Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Fanny Wolf in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Fanny Wolf

Stolperstein Dedicated to Fanny Wolf in Karlsruhe, Germany: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Fanny Wolf in Karlsruhe, Germany, stands as a solemn and evocative memorial to the victims of Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques set into sidewalks throughout Europe, commemorating individuals at the locations of their last freely chosen residences. Originated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the Stolpersteine project has grown into the largest decentralized Holocaust memorial in the world, with over 100,000 stones in 17 countries (Germany.info; PragueViews.com).

Karlsruhe has been participating in this initiative since 2005, with more than 200 Stolpersteine placed across the city to honor Jewish residents and other victims, including the Wolf family. The Stolperstein for Fanny Wolf, situated at her last voluntary residence, connects visitors to her personal story—marked by deportation to Gurs internment camp and her tragic death in 1940. This guide provides comprehensive information on the historical significance of this memorial, visiting hours, accessibility, and nearby Jewish heritage sites in Karlsruhe, offering context and practical tips for a meaningful visit (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Stolpersteine Karlsruhe; Karlsruhe Tourism).

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project
Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: History and Locations
Visiting Information
Nearby Jewish Heritage Sites
Historical Context: Fanny Wolf and the Wolf Family
Etiquette and Community Involvement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Further Resources

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project began with Gunter Demnig’s vision to create a personal, decentralized memorial by embedding engraved brass plaques into city sidewalks at the last residences of Holocaust victims. The first Stolperstein was installed in Cologne in 1992; the project now encompasses over 100,000 stones across Europe (PragueViews.com).

Each Stolperstein (10 x 10 cm) bears the inscription “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”), followed by the victim’s name, birth date, date of deportation, and (if known) date and place of death. Demnig’s initiative is inspired by the Talmudic saying: “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” The project restores individuality and dignity to each victim and provides a daily reminder of history and loss (Germany.info).

Stolpersteine commemorate a diverse group of victims: Jews, Sinti and Roma, people with disabilities, homosexuals, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others targeted by the Nazi regime (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).

Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: History and Locations

Karlsruhe joined the Stolpersteine project in 2005, installing the first eleven stones at Hoffstraße 1. More than 200 Stolpersteine now mark former homes and places of work throughout the city, with a concentration in neighborhoods that had significant Jewish populations (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). Many stones, including Fanny Wolf’s, reference victims of the October 22, 1940, deportation—when hundreds from Karlsruhe were sent to Gurs concentration camp (Mahnmal Neckarzimmern; Mapcarta).

Visiting Information

Hours and Admission

Visiting Hours: Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are accessible 24/7. Daylight hours are recommended for better visibility and safety.
Admission: There is no fee to visit Stolpersteine. The memorials are freely accessible at all times.
Guided Tours: Guided walking tours are occasionally offered by local organizations and museums, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day. Some museum exhibitions may require tickets.

Finding Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe

Interactive Maps: Use the Karlsruhe Stolpersteine app or the official city database for precise locations and background information.
Guided Tours: Organized tours efficiently cover key Stolpersteine, providing historical context and personal stories.

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Wheelchair Accessible: Stolpersteine are installed at street level, making them suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Public Transport: Karlsruhe’s trams and buses stop near most Stolperstein locations.
Visitor Etiquette:
- Pause to read and reflect at each stone.
- Avoid standing directly on the plaques.
- Photography is allowed; be discreet and mindful of local residents.
- Community cleaning of Stolpersteine is welcome—bring a soft cloth if you wish to help.
- Unless local customs permit, refrain from leaving flowers or objects.

Nearby Jewish Heritage Sites

While visiting Fanny Wolf’s Stolperstein, consider exploring these related sites for a fuller understanding of Karlsruhe’s Jewish history:

Karlsruhe Synagogue: An architectural landmark and symbol of Jewish resilience, open Tuesday to Sunday with guided tours available (Karlsruhe Tourism).
Jewish Museum Karlsruhe: Exhibits on Jewish history and culture in the region.
Jewish Cemetery Karlsruhe: A place of remembrance, accessible for visitors.
Other Memorials: Additional Stolpersteine and Holocaust memorials are scattered throughout Karlsruhe.

Historical Context: Fanny Wolf and the Wolf Family

Fanny Wolf was born in 1886 in Königsbach, near Pforzheim, into a Jewish family active in the cattle trade. She received a progressive education and worked in family businesses in both Switzerland and Germany. After the Kristallnacht pogrom in November 1938, Fanny, her brother Wilhelm, and their mother Frieda sought to emigrate to the United States. Despite securing visas in July 1940, they were unable to leave before being deported to the Gurs internment camp in France in October 1940. Fanny died there on December 18, 1940, shortly after the deaths of her mother and brother.

The Stolperstein marking her last freely chosen residence in Karlsruhe not only commemorates her individual story but also serves as a reminder of the broader fate of Jewish families persecuted under the Nazi regime (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe).

Etiquette and Community Involvement

The Stolperstein project in Karlsruhe is supported by residents, schools, and organizations that sponsor stones and organize ceremonies. These community efforts highlight an ongoing commitment to remembrance and education. Some discussions have arisen about the placement of memorials in sidewalks, but in Karlsruhe, Stolpersteine are generally well cared for and respected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is Fanny Wolf’s Stolperstein located?
A: It is installed at her last freely chosen residence in Karlsruhe. Use the Karlsruhe Stolpersteine app or Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe for exact address and directions.

Q: Are there visiting hours or ticket requirements?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials, accessible 24/7 without tickets.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes. The plaques are flush with the pavement and accessible to all.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Contact the Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte e.V. or local museums for information on upcoming tours.

Q: Can I participate in cleaning or maintaining Stolpersteine?
A: Community members are welcome to clean Stolpersteine using a soft cloth and gentle cleaning solution.

Summary and Further Resources

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Fanny Wolf is a powerful way to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and engage with Karlsruhe’s history. As part of the larger Stolpersteine project, these memorials transform ordinary city spaces into sites of reflection and remembrance. By exploring Fanny Wolf’s Stolperstein, nearby heritage sites, and participating in community events, visitors contribute to an ongoing culture of memory and education in Karlsruhe (PragueViews.com; Germany.info; Stolpersteine Karlsruhe; Karlsruhe Tourism).