Stolperstein Dedicated To Elise Godlewsky

Stolperstein Elise Godlewsky Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Remembering Elise Godlewsky in Karlsruhe

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Elise Godlewsky in Karlsruhe, Germany, is more than a memorial—it’s a personal invitation to reflect on the lives lost during the Holocaust. Stolpersteine are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, commemorating individuals persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 107,000 stones installed in nearly 1,900 communities by 2024 (pragueviews.com, stolpersteine.eu). Each stone marks the last freely chosen residence or workplace of a victim, transforming everyday urban spaces into sites of remembrance and historical reflection.

Elise Godlewsky, born in 1895, and her husband Arthur are commemorated with Stolpersteine at Pfinztalstraße 84 in Karlsruhe’s Durlach district. Their story reflects the broader tragedy of Nazi persecution, particularly the fate of Jewish families during events like the Wagner-Bürckel Aktion. The Stolperstein for Elise Godlewsky restores her name and narrative to the city’s collective memory, encouraging visitors to pause and engage with the past (ka.stadtwiki.net, tracesofwar.com).

Accessible 24/7 in a public space with no entrance fees, the Stolperstein invites all to respectfully reflect on the individual lives behind Holocaust statistics. The act of bowing down to read the inscription embodies humility and remembrance, echoing the project’s philosophy: “You must bow before the victim” (pebblegalaxy.blog). This guide provides detailed visitor information, historical context, etiquette, and recommendations for exploring nearby sites, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking to connect with Karlsruhe’s living history.

Introduction
Historical Background: Elise Godlewsky and the Stolpersteine Project
The Stolperstein in Karlsruhe: Location, Hours, and Accessibility
Visiting Etiquette and Best Practices
Community Engagement and Commemoration
Educational Value and Societal Impact
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background: Elise Godlewsky and the Stolpersteine Project

Elise “Else” Godlewsky, née Lemberger, was born on April 9, 1895, in Rexingen, Germany. After moving to Karlsruhe, she and her husband Arthur sought safety in Konstanz in 1938 amid rising Nazi persecution but were ultimately deported during the Wagner-Bürckel Aktion in October 1940. Their memory, alongside countless others, is preserved through the Stolpersteine embedded at Pfinztalstraße 84 in Karlsruhe (ka.stadtwiki.net, tracesofwar.com).

The Stolpersteine project, started by Gunter Demnig, aims to humanize Holocaust remembrance by placing memorials at the last known residences of victims. Each brass plaque is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, date of deportation, and, if known, date of death. As of 2024, the initiative has expanded to more than 1,860 municipalities across 31 countries (stolpersteine.eu).

The Stolperstein in Karlsruhe: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location:
The Stolperstein for Elise Godlewsky is located at Pfinztalstraße 84 in the historic Durlach district of Karlsruhe. The exact coordinates are 48.999412, 8.467959 (tracesofwar.com). The stone is set in the pavement in front of the building, marking the last chosen residence of Elise and Arthur Godlewsky.

Accessibility:

The memorial is integrated into a public sidewalk, making it accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
The Durlach district is easily reachable from Karlsruhe’s city center by tram, bus, or on foot.
No special arrangements or tickets are required for a visit.

Visiting Hours and Tickets:

The Stolperstein is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There is no entrance fee or ticket required.

Guided Tours:

Local historical societies and the Karlsruhe tourism office offer guided Stolpersteine walks, providing deeper context and biographical details (ka.stadtwiki.net).
The Stolpersteine Guide app offers maps, biographies, and walking tours.

Visiting Etiquette and Best Practices

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to bow your head, read the inscription, and remember the life commemorated. The act of bowing is a symbolic gesture of respect (pragueviews.com).
Photography: Discreet photography is permitted. If sharing photos online, include educational context when possible.
Cleaning: On Holocaust Remembrance Day and other occasions, local volunteers clean Stolpersteine to keep their inscriptions legible (bnn.de). Visitors may gently clean the stone with a soft cloth as a sign of respect.
Respect: Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor, especially during ceremonies or if others are present. Avoid placing objects or candles directly on the stone; flowers may be left nearby.
Leave No Trace: Please be mindful not to obstruct pedestrian traffic or disturb local residents.

Community Engagement and Commemoration

The Stolpersteine project in Karlsruhe is driven by community involvement. Stones are often sponsored by relatives, residents, or local organizations, who also take part in cleaning and remembrance ceremonies. These events and ongoing care foster collective responsibility and strengthen intergenerational dialogue (folklife.si.edu, bnn.de).

Educational Value and Societal Impact

Stolpersteine serve as powerful educational tools. Karlsruhe schools and youth groups often research the biographies of local victims and participate in installation or cleaning events, promoting historical literacy, empathy, and civic responsibility (pebblegalaxy.blog). The project’s inclusivity honors the diversity of Nazi victims and ensures that remembrance is ongoing and relevant (gedenkbuch.karlsruhe.de).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Other Stolpersteine: Explore additional Stolpersteine throughout Karlsruhe, especially in historic Jewish neighborhoods.
Historical Sites: Combine your visit with the Karlsruhe Palace, Baden State Museum, St. Peter und Paul church, and the Jewish Cemetery for a richer understanding of the city’s history (mapcarta.com).
Rosgartenmuseum (Konstanz): If visiting the region, explore broader Jewish history and Holocaust remembrance at related sites.
Travel Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter, more contemplative visits.
Guided Tours: Check with the Karlsruhe tourism office or local historical societies for scheduled Stolpersteine walks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Elise Godlewsky located?
A: Pfinztalstraße 84, Karlsruhe, Durlach district (tracesofwar.com).

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible at all times with no restrictions or fees.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are offered by local historical societies and the Karlsruhe tourism office (ka.stadtwiki.net).

Q: Is the memorial accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the site is wheelchair accessible.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Discreet, respectful photography is allowed.

Q: Can I leave flowers or other tributes?
A: Flowers may be left nearby; avoid placing objects directly on the brass plaque.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Elise Godlewsky is a profound testament to the power of personal remembrance and collective responsibility. By integrating memory into everyday environments, the Stolpersteine project ensures that the victims of the Holocaust are remembered as individuals, not just as statistics. Visitors to Karlsruhe are encouraged to explore this living memorial, engage with local history, and participate in remembrance—whether through quiet reflection, guided tours, or community events.

For an enriched experience, download the Audiala app for guided audio tours of Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine and other historical sites. Follow local heritage organizations and our social media channels for updates on remembrance events, educational resources, and new memorials. Let your visit be a commitment to empathy, remembrance, and a future free from intolerance.