Stolperstein Rudolf Seubert Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Rudolf Seubert in Baden-Baden is a poignant and personal memorial, connecting visitors directly to the city’s complex history of Nazi persecution and political resistance. As part of the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, the Stolpersteine project embeds individual stories into the daily fabric of European cities, encouraging moments of reflection and remembrance as people pass by. This guide provides a detailed overview of Rudolf Seubert’s life, the significance of his Stolperstein, comprehensive visitor information, and tips for integrating this experience into a broader exploration of Baden-Baden’s historical and cultural sites.
About the Stolpersteine Project
Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks throughout Europe, placed in front of the last freely chosen residences of victims of National Socialism. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the project has grown into the world’s largest grassroots Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed by 2025 (Stolpersteine.eu, Germany.info, Arts & Culture Google).
Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated cube inscribed with the name, birth date, and fate of an individual victim—Jewish, Roma and Sinti, political dissidents like Rudolf Seubert, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime. The project’s decentralized philosophy ensures remembrance is woven into everyday life, inviting passersby to “stumble” upon these personal histories and reflect on the individuals behind them.
Rudolf Seubert: Life and Persecution
Rudolf Seubert was born on May 29, 1873, in Rauenberg. He began his career with the railway in 1894, rising to the position of Reichsbahnoberinspektor (senior railway inspector) before retiring in 1938 (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). A dedicated member of the Catholic Centre Party (Zentrumspartei), Seubert served in the Baden Landtag from 1909, became a parliamentary group leader in 1927, and was appointed vice president of the Badischer Landtag in 1933 (Wikipedia: Rudolf Seubert).
After the Nazi seizure of power and dissolution of the Baden parliament, Seubert continued his public service in Baden-Baden, leading the Vincentiushaus AG, a charitable organization. His political background and social involvement made him a target during “Aktion Gitter,” the mass arrest of former political opponents in August 1944 following the failed July 20 plot against Hitler. Seubert was imprisoned in Baden-Baden but survived and was released later that year. He resumed his charitable work after the war and died at home on August 11, 1946.
The Stolperstein for Rudolf Seubert
Seubert’s Stolperstein is located at Bernhardstraße 32, Baden-Baden—his last freely chosen residence. The inscription reads:
HIER WOHNTE
RUDOLF SEUBERT
JG. 1873
ZENTRUMSPARTEI,
VERHAFTET 23.8.1944
”AKTION GITTER”
GEFÄNGNIS BADEN-BADEN
ENTLASSEN 1944
The stone was laid on March 4, 2020, as part of Baden-Baden’s ongoing commitment to commemorating victims of National Socialism (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden). Installation ceremonies are often attended by local officials, schoolchildren, and community members, reinforcing the personal and communal dimensions of remembrance (Goodnews4.de).
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Access
- Location: Bernhardstraße 32, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
- Visiting Hours: The Stolperstein is outdoors and accessible 24/7. There are no official opening or closing times.
- Tickets/Entry: No tickets or reservations are required; the site is freely accessible at all times.
- Accessibility: The memorial is set in the public sidewalk and is generally wheelchair accessible, though some streets in the historic center may be uneven (Pragueviews.com).
Etiquette and What to Expect
- Reflection: Pause quietly to read the inscription and reflect on Seubert’s life and the broader history it represents.
- Photography: Discreet photography is permitted. Focus on the memorial itself rather than taking selfies or group photos.
- Remembrance Rituals: Polishing the brass plaque or leaving a small stone or white rose are respectful gestures of remembrance (Pragueviews.com).
- Quiet Behavior: Maintain a respectful demeanor. Germans value quiet reflection at memorial sites (Tappedouttravellers.com).
Integrating the Visit with Other Baden-Baden Historical Sites
Baden-Baden offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions within walking distance of the Stolperstein, including:
- Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden: Learn more about the city’s history, including the Nazi era and local resistance (Germany Footsteps).
- Marktplatz and Stiftskirche: Central historic square and church.
- Lichtentaler Allee: A scenic park ideal for post-visit reflection (Travelling Han).
- Fabergé Museum: Explore art and craftsmanship near the city center.
Getting There
- On Foot: Bernhardstraße 32 is a short walk from the city’s central square, Leopoldplatz.
- Public Transport: Local buses connect the train station and city center. Bus 201 is the most direct route (Wikivoyage).
- By Car: Limited street parking is available nearby.
Community Involvement and Significance
Baden-Baden’s Stolperstein project is supported by local schools, religious groups, and volunteers, who research biographies, organize ceremonies, and maintain the stones. Annual cleaning events and remembrance ceremonies, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht anniversary (November 9), foster community engagement and collective memory (Folklife.si.edu).
While the project enjoys broad support in Baden-Baden, it has been subject to debate elsewhere regarding the placement of names in sidewalks. The city’s ongoing embrace of Stolpersteine highlights a commitment to confronting difficult histories and honoring individual lives with dignity (Arts & Culture Google).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there any tickets or entry fees to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, visiting the Stolperstein is free and open to the public at all times.
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours including Stolpersteine and other historical sites may be booked through the Baden-Baden Tourist Information Office.
Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?
A: The Stolperstein is set in a public sidewalk and is generally accessible, though some nearby streets may be uneven.
Q: Can I take photos at the Stolperstein?
A: Yes, discreet and respectful photography is allowed.
Visual Resources
- Photo: Close-up of the Stolperstein with alt text: “Rudolf Seubert Stolperstein in Baden-Baden commemorating political persecution victims.”
- Map: Location at Bernhardstraße 32 with alt text: “Map of Rudolf Seubert Stolperstein location in Baden-Baden.”
- Nearby Landmarks: Images of the Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden and surrounding area.
Further Reading and Official Resources
- Stolpersteine.eu – Frequently Asked Questions
- Germany.info – Jewish Life in Germany
- Arts & Culture Google – Stolpersteine: Remembering WDR
- Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden – Rudolf Seubert
- Folklife.si.edu – Stumbling Stones Holocaust Memorials
- Pragueviews.com – Stolpersteine Stumbling Stones
- Wikivoyage – Baden-Baden
- Goodnews4.de – Stolperstein Actions
- Stadtwiki Baden-Baden – Stolpersteine
- Baden-Baden Tourist Information
- Audiala mobile app
Conclusion
The Stolperstein dedicated to Rudolf Seubert is more than a historical marker—it is a living memorial and a call to remember the courage and suffering of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. By visiting this site, engaging respectfully, and exploring the wider historical context of Baden-Baden, you contribute to the essential work of remembrance and education. For the most enriching experience, consider guided tours, local ceremonies, and digital resources such as the Audiala app for interactive content and updates on commemorative events.