Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Nathan Pfeifer in Baden-Baden Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Nathan Pfeifer

Stolperstein Nathan Pfeifer Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (literally “stumbling stone”) dedicated to Nathan Pfeifer in Baden-Baden stands as a powerful testament to individual memory amidst the broader tragedy of the Holocaust. As part of the internationally recognized Stolpersteine project, these brass plaques embedded in city sidewalks throughout Europe invite passersby to pause, reflect, and remember the lives interrupted and destroyed by Nazi persecution. Nathan Pfeifer’s Stolperstein, located at Bertholdstraße 8 in Baden-Baden, not only honors his personal story but also embodies the ongoing commitment to remembrance and historical truth in Germany and beyond (Stolpersteine.eu; Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).

This guide provides a detailed overview of Nathan Pfeifer’s life, the Stolpersteine project’s origins and meaning, practical information for visiting the memorial, and resources for those seeking a deeper understanding of Baden-Baden’s complex history.

Nathan Pfeifer: Life and Persecution

Nathan Pfeifer was born on June 12, 1865, in Niederhochstadt in Germany’s Palatinate region (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). He lived through the German Empire, World War I, and the Weimar Republic, eventually settling in the spa town of Baden-Baden, known for its vibrant cultural scene and significant Jewish community.

By the 1930s, Pfeifer was retired, residing at Gernsbacher Straße 49 from 1934 to 1938, and then moving to Bertholdstraße 8 in 1939. The rise of National Socialism marked a devastating turn for Jews in Baden-Baden and elsewhere. Nathan Pfeifer, like thousands of others, was targeted as part of the Nazi regime’s campaign of dispossession and deportation. On October 22, 1940, during the Wagner-Bürckel Aktion, he was forcibly deported to the Gurs internment camp in southern France (Mahnmal Neckarzimmern). He died there on September 29, 1941, at the age of 76.

Postwar restitution claims by his son, Dr. Kurt Pfeifer, reveal the extent of the family’s losses—valuable personal and cultural belongings seized by the Nazis (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). Today, the Stolperstein at Bertholdstraße 8 marks the site where Nathan Pfeifer last lived freely.

The Stolpersteine Project: History, Philosophy, and Impact

Origins and Development

The Stolpersteine project was conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s as a decentralized counterpoint to monumental memorials. The first stone was laid in Cologne in 1996, commemorating victims of the Auschwitz Decree (Fabrizio Musacchio). The core idea is simple yet profound: each stone is installed before a victim’s last chosen address, restoring individuality and dignity where the Nazis sought to erase them (Prague Views).

Philosophy and Purpose

Demnig was guided by the Talmudic principle, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” By embedding remembrance in the flow of everyday life, the Stolpersteine encourage ongoing, spontaneous acts of reflection and humility (IamExpat; Germany.info).

With more than 100,000 stones laid across Europe as of 2025, Stolpersteine have become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. They honor Jews, Sinti and Roma, the disabled, LGBTQ+ individuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, political dissidents, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime (IamExpat). In Baden-Baden alone, over 220 Stolpersteine commemorate local victims (Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden).

Stolpersteine have become a touchstone for Germany’s “Erinnerungskultur” (culture of remembrance). Community members often clean the stones, place flowers, or organize ceremonies, especially around Holocaust Memorial Day. In some cities, debate continues about the appropriateness of placing memorials on the ground, but for many, bowing to read a Stolperstein is a gesture of respect and confrontation with history (IamExpat).

Visiting the Nathan Pfeifer Stolperstein: Practical Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Bertholdstraße 8, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany (Traces of War)
Coordinates: Approx. 48.75494, 8.241731 (Mapcarta)
Access: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Visiting Hours and Entry

Opening Times: 24/7, year-round. The memorial is outdoors and freely accessible at all times.
Tickets: No tickets or reservations are required; there is no charge to visit.

How to Get There

Public Transport: Baden-Baden is well-served by train and bus; the memorial is within walking distance from the city center and main attractions.
By Car: Parking is available nearby, but spaces may be limited in central Baden-Baden.

Best Time to Visit

Daylight hours are recommended for the clearest view of the inscription and a more reflective atmosphere. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for city walks.

Visitor Etiquette

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and consider the life commemorated.
Remembrance Rituals: Many visitors polish the stone with a soft cloth or leave a small flower or pebble, following a Jewish tradition of remembrance.
Photography: Respectful photography is permitted, but maintain the site’s solemnity.
Groups: For educational or group visits, contact the Baden-Baden Tourist Information Office or the local Arbeitskreis Stolpersteine for guidance.

Context: Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine and Jewish Heritage

The Stolpersteine project was introduced to Baden-Baden in 2008, with the first stones laid by Gunter Demnig himself. Local historian Angelika Schindler and the volunteer Arbeitskreis Stolpersteine have worked diligently to research biographies and coordinate installations (Stolpersteine Baden-Baden). The project is supported by the city, local schools, and community organizations, with students frequently participating in research and remembrance events.

Alongside the Stolpersteine, Baden-Baden offers other sites of historical significance, including the memorial at the former synagogue on Stephanienstraße, the Stadtmuseum, and the picturesque Old Town (Germany Footsteps). Exploring these sites in combination with the Stolpersteine deepens visitors’ understanding of the city’s layered history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit the Nathan Pfeifer Stolperstein?
A: No, the memorial is publicly accessible at all times and free of charge.

Q: Where exactly is the Stolperstein?
A: It is located at Bertholdstraße 8, embedded in the sidewalk in front of the building.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided walks including Stolpersteine and Jewish history are offered by local organizations and the city’s tourist office. Advance booking is recommended for groups.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
A: Yes, the memorial is on a public, wheelchair-accessible sidewalk.

Q: What else can I visit nearby?
A: Consider visiting the Stadtmuseum, Old Town, and additional Stolpersteine throughout Baden-Baden (Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden).

Enhancing Your Visit: Resources and Recommendations

Digital Guides: Download the Stolpersteine Guide app for maps, biographies, and walking tours.
Further Reading: Explore the Stolpersteine project’s online database for more stories and locations.
Community Events: Check local listings or the Baden-Baden Tourist Information Office for remembrance events, especially around Holocaust Memorial Day.

Call to Action

Visiting the Nathan Pfeifer Stolperstein is more than a historical excursion—it is an act of remembrance and respect. By pausing at Bertholdstraße 8, you honor not only Nathan Pfeifer but also the memory of countless others whose lives were forever altered by the events of the Holocaust.

Plan your visit and deepen your understanding of Baden-Baden’s history by exploring the city’s other cultural and memorial sites. For more resources, guided tours, and educational materials, visit baden-baden.com or download the Audiala app for comprehensive guides.