Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Sophie Sack in Baden-Baden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Sophie Sack

Stolperstein Sophie Sack, Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (stumbling stone) dedicated to Sophie Sack in Baden-Baden, Germany, offers visitors a deeply personal way to connect with Holocaust history and the city’s Jewish heritage. Stolpersteine are small, brass plaques set into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the project has evolved into the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed across Europe to honor the victims of Nazi oppression (Stolpersteine.eu; fabriziomusacchio.com).

The Stolperstein for Sophie Sack commemorates a Jewish resident who survived by fleeing to France in 1938, and it stands as a testament to both her personal resilience and the broader narrative of Jewish life in Baden-Baden during the Nazi era (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). Situated at Stadelhoferstraße 14, this memorial is accessible to all, around the clock, and free to visit (Stolpersteine.eu; Baden-Baden Tourist Information).

This comprehensive guide covers visiting hours, accessibility, historical context, and practical tips for a respectful and meaningful visit. It also highlights nearby cultural attractions, community involvement in preservation, and resources such as mobile apps for self-guided tours. By exploring the Stolperstein for Sophie Sack, you participate in an ongoing act of remembrance that honors an individual life and contributes to the vital dialogue about history and memory.

Introduction
Historical Context of Stolpersteine and Sophie Sack
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Physical Description and Inscription
Significance and Symbolism
Visiting Experience and Practical Tips
Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Preservation and Community Involvement
Controversies and Ongoing Debates
Digital Resources and Further Engagement
Responsible Tourism and Ethical Considerations
Safety and Accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

Historical Context of Stolpersteine and Sophie Sack

The Stolpersteine project was initiated by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s. His concept was to create a decentralized, grassroots memorial by embedding individual plaques at the last freely chosen residences or workplaces of Nazi victims. The project began in Germany and has since expanded to 27 European countries, making it the largest decentralized Holocaust memorial in the world (holocausteducationireland.org; germany.info). Each stone is hand-engraved with the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, the date and place of death (fabriziomusacchio.com; lifeinduesseldorf.com).

Sophie Sack was a Jewish resident of Baden-Baden who, along with her family, faced escalating persecution after 1933. In November 1938, she fled to France, where she survived the war (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). Her Stolperstein, like others, serves as a powerful reminder that behind every number is a name, a story, and a life.

Location and Accessibility

Address: Stadelhoferstraße 14, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
This address marks Sophie Sack’s last voluntary residence before fleeing Nazi persecution. The Stolperstein is set into the pavement in front of the building, following the tradition of marking the last freely chosen home of the victim (Stolpersteine.eu; Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).

The location is in the historic heart of Baden-Baden, easily accessible on foot from major attractions like the Marktplatz, Stiftskirche, and popular shopping streets. Public transportation and taxi services are available nearby, and several public parking garages are within walking distance.

The Stolperstein is at street level and accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility aids. However, as with many European pavements, some unevenness may be present.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Visiting Hours: The Stolperstein is part of the public sidewalk and accessible 24/7, year-round.
Admission: There is no entry fee or ticket required.
Best Times to Visit: Significant remembrance dates include January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day), November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary), and Yom HaShoah (Jewish Holocaust Remembrance Day). On these days, locals often clean and polish Stolpersteine and leave candles or flowers (IamExpat; Stolpersteine.cz).

Physical Description and Inscription

Each Stolperstein is a brass-plated cobblestone measuring 10 x 10 cm (approximately 4 x 4 inches), set flush with the pavement. The Stolperstein for Sophie Sack is inscribed:

HIER WOHNTE
SOPHIE SACK GEB. RITTENBERG
JG. 1890
FLUCHT NOV. 1938
FRANKREICH ÜBERLEBT

Translation:
“Here lived Sophie Sack, née Rittenberg, born 1890, fled November 1938, survived in France” (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).

The design prompts passersby to pause and reflect, with the inscription serving as a direct link to the individual’s story.

Significance and Symbolism

Stolpersteine are intended to integrate remembrance into daily life. The term “stumbling stone” is metaphorical, encouraging people to “stumble” emotionally and intellectually as they encounter the memorial (germany.info). Demnig’s project personalizes history by naming victims and restoring their presence to the places where they once lived.

In Baden-Baden, Stolpersteine have become vital components of the city’s remembrance culture, fostering dialogue, empathy, and a commitment to never forget (goodnews4.de).

Visiting Experience and Practical Tips

Finding the Stolperstein: Stadelhoferstraße 14 is centrally located and easily found using public transport or walking from the city center.
Accessibility: The stone is at street level. Caution is advised on uneven pavement, especially for wheelchair users.
Visitor Etiquette:
- Pause and read the inscription.
- Consider leaving a small stone, flower, or candle as a gesture of remembrance (PragueViews).
- Discreet photography is permitted; avoid obstructing foot traffic or residents’ entrances.
- On remembrance days, gentle cleaning of the stone is a respected act (Stolpersteine.cz).

Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities

Local organizations and the Baden-Baden Tourist Information office offer guided walking tours, which often include the Stolpersteine and other sites significant to Jewish history. These tours provide historical context and personal stories, enriching the visitor experience (Baden-Baden Tourist Information; The Tourist Checklist). For self-guided visits, apps like the Stolpersteine Guide can provide maps and biographies.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Baden-Baden is renowned for its spas, architecture, and museums. After visiting the Sophie Sack Stolperstein, consider exploring:

Other Stolpersteine nearby, including those dedicated to the Sack family (Mapcarta).
Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church): The city’s oldest building (Germany Footsteps).
Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden: Exhibits on local history and the Jewish community (Germany Footsteps).
Kurhaus and Lichtentaler Allee: Iconic spa complex and scenic promenade (The Tourist Checklist).

Wear comfortable shoes and plan for weather conditions, as the site is outdoors.

Preservation and Community Involvement

Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden are maintained by local volunteers, organizations, and descendants of those commemorated. Periodic cleaning and restoration ensure that the plaques remain visible and dignified. Community events, especially on Holocaust Memorial Day, foster collective remembrance and education (goodnews4.de).

Controversies and Ongoing Debates

Some Jewish organizations have criticized the project’s placement of plaques in the ground, fearing that names may be stepped over and disrespected (fabriziomusacchio.com). Supporters argue that integrating the stones into public life ensures ongoing remembrance. In Baden-Baden, discussions continue about enhancing respect for sites of Jewish heritage (goodnews4.de).

Digital Resources and Further Engagement

Stolpersteine Guide App: Stolpersteine Guide for maps, biographies, and self-guided tours.
Audiala App: Audiala for audio tours and interactive experiences.
Online Databases: Baden-Baden Gedenkbuch, Stolpersteine project site.

Responsible Tourism and Ethical Considerations

Respect for Residents: Stolpersteine are placed in front of private homes—avoid blocking entrances or lingering in doorways.
No Commercialization: Treat the stones as sites of memory, not as tourist attractions.
Support Local Initiatives: Consider supporting remembrance projects through donations or volunteer work.

Safety and Accessibility

Baden-Baden is a safe city. The Stolperstein is in a well-trafficked area. Those with mobility challenges should be mindful of uneven pavement but will find no steps or barriers at the site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Brass memorial stones embedded in sidewalks, commemorating victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residences.

What are the visiting hours for the Sophie Sack Stolperstein?
Accessible 24/7 as part of the public sidewalk.

Is there an admission fee?
No—visiting Stolpersteine is free.

How do I get there?
Stadelhoferstraße 14, a short walk from the city center; accessible by public transport.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Check with the Baden-Baden tourist office or Stolpersteine Guide app.

How should I behave when visiting?
Pause, read the inscription, consider leaving a token, and be respectful of residents.

Conclusion

The Sophie Sack Stolperstein in Baden-Baden stands as a powerful testament to the endurance of memory, the importance of individual stories, and the city’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance. Open year-round and free to all, this small plaque invites quiet reflection as part of daily life. Visitors can enhance their experience by attending on remembrance days, joining guided tours, and exploring related sites and digital resources.

By visiting, pausing, and remembering, you help carry forward the legacy of Sophie Sack and countless others. For further engagement, download the Audiala app, join local remembrance events, and consult resources for ongoing updates on Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage in Baden-Baden.