Stolperstein Dedicated To Fanny Speyer

Stolperstein Fanny Speyer Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial to the victims of National Socialism. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, Stolpersteine are small, brass-plated cobblestones embedded in the pavements outside the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted by the Nazis. These memorials, found across Europe, serve as powerful reminders of individual lives disrupted and destroyed during the Holocaust, by bringing personal stories into the public consciousness and fostering a culture of remembrance.

Karlsruhe, a city in southwest Germany, has been a committed participant in the project since 2003, installing nearly 300 Stolpersteine across its districts. Among these is the Stolperstein for Fanny Speyer, a Jewish resident of Karlsruhe whose memory is preserved at her last residence. This guide provides detailed information on the location, historical context, visitor logistics, and cultural significance of the Fanny Speyer Stolperstein, ensuring a respectful and enriching visit. (Stolpersteine Speyer, Karlsruhe City Archive, Stolpersteine Guide)

Introduction
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose
Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Local Context
The Story of Fanny Speyer and Her Memorial
Artistic and Symbolic Dimensions
Community Involvement and Remembrance Practices
Visiting Information: Hours, Accessibility, and Tours
Cultural and Educational Significance
Community Engagement and Ongoing Remembrance
Ethical Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources and References
Call to Action

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose

Launched by Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project commemorates individuals persecuted or murdered by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945. The project began as a symbolic act in Cologne, marking the 50th anniversary of the Auschwitz Decree, and evolved into a European-wide initiative. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm concrete block with a hand-inscribed brass plate, placed in front of the last freely chosen residence of a victim. The inscription typically lists the person’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death.

There are now over 100,000 Stolpersteine in more than 1,200 cities and towns across 21 European countries, remembering Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others persecuted by the Nazis. The project’s central philosophy is encapsulated in the Talmudic maxim: “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” (IamExpat, Stolpersteine Speyer)

Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Local Context

Karlsruhe’s first Stolpersteine were installed in 2003, and by 2017, nearly 300 stones had been laid throughout the city (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). These memorials honor a wide range of victims—Jews, Sinti and Roma, political prisoners, and others. The installation process involves collaboration between local historians, schools, civic groups, and the families of victims, ensuring each stone is rooted in personal biography and local history.

The Stolpersteine are spread across central districts and neighborhoods like Mühlburg, Durlach, and Wolfartsweier, making Karlsruhe’s urban landscape a living memorial. (Karlsruhe City Archive, Stadtwiki Karlsruhe)

The Story of Fanny Speyer and Her Memorial

Fanny Speyer was a Jewish resident of Karlsruhe who became a victim of the Nazi regime’s persecution. While detailed biographical records may be sparse, her Stolperstein—placed at her last freely chosen residence—serves as a public testament to her life and to the destruction wrought by the Holocaust. The act of installing her Stolperstein restores her name and story to the city’s collective memory, symbolizing the vibrant Jewish community that once flourished in Karlsruhe. (Stolpersteine Guide)

Artistic and Symbolic Dimensions

The Stolpersteine are intentionally modest in design. Their small size and placement in everyday city spaces are meant to provoke a “stumble” of thought and remembrance, not a physical trip. Reading a Stolperstein often requires one to stoop, which the artist describes as a symbolic act of respect for the victims. The brass plates weather and must be cared for, turning remembrance into an ongoing communal act. Each stone is handmade, and their installation is typically funded by local sponsors, residents, or descendants, further rooting the memorials in community participation. (Germany.info, Folklife Magazine)

Community Involvement and Remembrance Practices

The installation of Stolpersteine often includes public ceremonies with local residents, schoolchildren, and sometimes surviving family members. These events may feature readings, music, and moments of silence. Community members regularly clean and polish the stones, especially around commemorative dates like International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9), ensuring the memorials remain visible and honored. (Folklife Magazine, IamExpat)

Visiting Information: Hours, Accessibility, and Tours

Location and Accessibility

The Stolperstein for Fanny Speyer is embedded in the pavement outside her last freely chosen residence in Karlsruhe. The precise address can be found using the interactive city map of remembrance sites or the Stolpersteine Guide app. The site is easily reached by public transportation and is generally accessible to wheelchair users, though some older pavements may be uneven. (mapcarta.com)

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Stolpersteine are public memorials in open urban spaces. They are accessible at all times, with no restrictions, tickets, or entry fees. Daylight hours are best for reading inscriptions and photography.

Guided Tours and Events

Local organizations and the Karlsruhe City Archive occasionally offer guided walking tours focused on Stolpersteine and Holocaust history. These tours provide historical context, personal stories, and opportunities for respectful engagement. Special ceremonies and cleaning campaigns are held on significant dates. Information about upcoming tours and events can be found on the city’s remembrance culture portal and through local organizations (bnn.de).

Nearby Historical Sites

Nearby, visitors can explore the Karlsruhe Palace and State Museum, the Jewish Museum, and other Stolpersteine. These sites further illuminate the city’s Jewish heritage and the impact of the Holocaust on the community. (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe)

Practical Visitor Tips

Preparation: Research Fanny Speyer’s biography and the Stolperstein project before your visit.
Dress for the Weather: As Stolpersteine are outdoors, prepare for rain or sun. A soft cloth can help clean the stone if necessary.
Respectful Conduct: Pause to read the inscription, and consider leaving a flower or small stone as a sign of remembrance. Avoid standing directly on the stone.
Photography: Discreet photos are permitted, but be mindful of residents and the solemn nature of the site.
Language: Inscriptions are in German, but translations are available online and through mobile apps.
Accessibility: Pavements are generally accessible, though some areas may be uneven.
Family and Educational Visits: Prepare children or students in advance, and encourage discussion and reflection.

Cultural and Educational Significance

Stolpersteine are not just memorials, but educational tools. Local schools and civic groups often research the biographies of the victims, “adopting” Stolpersteine and participating in ceremonies and maintenance. This hands-on approach brings history alive and encourages intergenerational responsibility for remembrance. The inclusion of non-Jewish victims in recent years has broadened the project’s scope, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of Nazi persecution. (Stolpersteine für Speyer)

Community Engagement and Ongoing Remembrance

The Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe are maintained through volunteer cleaning campaigns and community events, often organized by local associations like the Reservistenkameradschaft Karlsruhe (rk-karlsruhe.de). Public participation is welcomed, especially during annual cleaning and remembrance activities.

Ethical Considerations

Some debate exists about embedding Stolpersteine in the pavement, with concerns that walking over the names may be disrespectful. The project’s intention, however, is to integrate memory into daily life, ensuring remembrance is encountered by all. Visitors are encouraged to approach the stones thoughtfully and respectfully, balancing public memory with sensitivity for survivors and descendants. (Stolpersteine.eu)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Fanny Speyer located?
A: In the pavement outside her last freely chosen residence in Karlsruhe. Use the Stolpersteine Guide app or city map for precise location.

Q: Are there tickets or visiting hours?
A: No, Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7 and free of charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local organizations offer guided remembrance walks. Check the city portal for schedules.

Q: Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Generally yes, though some pavements may be uneven.

Q: Can I participate in cleaning campaigns or commemorative events?
A: Yes, visitors are welcome to join local cleaning and remembrance activities.

Additional Resources and References

Call to Action

Plan your visit to the Stolperstein for Fanny Speyer in Karlsruhe to take part in a meaningful act of remembrance. Download the Stolpersteine Guide app for maps and biographies, join a guided tour, or participate in local commemorative events. For an enhanced experience, consider using the Audiala app to access guided audio tours and historical insights. Follow local remembrance organizations on social media to stay updated on events and opportunities for community engagement.