Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Friedrich Schafranek embedded in the sidewalk in Frankfurt, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Friedrich Schafranek

Stolperstein Friedrich Schafranek: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Frankfurt Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction to the Stolperstein Dedicated to Friedrich Schafranek in Frankfurt

The Stolperstein dedicated to Friedrich Schafranek in Frankfurt is more than a memorial—it serves as a personal and public remembrance of the Holocaust and the city’s once-vibrant Jewish community. Stolpersteine, meaning “stumbling stones,” are small, brass-plated cobblestones installed in front of the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project has grown into the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 107,000 stones installed across Europe by 2024 (stolpersteine.eu).

Friedrich Schafranek’s Stolperstein is located at Kronberger Straße 30, in Frankfurt’s historic Westend. His story is one of endurance and reconciliation: deported to the Łódź Ghetto, imprisoned in Auschwitz and Dachau, and ultimately dedicating his postwar life to advocacy and remembrance. The memorial not only commemorates his life but also invites ongoing reflection in a district rich with Jewish heritage and nearby historical sites, including the Jewish Museum Frankfurt and the Westend Synagogue (de.wikipedia.org).

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Stolpersteine project, practical tips for visiting Schafranek’s Stolperstein, and recommendations for exploring Frankfurt’s related historical sites. It aims to support visitors in making their experience both meaningful and respectful (IamExpat).

Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project
Purpose and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Memorial
Community Involvement and Memorial Design
Geographic Reach and Expansion
Visiting Stolpersteine in Frankfurt: Practical Information
Commemoration Practices and Public Engagement
Criticism and Ongoing Debate
The Friedrich Schafranek Stolperstein: Context and Significance
Visitor Guide and FAQs
Summary and Visitor Tips
References and Further Reading

Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project

Initiated by Gunter Demnig in 1992/93, the Stolpersteine project is the largest decentralized Holocaust memorial worldwide. Each Stolperstein is a brass-plated cobblestone, placed at the last freely chosen residence of someone persecuted or murdered by the Nazis (stolpersteine.eu). Inspired by the Talmudic teaching, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten,” Demnig’s project began as an unofficial act before gaining support from communities, historical societies, and municipal authorities. By 2024, over 107,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in nearly 1,900 municipalities across 30 European countries.

Purpose and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Memorial

Stolpersteine are both memorial and public art, designed to integrate remembrance with everyday life. The stones are intentionally subtle—requiring passersby to look down and bow their heads, symbolically honoring the individual commemorated. The project memorializes not only Jews, but also Sinti and Roma, political prisoners, Jehovah’s Witnesses, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others persecuted under National Socialism (IamExpat; stolpersteine.eu).

Community Involvement and Memorial Design

From its inception, the project has relied on community involvement. The process of researching, funding, and installing each stone often includes historians, local archives, schools, and the families of victims (stolpersteine.eu). Each Stolperstein measures approximately 10 x 10 x 10 cm and is set flush with the pavement, engraved with the victim’s details.

In Frankfurt, over 2,000 Stolpersteine have been installed since 2003, coordinated by local initiatives and supported by the city’s Jewish Museum and Institute for Urban History (de.wikipedia.org).

Geographic Reach and Expansion

The project began in Germany but has since expanded to over 25 countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Norway, Greece, Poland, and Ukraine (stolpersteine.eu). Frankfurt holds a significant place in this network, with Stolpersteine present across almost all city districts. Comprehensive lists, maps, and interactive guides are available online for visitors (de.wikipedia.org).

Visiting Stolpersteine in Frankfurt: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Stolpersteine are located in public sidewalks and are accessible at all times, free of charge. There are no tickets or admission fees, and most stones are wheelchair accessible.

Guided Tours and Resources

Walking tours focused on Stolpersteine and Jewish history are available through local organizations and the Frankfurt tourism office. The Stolpersteine Guide app and online maps help visitors locate specific stones and access biographies.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes; stones are spread throughout the city.
Use online resources and apps to plan your route.
Visit related sites such as the Jewish Museum Frankfurt and Westend Synagogue for additional context.

Visuals

Maps, photographs, and even virtual tours are available through official websites, providing visual context and aiding navigation.

Commemoration Practices and Public Engagement

Stolpersteine are integral to Germany’s remembrance culture (“Erinnerungskultur”). On dates such as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9), locals clean and polish the stones, leave flowers or candles, and hold ceremonies (IamExpat). Digital databases, apps, and interactive maps enhance public engagement and accessibility.

Criticism and Ongoing Debate

Some critics argue that placing the stones on the ground is disrespectful, as people may step on or soil them. Others believe this placement is a powerful reminder of the victims’ presence in daily life (IamExpat). The ongoing debate reflects larger questions about how societies confront and remember difficult histories.

The Friedrich Schafranek Stolperstein: Context and Significance

Friedrich Schafranek was born in 1924 in Frankfurt and deported to the Łódź Ghetto, later surviving Auschwitz and Dachau. After the war, he became a pastor and advocate for reconciliation. His Stolperstein, located at Kronberger Straße 30 in the Westend, is not only a personal tribute but also part of a wider network of remembrance throughout Frankfurt (de.wikipedia.org).

The memorial’s location in a historically Jewish neighborhood, near other significant sites such as the Westend Synagogue and Jewish Museum, enriches its meaning and provides context for visitors.

Visitor Guide and FAQs

Location and Description

Address: Kronberger Straße 30, Frankfurt Westend
Description: A small, hand-engraved brass plaque embedded in the sidewalk. The inscription reads:

Hier wohnte
Friedrich Schafranek
[Year of Birth]
[Details of Deportation or Persecution]
[Date and Place of Death, if known]
Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible, with smooth pavement.
Admission: Free and open 24/7.

How to Find the Stolperstein

Use the Stolpersteine Frankfurt database or the Frankfurt Geoportal city map.
The Westend district is easily accessible by U-Bahn lines U6/U7 (Westend station), trams, and buses.

Etiquette

Approach quietly and respectfully.
Step around (not on) the stone as a sign of respect.
Photography is allowed, but be mindful of residents and avoid blocking the sidewalk.
It is customary to gently clean the plaque with a soft cloth or leave a flower or pebble.

Nearby Historical Sites

Jewish Museum Frankfurt: For broader context on Jewish life in the city (Jewish Museum Frankfurt).
Westend Synagogue: A central site for the Jewish community.
Deportation Memorial near the ECB: Commemorating the mass deportations from Frankfurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Stolpersteine free to visit?
A: Yes, they are embedded in public sidewalks and accessible at any time.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, several organizations and the Frankfurt Tourism Office offer walking tours.

Q: Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most are, but check the specific location for pavement conditions.

Q: Can I participate in maintenance or ceremonies?
A: Yes, public cleaning days and ceremonies are often open to all (stolpersteine-frankfurt.de).

Summary and Visitor Tips

The Friedrich Schafranek Stolperstein in Frankfurt’s Westend is a powerful, accessible reminder of individual lives disrupted by Nazi persecution and the city’s ongoing commitment to remembrance. Its location, design, and integration into daily urban life invite visitors to pause, reflect, and honor the past. Utilize online resources and guided tours for a deeper understanding, and observe respectful etiquette during your visit. By engaging with this memorial and others throughout Frankfurt, you become part of a living culture of remembrance (stolpersteine.eu, frankfurt-tourismus.de, Jewish Museum Frankfurt).