Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Johanna Fried in Baden-Baden Germany embedded in pavement

Stolperstein Dedicated To Johanna Fried

Stolperstein Johanna Fried Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Baden-Baden, renowned for its spa culture and architectural elegance, is also home to powerful memorials that commemorate the victims of National Socialism. Among these is the Stolperstein dedicated to Johanna Fried—one of countless “stumbling stones” embedded in pavements across Europe. These brass plaques serve as decentralized reminders of the tragedies inflicted by the Nazi regime, honoring individuals such as Jews, Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, and people with disabilities. The Stolperstein for Johanna Fried, located at Beuerner Straße 111, marks the last voluntary residence of a young woman with a mental disability, murdered in 1940 under the Nazi euthanasia program (SWR Kultur). This guide provides detailed information about the Stolperstein’s history, visitor tips, accessibility, and its broader historical and cultural significance.

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was launched by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s as a grassroots initiative to memorialize individual victims of Nazi persecution. Each Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a 10x10 cm brass plaque inscribed with the victim’s name, birthdate, fate, and, where known, date and place of death. These stones are installed flush with the pavement outside the victim’s last freely chosen residence, integrating remembrance into daily urban life (stolpersteine.eu; BBC Travel).

By 2024, over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in 31 countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial (stolpersteine.eu). The project’s decentralized, participatory nature has involved local communities, schools, survivors, descendants, and historians, who research victims’ biographies and sponsor stones, often culminating in public installation ceremonies (claudiatravels.com; Folklife Magazine).

Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Local Context

Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine memorialize the city’s once vibrant Jewish community and other victims of Nazi persecution. From the 1930s onward, the town’s Jewish and marginalized residents faced systematic exclusion, deportation, and murder (de.wikipedia.org). Some sought refuge in Baden-Baden due to its cosmopolitan reputation, but most were ultimately deported and perished in camps.

The Stolperstein for Johanna Fried at Beuerner Straße 111 poignantly represents the Nazi regime’s targeting of the disabled, as she was murdered in the Aktion T4 euthanasia program. The memorial at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 1, meanwhile, commemorates the Fried family’s deportation and the broader suffering of Baden-Baden’s Jewish community.

Visiting the Stolpersteine: Location, Hours, and Practical Tips

Location and Accessibility

Stolperstein Johanna Fried: Beuerner Straße 111, Baden-Baden
Memorial to Fried Family: Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 1, Baden-Baden

Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are accessible at any time, free of charge. The pavements are generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, although some older areas may have uneven surfaces. Baden-Baden’s compact center is easily navigable by foot, bicycle, or public transport. Local buses and taxis provide convenient access from the train station to the Beuerner Straße area.

Visiting Hours and Entrance

Hours: 24/7, outdoors
Tickets: No ticket or entrance fee required
Accessibility: The site is open year-round. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.

Travel Tips

Finding the Stolperstein: Use GPS or digital guides by entering “Beuerner Straße 111, Baden-Baden.” Look for the small brass plaque set in the pavement.
Etiquette: Pause quietly to read the inscription. Leaving a small stone or flower is a traditional sign of remembrance.
Photography: Discreet photography is permitted; always respect the memorial and local residents.
Special Events: Remembrance ceremonies and Stolperstein cleaning days often occur on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and other memorial dates. Participation is welcome.

Guided Tours and Resources

Guided walking tours are available through the Baden-Baden tourist office, integrating Stolpersteine with the city’s historical and cultural landmarks.
Digital resources such as Stolpersteine Guide offer interactive maps and biographical information about each stone.
For in-depth context, consult SWR Kultur and Wikimedia Commons.

Historical and Cultural Context

Johanna Fried’s Story

Johanna Fried (also known as Johanna Magdalena Ketterer) was born in 1920 in Baden-Baden and lived with a mental disability. Institutionalized at age eight, she became a victim of the Aktion T4 Nazi euthanasia program and was murdered at Grafeneck in 1940. Her Stolperstein is a testament to the persecution of disabled individuals under National Socialism and the importance of remembering all victims, not only those of Jewish descent.

Stolpersteine as Memorials

Stolpersteine personalize memory by situating individual stories within the everyday urban environment. Passersby are prompted to “stumble” upon history, bowing their heads and hearts in a moment of reflection (BBC Travel). The project’s participatory ethos involves local communities in research, sponsorship, and maintenance—strengthening intergenerational dialogue and awareness (Folklife Magazine).

Broader Significance in Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine are complemented by other historical sites, such as the Kurhaus, Roman Bath Ruins, Lichtentaler Allee, and the Memorial at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 1, which contextualizes the city’s Jewish history. The presence of these decentralized memorials is a continual invitation to remember, reflect, and resist forgetting.

Integration with Heritage and Tourism

Baden-Baden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021, incorporates Stolpersteine into its rich tapestry of cultural and historical attractions. Thematic walking tours often begin in the city center, proceed through architectural landmarks, and conclude at Beuerner Straße 111. Local museums and archives provide further opportunities for research and engagement. Participating in remembrance events, supporting local initiatives, and utilizing digital guides all contribute to sustaining the memory of victims.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution.

Where is the Stolperstein for Johanna Fried located?
Beuerner Straße 111, Baden-Baden.

Are there visiting hours or tickets?
No. The site is outdoors, open 24/7, and free to visit.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Generally yes, though some nearby streets may be uneven.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, through the Baden-Baden tourist office and local historical societies.

How can I find more information?
Consult Baden-Baden Official Tourism, Stolpersteine Guide, and SWR Kultur.

Summary and Recommendations

The Stolperstein dedicated to Johanna Fried is a profound invitation to engage with the personal stories behind the Holocaust and Nazi persecution. Visiting this memorial requires no tickets or appointments, and it forms part of a broader network of remembrance throughout Baden-Baden. By pausing to honor Johanna Fried and others, visitors contribute to a living memory that resists erasure and supports a culture of reflection and tolerance.

To deepen your experience, consider participating in guided tours, downloading digital guides like the Audiala app, and supporting local remembrance initiatives. For updates on events and further resources, consult the Baden-Baden tourism website and Stolpersteine project pages.