Stolperstein Dedicated To Richard Karras

Stolperstein Richard Karras Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein for Richard Karras in Baden-Baden stands as a poignant, accessible memorial to a victim of Nazi persecution, inviting visitors to reflect on history at the very doorstep where he once lived. As part of the broader Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, this brass-plated cobblestone is both a personal tribute and a public call to remembrance. This guide provides comprehensive information on the origins of the Stolpersteine project, the significance of the Richard Karras stone, practical details for visiting, and resources for deepening your engagement with Baden-Baden’s historical landscape.

Stolpersteine: Origins and Concept
Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
The Commemoration Process
Richard Karras Stolperstein
Visiting Information
Cultural and Educational Significance
Community Involvement and Maintenance
Visitor Tips and Responsible Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Further Reading

Stolpersteine: Origins and Concept

The Stolpersteine project was initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 as a decentralized memorial to victims of Nazi persecution. Each stone is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a brass plate, inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, when known, details of deportation or death. The stones are set into the pavement outside the last freely chosen residence of each individual, transforming city sidewalks into spaces of remembrance and personal history (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

The term “Stolperstein” (“stumbling stone”) is intended both literally and metaphorically, encouraging passersby to “stumble” upon these stories and pause to reflect on the fates of those commemorated. As of 2025, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across more than 1,900 communities in 21 European countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial (Wikipedia: List of places with stolpersteine).

Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden—a city renowned for its spa culture and UNESCO World Heritage status—joined the Stolpersteine initiative in 2008. The first 21 stones were laid in November 2008, with installations now numbering over 114, each placed at the last known address of a victim (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden). The project in Baden-Baden is marked by strong community involvement, with local schools, historical societies, and descendants participating in research, ceremonies, and educational programs (claudiatravels.com).

The Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden commemorate Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime, embedding their stories into the city’s daily life and fostering a culture of remembrance and dialogue.

The Commemoration Process

The installation of each Stolperstein is a community-centered effort. Local historians, students, or relatives conduct research on the victim’s life and fate. After verification, Gunter Demnig or his team crafts and installs the stone, often accompanied by ceremonies involving schools, civic groups, and families. These events frequently include music, readings, and presentations of the victim’s biography, ensuring that each commemoration is personal and educational (Stolpersteine.eu).

Richard Karras Stolperstein

The Stolperstein for Richard Karras is one of many in Baden-Baden dedicated to honoring individuals who lived in the city before becoming victims of Nazi persecution. The stone is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque, inscribed with his name, birth year, and fate, set flush with the pavement at his last freely chosen address. This site-specific memorial personalizes history, inviting visitors to pause and remember Richard Karras as an individual, not merely as a statistic (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden).

Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks throughout Baden-Baden, primarily in residential neighborhoods and near city landmarks. The exact location for Richard Karras’s Stolperstein can be found in the official Stolperstein list for Baden-Baden. These sites are accessible at any time, with no entrance fees or barriers.

Most stones are installed on flat sidewalks, but visitors with mobility challenges should note that some pavements may be uneven. The Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden or local accessibility guides can provide more information for those with specific needs.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Stolpersteine are in public spaces and can be visited 24/7.
Tickets: No ticket or admission fee is required.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Guided tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Baden-Baden’s Jewish history are offered by local historical societies and the Baden-Baden Tourist Information Office. These tours provide historical context and personal stories, enhancing the visitor’s experience. Schools and civic groups also organize educational programs and commemorative events, especially on significant dates such as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Nearby Historical Sites

To enrich your visit, consider exploring nearby sites such as:

Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden, featuring exhibitions on the city’s history during the Nazi era
Stiftskirche and other historic churches
Roman Bath Ruins and Marktplatz (germanyfootsteps.com)

These locations provide further context and invite broader reflection on Baden-Baden’s layered history.

Cultural and Educational Significance

Stolpersteine offer a unique form of remembrance, integrating the memory of victims into the urban landscape. In Baden-Baden, the project is deeply embedded in community life, with schools and volunteers involved in research, storytelling, and ceremonies. The act of reading a Stolperstein often involves bowing slightly, symbolizing respect for the victim. This approach brings remembrance out of museums and into daily routines, fostering empathy and awareness across generations (germany.info; Stolpersteine Guide).

Digital resources—such as the Stolpersteine Guide app and interactive maps—allow visitors to access biographies, plan walking routes, and participate in ongoing research. These tools make the Stolpersteine project a living, participatory memorial.

Community Involvement and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and upkeep are vital to ensuring the Stolpersteine remain visible. Community-led cleaning events often coincide with remembrance days, and visitors are encouraged to gently polish the plaques or leave small stones or flowers in tribute. Local schools, civic organizations, and individuals remain actively involved in sponsoring stones, organizing ceremonies, and conducting research, ensuring that remembrance is intergenerational and ongoing (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden).

Visitor Tips and Responsible Engagement

Pause and Reflect: Take time to read the inscription and reflect on the individual’s story.
Photography: Permitted, but should be discreet and respectful of the setting.
Participation: Join community cleaning events or commemorative ceremonies when possible.
Etiquette: Avoid blocking entrances or disturbing residents; be mindful of the solemn nature of the memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I find the Richard Karras Stolperstein in Baden-Baden?
A: The exact location is listed in the official Stolperstein list for Baden-Baden and on interactive maps.

Q: Are there visiting hours or an entrance fee?
A: Stolpersteine are accessible at all times and are free to visit.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most are flush with the pavement, but some sidewalks may be uneven. Contact the Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden for specific accessibility information.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are offered by local organizations and the tourist office.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please do so respectfully.

References and Further Reading

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein for Richard Karras in Baden-Baden is a meaningful act of remembrance and reflection. The site is always accessible, requires no ticket, and is complemented by community support and educational resources. For an enriched experience, download the Stolpersteine Guide app or the Audiala app for interactive tours and further historical context. Participate in commemorative events if you can, and share your experience to help keep the memory of Richard Karras—and countless others—alive for future generations.