Stolperstein dedicated to Dr. Edith Stein in Freiburg Im Breisgau

Stolperstein Dedicated To Dr. Edith Stein (Goethestraße 63)

Visiting the Stolperstein for Dr. Edith Stein in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Dr. Edith Stein at Goethestraße 63 in Freiburg im Breisgau is a poignant symbol of remembrance, history, and reflection. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, each commemorating an individual victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project is now the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed in more than 30 countries by 2025 (stolpersteine-guide.de; stolpersteine.eu).

Dr. Edith Stein, born in 1891, was a German-Jewish philosopher and Carmelite nun whose intellectual journey and tragic death at Auschwitz are emblematic of the stories the Stolpersteine seek to preserve. The stone at Goethestraße 63 marks one of her Freiburg residences, inviting visitors to engage with her legacy and the wider history of Nazi persecution (edith-stein.eu; britannica.com).

This guide provides essential information about visiting the Stolperstein for Dr. Edith Stein: its historical context, cultural significance, practical visiting details, and recommendations for exploring Freiburg’s memorial landscape.

Origins and Concept of Stolpersteine
Stolpersteine in Freiburg im Breisgau
The European Scope of Stolpersteine
Dr. Edith Stein: Life, Legacy, and Connection to Freiburg
The Stolperstein for Dr. Edith Stein at Goethestraße 63
Practical Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions and Photographic Spots
Rituals, Controversies, and Community Engagement
Educational Impact and Ongoing Research
Stolpersteine in Europe’s Memorial Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Origins and Concept of Stolpersteine

The Stolpersteine project was initiated in 1992 by Gunter Demnig to offer a decentralized, personal form of Holocaust remembrance. Rather than erecting large monuments, Demnig’s vision involved placing small memorial stones at the last freely chosen residences of Nazi victims (pragueviews.com; stolpersteine-berlin.de). The stones commemorate Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, victims of the Nazi “euthanasia” program, and others persecuted between 1933 and 1945 (stolpersteine-berlin.de).

Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate, beginning with “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”), followed by the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, when known, the date and place of death (pragueviews.com). Installations are often accompanied by public ceremonies that serve as acts of remembrance and education.

Stolpersteine in Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg, with its rich academic and cultural heritage, began participating in the Stolpersteine project in 2002. The city now hosts over 480 stones, each marking the last freely chosen residence of a victim (stolpersteine-in-freiburg.de; de.wikipedia.org). The local initiative, spearheaded by Marlis Meckel, has become a significant educational and commemorative force in the city (freiburg-schwarzwald.de).

The European Scope of Stolpersteine

As of 2025, the Stolpersteine project has expanded across more than 30 European countries, including Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Norway, and Greece (stolpersteine.eu; folklife.si.edu). The project’s decentralized nature empowers local communities and families to sponsor and maintain stones, fostering personal responsibility for remembrance.

Dr. Edith Stein: Life, Legacy, and Connection to Freiburg

Dr. Edith Stein (1891–1942) was a pioneering philosopher, academic, and later a Carmelite nun known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Born in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland) to a Jewish family, she studied under Edmund Husserl at the University of Freiburg, where she completed her doctorate (britannica.com; The Famous People; Edytastein.org.pl).

Her academic and spiritual journey led her from Judaism through atheism to Catholicism, culminating in her entry into the Carmelite order. The Nazi rise to power forced her to flee Germany for the Netherlands, where she was arrested and deported to Auschwitz in 1942. She was canonized in 1998 and later declared a co-patroness of Europe (Pillar Catholic).

Edith Stein’s connection to Freiburg is especially significant: she studied, taught, and lived in the city, contributing deeply to its academic and cultural life (edith-stein.eu).

The Stolperstein for Dr. Edith Stein at Goethestraße 63

Location and Description

The Stolperstein for Dr. Edith Stein is located in the sidewalk outside Goethestraße 63, near the University of Freiburg and within walking distance of the city center. The brass plate is inscribed:

“Hier wohnte Dr. Edith Stein, geboren 1891, deportiert 1942, ermordet in Auschwitz.”

The stone is maintained by local volunteers to ensure its visibility and dignity (stolpersteine-guide.de).

Significance

This Stolperstein not only marks a location from Edith Stein’s life but also personalizes the tragedy of the Holocaust, transforming abstract history into a tangible, individual story. It is part of a broader network of memorials in Freiburg and across Europe, reflecting both local and continental commitment to remembrance.

Practical Visitor Information

Accessibility & Hours: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk and is accessible 24/7 without any entry fee or tickets.
How to Get There: From Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), it is a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride to Goethestraße 63.
Guided Tours: Local organizations and the Freiburg tourist office offer guided Stolpersteine tours—booking ahead is recommended.
Etiquette: Visitors are encouraged to pause and reflect, gently clean the stone as a sign of respect, or leave a stone or flower. Discreet photography is allowed; be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and local residents.
Accessibility: The area is wheelchair accessible and pedestrian-friendly.

Nearby Attractions and Photographic Spots

Other Edith Stein Memorials: Visit additional Stolpersteine at Zasiusstraße 24 and Spitzackerstraße 16, as well as plaques and the Edith Stein stained-glass window in the Freiburg Münster (edith-stein.eu).
Freiburg Minster (Cathedral): A stunning Gothic landmark, just a short walk away.
University of Freiburg: Explore the campus where Stein studied and taught.
Historic Old Town: Enjoy Freiburg’s picturesque streets, museums, and cafés.

For photography, the Stolperstein at Goethestraße 63 offers impactful close-up opportunities, especially during the early morning or late afternoon light.

Rituals, Controversies, and Community Engagement

Annual commemorations in Freiburg include International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27), the anniversary of the deportation of Baden Jews to Gurs (October 22), and Reichspogromnacht/Kristallnacht (November 9) (freiburg-schwarzwald.de). On these days, residents clean and polish Stolpersteine, reinforcing community memory.

Some critics question the placement of memorials on the ground; cities like Munich have opted for alternative forms. However, the project’s intent is to prompt a bowing gesture of remembrance, and it enjoys strong support in many communities, including Freiburg (folklife.si.edu; iamexpat.de).

Educational Impact and Ongoing Research

The Stolpersteine serve as accessible educational tools. In Freiburg, schools, local organizations, and civic groups regularly organize guided tours and research projects (freiburg-schwarzwald.de). Work continues to document all local victims and address gaps in public commemoration.

Stolpersteine in Europe’s Memorial Landscape

Unlike centralized monuments, Stolpersteine embed memory in daily urban life, fostering personal engagement and reflection (folklife.si.edu). The project’s inclusivity and focus on individual stories make it a powerful educational and commemorative tool throughout Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where are Stolpersteine located in Freiburg?
Primarily in historic neighborhoods such as Wiehre and the city center. Key sites include Goethestraße 63 (Dr. Edith Stein), Zasiusstraße 24, and Spitzackerstraße 16.

Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the stones are embedded in public sidewalks and are generally wheelchair accessible.

Do I need tickets to visit Stolpersteine?
No, they are public memorials accessible at all times without tickets or fees.

Can visitors participate in commemorative events?
Yes, especially on designated remembrance days; check with local organizations for details.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, tours are offered by local groups and the Freiburg tourist office—advance booking is advised.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Dr. Edith Stein at Goethestraße 63 offers a deeply moving encounter with history and remembrance. This powerful memorial connects personal narratives of Nazi persecution to Freiburg’s vibrant urban landscape and the wider European context. The site is easily accessible, always open, and surrounded by other significant historical attractions.

We encourage visitors to approach the Stolperstein with respect, explore nearby cultural sites, and consider participating in guided tours or commemorative events. For a richer experience, download the Stolpersteine Guide app and the Audiala app for audio guides, and follow Freiburg’s tourism platforms for updates. By engaging with this memorial, you help ensure that the stories of Dr. Edith Stein and countless others are never forgotten (germany.info; stolpersteine.eu).