Stolperstein Dedicated To Ferdinand Homburger

Visiting the Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger in Karlsruhe, Germany: Guide and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger—Significance and Visitor Overview

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Ferdinand Homburger in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a profound way to engage with the memory of individuals who suffered under National Socialism. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate victims of the Holocaust at their last freely chosen residences. The Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger is found at Karl-Friedrich-Straße 20, marking the site where he lived before his deportation and death in the Gurs internment camp during World War II. This memorial is part of artist Gunter Demnig’s international project—the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial—which integrates remembrance into daily urban life (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Stolpersteine Project Website; BNN.de).

Karlsruhe hosts nearly 300 Stolpersteine, each recalling stories of persecution, loss, and resilience from the city’s once-vibrant Jewish community. The Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger is not only a marker of tragedy but also a prompt for reflection, situated near other significant sites such as the Karlsruhe Synagogue and the Memorial to the Victims of National Socialism.

This guide offers historical context, detailed visitor information, accessibility tips, nearby attractions, and ways to respectfully engage with this meaningful memorial. Whether you are a history enthusiast, educator, or traveler, a visit to the Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger provides a unique window into Karlsruhe’s past and a call to uphold human rights and remembrance today.

Introduction
Historical Background of the Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger
Cultural and Memorial Significance
Location, Accessibility, and Visiting Hours
Practical Visitor Tips
Jewish Life and Persecution in Karlsruhe: Context
Community Involvement and Educational Value
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources and Official Links

Historical Background of the Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger

Ferdinand Homburger was born on December 28, 1860, and lived at Karl-Friedrich-Straße 20 from 1907 until 1939. On October 22, 1940, he was deported to the Gurs internment camp in southern France during the Wagner-Bürckel Aktion and died there on January 28, 1941, aged 80 (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Traces of War). His Stolperstein was installed on August 20, 2007, as a lasting reminder of his life and the atrocities of the Holocaust.

The Stolpersteine project, initiated by Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, places these memorial stones at the last freely chosen residences of victims. Each stone is engraved with the individual’s name, birth date, fate, and—when known—date and place of death (Stadt Karlsruhe; Stolpersteine.eu). As of 2025, Karlsruhe has nearly 300 Stolpersteine, each keeping memory alive within the city’s landscape (BNN).

Cultural and Memorial Significance

Stolpersteine serve as decentralized, grassroots memorials, integrating Holocaust remembrance into the everyday rhythm of city life. Their intention is to create a “mental stumbling”—inviting passersby to pause and remember those who once lived at these addresses (Stadt Karlsruhe). The project’s community aspect is vital: local groups and individuals organize regular cleaning and remembrance events, thus ensuring the personal stories behind each stone remain present in public consciousness (BNN).

The Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger stands in front of a busy bakery, juxtaposing daily life with remembrance and underscoring how the Holocaust’s memory is woven into Karlsruhe’s urban environment.

Location, Accessibility, and Visiting Hours

Address: Karl-Friedrich-Straße 20, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
Coordinates: 49.007327 N, 8.403661 E (Traces of War)

Access: The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk, making it accessible 24/7 with no admission fee or tickets required.
Public Transport: Nearby tram lines include S1, S11, S2, S5, and Tram 1, 3, 4; closest stops are Herrenstraße and Marktplatz.
Parking: Herrenstraße BBB garage is about 60 meters away.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The area is flat and pedestrian-friendly; the stone is flush with the pavement.

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Year-round; daylight hours are recommended for visibility and safety.
Remembrance Days: Consider visiting on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) or during October deportation commemorations for a more meaningful experience.
What to Bring: Walking shoes; a soft cloth and water for cleaning the stone, as is tradition.
Guided Tours: The Karlsruhe Tourist Office and local organizations offer guided tours that include Stolpersteine and other historic sites (Culture Tourist).
Nearby Amenities: Numerous cafes and shops nearby offer spaces for rest and reflection.

Jewish Life and Persecution in Karlsruhe: Context

Prior to the Nazi era, Karlsruhe’s Jewish community was vibrant, with synagogues, businesses, and cultural institutions woven into the city’s fabric (Stadt Karlsruhe). The 1930s brought systematic persecution, culminating in mass deportations in October 1940 when over 6,500 Jews from Baden and Saar-Palatinate were sent to Gurs—including Ferdinand Homburger (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). The Stolperstein thus commemorates both an individual tragedy and the broader history of Jewish life, loss, and resilience in Karlsruhe.

Community Involvement and Educational Value

Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine are maintained through the dedication of local schools, civic groups, and individuals who clean the stones and organize remembrance ceremonies. Educational programs help foster empathy, civic responsibility, and intergenerational dialogue (BNN).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an admission fee to visit the Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger?
A: No, the Stolperstein is outdoors and freely accessible at any time.

Q: Are there guided tours available?
A: Yes, several local organizations and the Tourist Office offer guided and virtual tours.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the Stolperstein is flush with the pavement and in a pedestrian-friendly area.

Q: Can I help with Stolperstein maintenance?
A: Yes, local organizations welcome volunteers for cleaning and remembrance events.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger in Karlsruhe stands as a moving testament to the lives disrupted by the Holocaust and to the resilience of the Jewish community. Freely accessible at Karl-Friedrich-Straße 20, it invites visitors to reflect on history through personal stories and active remembrance. For deeper engagement, consider joining guided tours or remembrance events and pairing your visit with nearby historical sites, such as the Karlsruhe Synagogue and Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe Memorial.

Approach the Stolperstein with respect—pause to reflect, photograph thoughtfully, and participate in remembrance activities if possible. To enhance your visit and stay informed about related sites and events, download the Audiala app and follow local cultural resources.

Sources and Official Links

By visiting and engaging with the Stolperstein for Ferdinand Homburger, you help keep memory alive and ensure that the lessons of history continue to inspire present and future generations.