Stolperstein Dedicated To Erna Rosenberger

Stolperstein Erna Rosenberger Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein for Erna Rosenberger in Karlsruhe stands as a deeply moving memorial to a Jewish family tragically uprooted during the Holocaust. These “stumbling stones,” created by artist Gunter Demnig, are brass plaques set into city sidewalks to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residences. The Stolperstein for Erna Rosenberger, located at Marienstraße 32 in the Südstadt district, invites visitors to reflect on individual stories behind the Holocaust and engage with Karlsruhe’s broader culture of remembrance (Stolpersteine.eu; Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).

This guide delivers essential information: historical context, practical details for visiting, accessibility, tips for meaningful engagement, and related sites to explore in Karlsruhe. Whether you are a resident, traveler, or history enthusiast, this article will help you plan a respectful and enriching visit to this significant memorial.

Historical Background of Erna Rosenberger and Her Family
The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Purpose
Visiting the Rosenberger Stolperstein: Location and Accessibility
Practical Visitor Information
Cultural and Educational Importance
Nearby Historical Sites in Karlsruhe
Visitor Etiquette and Best Practices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Call to Action
References and Further Reading

Historical Background of Erna Rosenberger and Her Family

Erna Rosenberger (née Frankenstein) was born on March 29, 1894, in Northeim. She married Emil Rosenberger and settled in Karlsruhe, where they raised their daughters, Ilse and Herta. The family lived at Marienstraße 32, running an ironware shop and participating in the community (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe).

With the rise of National Socialism, the Rosenberger family, like many German Jews, faced escalating persecution. In 1940, they moved to Stuttgart, where Emil worked for the Jüdische Mittelstelle—a support organization for Jews. In 1942, the entire family was deported to the Izbica transit ghetto in occupied Poland; their fate remains unknown (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe). The Stolperstein at Marienstraße 32 commemorates their last voluntary residence, preserving their names and story for future generations (Mapcarta).

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Purpose

Created by Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Each 10 x 10 cm brass plaque is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and is set into the pavement at their last freely chosen address (Stolpersteine.eu). As of 2025, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across Europe (Germany.info).

The project’s aim is to bring remembrance into daily life, prompting passersby to “stumble” mentally and reflect on the lives lost. The act of reading the inscription—requiring one to bow—symbolizes respect for the victims (Prague Views). Each Stolperstein restores the dignity and individuality stripped away by the Nazis, making the stories of Holocaust victims visible in the urban landscape (Folklife Magazine).

Visiting the Rosenberger Stolperstein: Location and Accessibility

Address: Marienstraße 32, 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany

The Stolperstein for Erna Rosenberger is set into the sidewalk outside her former home and shop in the Südstadt district. This residential neighborhood, easily reached via public transport or by foot, is well-known for its historical significance and accessibility (Mapcarta).

Public Transport: Tram stops “Werderstraße” and “Rüppurrer Tor” are both within a short walk.
On Foot/Bike: The area is pedestrian- and bike-friendly.
Accessibility: The site is on a flat, wide pavement suitable for visitors with mobility impairments.

Practical Visitor Information

Hours and Tickets

Visiting Hours: Open at all times; accessible 24/7.
Tickets: No tickets required. The memorial is freely accessible as part of Karlsruhe’s public space.

Guided Tours

Several organizations and the Karlsruhe Tourism Office offer guided walking tours focused on Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage. These tours provide deeper historical context and personal stories. Check the tourism office website or contact local Holocaust remembrance groups for schedules.

Cultural and Educational Importance

Stolpersteine are unique in bringing memory into daily life, challenging indifference and fostering ongoing dialogue about the dangers of intolerance (Prague Views). In Karlsruhe, Stolpersteine are integral to the city’s network of Holocaust memorials and remembrance sites (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Maintaining and cleaning Stolpersteine—especially on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9)—is a local tradition that engages residents, schools, and volunteers (BNN.de). These acts foster community awareness and ensure the memory of victims endures.

Nearby Historical Sites in Karlsruhe

Expand your exploration with these related sites:

Karlsruhe Palace and Gardens: The city’s historic centerpiece.
Jewish Museum Karlsruhe: Dedicated to the region’s Jewish heritage.
Other Stolpersteine: Many can be found throughout the Südstadt and beyond, each telling a unique story (Mapcarta).
Jewish Cemetery: A significant place for remembrance (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Visitor Etiquette and Best Practices

Respect: Avoid standing directly on the plaques. Take a moment to read and reflect.
Cleaning Rituals: On remembrance days, locals may clean the stones; visitors are welcome to participate if events are underway (BNN.de).
Photography: Discreet, respectful photography is permitted.
Language: Inscriptions are in German; bring a translation app or guidebook if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours and ticket requirements?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7, free of charge, as part of the public sidewalk.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. The Karlsruhe tourism office and local organizations offer tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Holocaust memorials.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. The location is on a flat sidewalk, suitable for visitors with mobility impairments.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Discreet photography is allowed—please be respectful of the memorial and nearby residents.

Q: Can I participate in cleaning or remembrance events?
A: Yes. Community groups often organize events around Holocaust remembrance days. Visitors are welcome to join.

Call to Action

To enrich your visit, consider downloading the Audiala app for audio guides and updates on Karlsruhe’s historical sites, including Stolpersteine. Follow local remembrance groups and the tourism office for event announcements. By honoring the memory of Erna Rosenberger and other victims, you help keep the lessons of history alive and support ongoing efforts against intolerance.