What the Stolperstein is
The Stolperstein dedicated to Robert Nachmann is at Lichtentaler Straße 14, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany. It is part of the Stolpersteine project, which commemorates people persecuted by National Socialism at the sites of their last freely chosen homes. The stone and a nearby memorial honor Nachmann’s life, persecution, and survival, while also recalling Baden-Baden’s Jewish community and its history (claudiatravels.com; SWR2 Stolperstein).
Baden-Baden, a city known for its spa culture and cosmopolitan history, was once a thriving center of Jewish life. Many Jewish residents hoped the city’s international reputation would protect them from Nazi persecution, but most were eventually deported or murdered. The city’s 142 Stolpersteine, including Nachmann’s, mark the last homes of people persecuted there (claudiatravels.com).
History and significance
German artist Gunter Demnig initiated the Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project in the mid-1990s. Its first stones were laid in Cologne, and the project later spread across Europe. It commemorates victims of National Socialism, including Jews, Roma, Sinti, people with disabilities, dissidents, and others persecuted between 1933 and 1945 (Germany.info).
Each stone is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated cube set into the pavement in front of a victim’s last freely chosen residence. Its inscription includes “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”), the person’s name and birth year, their fate and, where known, the date and place of death. Demnig intended the stones to restore names and individual stories to people who risked being reduced to statistics. Their placement in everyday streets invites passersby to “stumble” with their hearts and minds and pause to reflect (Germany.info; claudiatravels.com).
The project has become the world’s largest decentralized memorial. The figures cited for its reach differ: one account reports that, as of June 2025, more than 90,000 stones had been installed in over 1,800 cities and towns across 28 European countries (abc.net.au); another describes a project with over 116,000 stones in 31 countries (Stolpersteine Official Website).
Local communities or families often initiate placements, with research and installation coordinated by Demnig’s team. Community members, historians, and organizations also sponsor and research stones. In Baden-Baden, the Stolpersteine are reminders of a Jewish community largely destroyed by Nazi persecution. The polished brass draws attention, and pedestrians often pause or kneel to read the small inscriptions, turning an ordinary walk into a moment of reflection (abc.net.au; claudiatravels.com).
Some people initially objected to memorial stones embedded in sidewalks, concerned that walking over them might be disrespectful. Demnig and others argue that this disruption prompts reflection; the project has gained broad acceptance and support over time (abc.net.au).
Stolpersteine also support education and intergenerational dialogue. Schools, guides, and community groups use them to teach about the Holocaust and remembrance, keeping history visible in everyday life (Germany.info). The project continues to grow and has inspired similar initiatives worldwide (abc.net.au; claudiatravels.com).
What to see
Robert Nachmann’s Stolperstein and memorial
The Stolperstein at Lichtentaler Straße 14 commemorates Robert Nachmann, a Jewish resident persecuted by the Nazis. While detailed records are limited, the stone confirms his persecution and escape. Local research supports his respectful commemoration (Stolpersteine Official Website).
The nearby Robert Nachmann Memorial honors his life and the resilience of the local Jewish community. Its inscriptions provide information about his story and the broader history of Jewish Baden-Baden. Images of the memorial and its plaques can be found on official sites.
Commemorations
Ceremonies are held around Stolpersteine, particularly on anniversaries of Kristallnacht. Annual commemorations take place on November 9th and feature vigils, testimonies, and workshops. Community groups and schools help maintain the stones; visitors are welcome to gently clean the plaques as a sign of respect (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden).
Practical visiting information
Address, hours, and admission
The Stolperstein is on the public sidewalk at Lichtentaler Straße 14, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany. It is outdoors, accessible 24/7, and free to visit; no tickets are needed.
The Robert Nachmann Memorial is listed as open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, with free admission. Guided tours are available on weekends and by appointment.
Accessibility and getting there
The Stolpersteine are set in public sidewalks and are generally accessible to wheelchair users and people with strollers, though some pavement may be uneven. The memorial is described as wheelchair accessible and has multilingual plaques, nearby restrooms, and a visitor center. Baden-Baden is described as safe for solo or group visits (Baden-Baden Overview).
You can walk, bike, or use public transport to reach the Stolperstein; it is close to major attractions. Public transport and parking are convenient.
Maps are available at the Baden-Baden Tourist Information Center. Online interactive maps and guided walking tours provide context and stories about the stones. Guided tours are also available through local tour operators and the tourist office.
Etiquette and photography
Look for the 10 x 10 cm brass plaque bearing Robert Nachmann’s details. Stand quietly, avoid stepping on the stone, and respect the site and nearby residents’ privacy. Visitors may place a small stone or flower in keeping with Jewish traditions. Photography is allowed; please treat the site respectfully.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- The site is outdoors; check the weather forecast.
- Use translation tools if you don’t speak German.
- Maps and further information are available at the Tourist Information office (Baden-Baden Tourist Information).
- Consider using the Audiala app for interactive maps and guided tours (Baden-Baden Tourism).
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include Lichtentaler Allee park, Baden-Baden’s spas, the Festspielhaus opera house, and museums. The Old Synagogue and Museum Frieder Burda are also listed among nearby attractions.
A suggested itinerary starts at the Stolperstein at Lichtentaler Straße 14 and continues to Lichtentaler Allee, Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden, Fabergé Museum, Stiftskirche, and local cafés for reflection (Baden-Baden City Guide).
Frequently asked questions
Where are Stolpersteine located in Baden-Baden?
They are found primarily in the city center, marking victims’ last residences, especially around Sophienstraße and nearby streets.
Are they accessible to wheelchair users?
Most are on public sidewalks. Some pavement may be uneven.
Do I need tickets to visit?
No. The Stolpersteine are free and open to all. The Robert Nachmann Memorial also has free admission.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours are available through local tour operators and the tourist office, and the memorial offers tours on weekends and by appointment.
When is the best time to visit?
Daylight is recommended for safety and visibility.
Can I take photos?
Yes.
