Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Jacob Teutsch in Baden-Baden, Germany: Comprehensive Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Jacob Teutsch in Baden-Baden stands as a poignant, decentralized memorial, honoring the victims of Nazi persecution. These small brass plaques—embedded in the sidewalks of cities across Europe—are a project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig, transforming ordinary urban spaces into sites of remembrance. By marking the last freely chosen residences of individuals like Jacob Teutsch, Stolpersteine invite passersby to pause, reflect, and connect personally with the history of the Holocaust. This guide offers detailed historical context, practical visitor information, and resources to help you make your visit to this memorial both meaningful and respectful (stolpersteine.eu; claudiatravels.com; de.wikipedia.org).
Table of Contents
- What Are Stolpersteine?
- Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
- Practical Visitor Guide
- Nearby Attractions and Further Exploration
- Community Involvement and Educational Impact
- FAQ
- Conclusion and Call to Action
- References
What Are Stolpersteine?
Origins and Development
Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are 10 x 10 cm brass plaques installed in pavements to commemorate individuals persecuted or murdered by the Nazis. The project began in 1992 when Gunter Demnig marked a deportation route in Cologne, later evolving into the placement of these memorial stones at victims’ last freely chosen residences (stolpersteine.eu).
Purpose and Philosophy
Each Stolperstein is inscribed with the victim’s name, year of birth, fate, and—when known—details of deportation or murder. The decentralized approach ensures remembrance is woven into the fabric of daily life, democratizing memory and making history accessible to all. The term “stumbling stone” is metaphorical; it prompts a momentary pause for reflection and empathy as individuals encounter these markers in everyday settings (fabriziomusacchio.com; germany.info).
Artistic and Social Significance
The Stolpersteine project’s minimalist design draws attention to the contrast between ordinary urban surroundings and the extraordinary histories they contain. Community participation in researching, funding, and installing the stones turns remembrance into a collective, ongoing act (stadtwiki-baden-baden.de).
Scale and Reach
As of 2024, more than 107,000 Stolpersteine have been laid in nearly 1,900 communities across 21 countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial (en.wikipedia.org).
Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden, renowned for its spa heritage, has participated in the Stolpersteine initiative since 2008. Local schools and organizations have sponsored installations and educational programs, reinforcing the city’s commitment to remembrance. By 2013, over 200 stones had been placed throughout the city (de.wikipedia.org).
Jacob Teutsch: Historical Background
Jacob Teutsch was born in 1873 and lived at Zeppelinstraße 2, Baden-Baden. In 1940, he was deported to Gurs internment camp and later murdered at Auschwitz in 1942. His Stolperstein, installed in 2009, bears the following inscription:
HIER WOHNTE
JACOB TEUTSCH JG. 1873
DEPORTIERT 1940
GURS ERMORDET 1942
IN AUSCHWITZ
This individual story is emblematic of the fate of many Baden-Baden residents persecuted during the Nazi era.
Practical Visitor Guide
Location and Accessibility
- Address: The Stolperstein is located in the sidewalk at Zeppelinstraße 2, Baden-Baden, the last known residence of Jacob Teutsch.
- Access: The stone is flush with the pavement in a public area, accessible 24/7. Most sites in Baden-Baden are wheelchair-friendly, but some sidewalks may be uneven.
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Hours: No restrictions; accessible at all times.
- Admission: Free; no tickets required.
Guided Tours and Digital Resources
- Tours: Local organizations and schools occasionally offer guided walking tours that include the Stolperstein and other Jewish heritage sites.
- Apps and Maps: Use the Audiala app or Stolpersteine Guide app for interactive maps, biographies, and self-guided routes.
- Tourist Information: Maps and additional details are available at Baden-Baden tourist offices and online (stolpersteine.eu).
Visitor Etiquette and Photography
- Pause and read the inscription respectfully.
- Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional sign of remembrance.
- Photography is permitted, but avoid stepping directly on the plaque and be discreet out of respect for the memorial’s solemn nature.
- Participating in cleaning the brass plate—especially on remembrance days—is encouraged.
Nearby Attractions and Further Exploration
- Baden-Baden Synagogue Memorial: Honors the city’s destroyed synagogue.
- Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden: Offers exhibits on local Jewish history.
- Other Stolpersteine: Explore additional stones across the city using interactive maps.
- Cultural Sites: Old Town (Altstadt), Kurhaus, Casino, Fabergé Museum, and Lichtentaler Allee park add historical and cultural depth to your visit (germanyfootsteps.com).
Community Involvement and Educational Impact
Local schools, historical societies, and descendants play an active role in researching, sponsoring, and maintaining Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden. Educational events and community ceremonies foster dialogue, tolerance, and a living connection to the city’s past (stadtwiki-baden-baden.de).
FAQ
Where is the Jacob Teutsch Stolperstein located?
At Zeppelinstraße 2, Baden-Baden, embedded in the public sidewalk.
Is there an admission fee or visiting hours?
No. The Stolperstein is freely accessible at any time.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local organizations and apps like Audiala provide guided or self-guided options.
Can I take photos?
Yes, but please do so respectfully.
Are the inscriptions in English?
Inscriptions are in German; translations and context are available through guides, apps, or brochures.
How can I find other Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden?
Use the official Stolpersteine database or tourist office maps.
What is the significance of cleaning Stolpersteine?
Cleaning is a symbolic act of remembrance and care, practiced by many communities.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Jacob Teutsch Stolperstein in Baden-Baden is more than a plaque—it is a vital link to the city’s past and the broader history of the Holocaust. By visiting, reflecting, and engaging with this living memorial, you honor the memory of those lost and help keep their stories alive. Enhance your journey with guided tours, digital resources, and visits to nearby cultural sites. To stay informed about commemorations, download the Audiala app and follow local heritage channels.
References
- Stolpersteine Official FAQ
- Stumbling Stones of Baden-Baden – Claudia Travels
- Jacob Teutsch Archive – Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek
- List of Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden – Wikipedia
- How Stolpersteine Acknowledge Persecuted Jews – ABC News
- Stolpersteine – Remembering (Google Arts & Culture)
For images, include high-resolution photos of the Jacob Teutsch Stolperstein with descriptive alt text, such as “Jacob Teutsch Stolperstein in Baden-Baden sidewalk memorial plaque.” Visuals of nearby landmarks and a map or virtual tour of local Stolpersteine locations are recommended for an enhanced visitor experience.
