Stolperstein Max Nachmann in Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Baden-Baden, renowned for its spa culture and picturesque setting, is also home to a powerful memorial to the victims of Nazi persecution: the Stolperstein for Max Nachmann. These “stumbling stones”—small brass plaques set into city sidewalks—commemorate individuals who suffered under the Nazi regime, offering a decentralized and intimate form of remembrance. The Stolperstein dedicated to Max Nachmann stands as a testament to the resilience of the Jewish community in Baden-Baden and invites visitors to reflect on the personal stories woven into the city’s fabric (Stolpersteine.eu; Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the historical background, cultural significance, and practical visitor information related to the Stolperstein for Max Nachmann. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, or a traveler interested in meaningful experiences, this article offers the insights you need to plan and enrich your visit.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Context of the Stolperstein for Max Nachmann
- Symbolic and Educational Significance
- Cultural Impact in Baden-Baden
- Practical Visitor Information
- Memorial Practices and Rituals
- Digital and Multimedia Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Summary and Planning Your Visit
- References
Historical Context of the Stolperstein for Max Nachmann
The Stolpersteine project was initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s and has since become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass plate, embedded in the pavement in front of the last freely chosen residence of a victim of Nazi persecution. The plate bears the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, place of death or survival (Stolpersteine Guide).
Baden-Baden began installing Stolpersteine in 2008, and as of 2025, there are over 228 stones throughout the city (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden). The Stolperstein for Max Nachmann is located at Lichtentaler Straße 14, marking the last address of a Jewish resident who survived the Holocaust—a narrative of rare survival amid widespread tragedy. Max Nachmann, born in 1912, fled to Switzerland and Palestine in 1935 to escape escalating persecution, later surviving the Holocaust. His story, inscribed on the Stolperstein, serves as a personal lens on the broader history of Baden-Baden’s Jewish community (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Symbolic and Educational Significance
Personalizing History
Whereas large, centralized memorials can feel distant, Stolpersteine bring remembrance directly into daily life. Passersby encounter the stones as they walk city streets, “stumbling” on the stories of individuals like Max Nachmann. This decentralized approach transforms abstract history into tangible, personal narratives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the Holocaust (Stolpersteine Guide).
Community Involvement
The installation of Stolpersteine is often marked by community ceremonies that include local residents, school groups, and, in some cases, descendants of the victims. These events have become an important part of Baden-Baden’s commemorative culture, raising awareness and strengthening the city’s ties to its Jewish heritage (SWR2 Stolperstein).
Integration into Urban Life
The Stolperstein for Max Nachmann is seamlessly embedded within the city’s historical center. Its presence on a busy street ensures the memory of Max and other victims remains visible and accessible, inviting ongoing reflection from both locals and visitors (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Cultural Impact in Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden once hosted a thriving Jewish community, which contributed significantly to the city’s economic and cultural life. The Stolpersteine project has helped revive public awareness of this lost heritage. The story of Max Nachmann and his family, like many others, is a reminder of both the contributions and the devastation experienced by Jewish residents during the Nazi era (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Intergenerational memory is also preserved through the Stolpersteine. Descendants, such as Inge Dobelis, have participated in ceremonies and shared family stories, deepening the emotional resonance of these memorials (SWR2 Stolperstein).
Local schools and organizations use Stolpersteine as educational tools, incorporating visits and research projects into their curricula. This encourages younger generations to grapple with the realities of intolerance, persecution, and the enduring importance of human rights (Stolpersteine Guide).
Practical Visitor Information
Location
- Address: Lichtentaler Straße 14, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
- Nearby Landmarks: Close to the Kurhaus, Casino Baden-Baden, and the scenic Lichtentaler Allee (Germany Footsteps)
Visiting Hours and Tickets
- Hours: Accessible 24/7 as it is installed in a public sidewalk
- Admission: Free; no tickets or reservations required
Accessibility
- The Stolperstein is located on a level sidewalk in the city center, generally accessible to visitors with mobility needs, though some areas may have uneven surfaces
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for a quieter, reflective experience
- Etiquette: Do not stand directly on the stone; placing a small stone or flower is a traditional sign of respect. You may gently clean the plaque with a soft cloth if you wish.
- Photography: Permitted—be respectful, as this is a site of memory
Guided Tours and Events
Local organizations occasionally offer guided walking tours that include the Stolperstein for Max Nachmann as part of broader explorations of Jewish history in Baden-Baden. For updated information, check with the Baden-Baden Official Tourism or Stolpersteine Guide.
Memorial Practices and Rituals
Annual ceremonies, such as the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9), feature readings of victims’ names, moments of silence, and the laying of flowers or stones. Community members and school groups also help maintain the Stolpersteine, ensuring their continued visibility (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Digital and Multimedia Resources
To enhance your visit:
- Explore interactive maps and virtual tours via the Stolpersteine Guide
- Access biographies, archival materials, and images related to Max Nachmann and other victims
- Consider using mobile apps such as Audiala for self-guided audio tours and additional historical insights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Max Nachmann located?
A: Lichtentaler Straße 14, in Baden-Baden’s city center.
Q: Are tickets required?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial accessible at all times, free of charge.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check with local tourism offices or the Stolpersteine Guide for scheduled tours.
Q: Is the site accessible to visitors with mobility issues?
A: The stone is embedded in a public sidewalk, generally accessible, though surfaces may be uneven in some spots.
Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please be respectful as this is a site of remembrance.
Summary and Planning Your Visit
The Stolperstein dedicated to Max Nachmann in Baden-Baden is a modest yet profound memorial that personalizes the history of the Holocaust and anchors it within the rhythms of everyday life. Located at Lichtentaler Straße 14, it is freely accessible at all hours, making it an essential stop for those interested in history, remembrance, and ethical travel.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the memorial respectfully—pause, reflect, and perhaps leave a small token of remembrance. To further enrich your understanding, consider joining a guided tour, attending a community ceremony, or exploring additional resources via the Stolpersteine Guide or the Audiala app.
For more information on related sites and events, consult official tourism resources and local historical societies.
