stiftskirche and Neues Schloss (Germany Footsteps).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7, year-round.
Tickets: No tickets or admission fees are required.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is flush with the sidewalk and generally accessible to those with mobility aids. Some pavements may be uneven, so visitors should take standard precautions.

Visitor Tips and Respectful Engagement

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription. Saying the name aloud or silently is a meaningful gesture.
Cleaning the Stone: It is a tradition to polish the brass, especially on remembrance days. Bringing a soft cloth is encouraged.
Photography: Discreet photography is allowed; avoid stepping directly on the stone or blocking the walkway.
Flowers and Pebbles: Leaving small tokens such as flowers or stones is welcomed.

Nearby Historical and Cultural Sites

Consider enriching your visit by exploring:

Baden-Baden Jewish Museum: Offers deeper insights into local Jewish history.
Kurhaus Baden-Baden: Iconic spa building and cultural center.
Memorial to the Burned-Down Synagogue: Site of the synagogue destroyed during Kristallnacht.
Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden: Provides broader historical context.
Lichtentaler Allee: A scenic park for reflection and walking.

Internal links to related articles and external resources are available for further exploration.

Community Involvement and Debate

Stolpersteine are sponsored and maintained by private individuals or community groups, fostering local engagement and ongoing remembrance. While the project is widely embraced, some debate its placement in sidewalks, with critics—such as some members of Munich’s Jewish community—preferring wall plaques (Folklife Magazine). Nevertheless, the expansion and communal care of Stolpersteine reflect their social and artistic impact (lbi.org).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are tickets required to visit the Stolperstein for Frieda Fried?
A: No, it is free and open to the public at all times.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Generally yes, as it is flush with the pavement, though some sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, respectful photography is permitted.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local organizations and the tourist office offer tours that include the Stolpersteine and other historic sites.

Q: How can I find other Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden?
A: Maps are available at the tourist office and via mobile apps such as Audiala.

Resources and Further Reading

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein for Frieda Fried in Baden-Baden offers a powerful moment of reflection and connection to the city’s history. These memorials transform the streets into spaces of remembrance, making the past visible and personal. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Stolpersteine with respect, participate in local commemorative events, and deepen their understanding through guided tours and educational resources.

For a richer experience, download the Audiala app for interactive maps and audio guides, and follow us on social media for updates on heritage events and new historical insights.

By pausing at the Stolperstein for Frieda Fried, you help ensure that her memory—and that of countless others—remains alive in the heart of Baden-Baden.