Stolperstein commemorative plaque dedicated to Gertrud Kuttner in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Gertrud Kuttner

Visiting the Stolperstein for Gertrud Kuttner in Karlsruhe, Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Gertrud Kuttner in Karlsruhe, Germany, invites visitors to engage intimately with the city’s history of Nazi persecution and ongoing culture of remembrance. These small, hand-engraved brass plaques, embedded at the last freely chosen residences of victims of National Socialism, are part of a Europe-wide memorial project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig. With over 100,000 Stolpersteine across Europe as of 2025, each stone brings individual stories to the forefront of public consciousness (Stolpersteine Guide; Stolpersteine by Gunter Demnig).

The Stolperstein for Gertrud Kuttner, located at Schlößleweg 2 in Karlsruhe’s Durlach district, serves as a poignant reminder of the Jewish families who were forced into “Judenhäuser” before deportation. This guide provides detailed information on the memorial’s history, accessibility, visitor tips, and related sites, ensuring a meaningful and respectful visit (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe; Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).

What Are Stolpersteine?

Origins and Development

The Stolpersteine project began in the early 1990s as a grassroots memorial by artist Gunter Demnig. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube with a brass plate, installed flush with the pavement outside the last freely chosen residence or workplace of a victim of Nazi persecution. The inscription includes the person’s name, birthdate, fate, and, if known, the date and place of death. This decentralized approach has resulted in more than 100,000 stones commemorating Jews, Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others targeted by the Nazi regime (Stolpersteine Guide; Stolpersteine by Gunter Demnig).

Historical Context in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe’s once-flourishing Jewish community suffered greatly under the Nazi regime. The implementation of anti-Jewish laws and the events of Kristallnacht in 1938 marked the beginning of systematic persecution. Many Jewish residents, including the Kuttner family, were displaced into “Judenhäuser” before being deported to camps such as Gurs and Auschwitz (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe).

The Story of Gertrud Kuttner and Schlößleweg 2

Gertrud Kuttner and her family lived at Schlößleweg 2, a building later designated as a “Judenhaus.” As Nazi persecution intensified, Jews from smaller towns were forced to move into these designated houses within larger cities. The Kuttner family, along with others like the Franks, were crowded together under increasingly oppressive conditions. This location symbolizes both the systematic displacement and the resilience of the Jewish community in the face of escalating threats (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).

On October 22, 1940, Gertrud Kuttner and many others were deported from Baden to the Gurs concentration camp in France, a fate shared by over 5,000 Jews from the region (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Cultural and Memorial Significance

The Stolperstein for Gertrud Kuttner is not only a personal tribute but also a symbol of the broader tragedy experienced by Jewish families in Karlsruhe and across Europe. The project brings commemoration into daily public life, prompting reflection by passersby. As of 2024, Karlsruhe has installed nearly 300 Stolpersteine, each contributing to a network of memory across the city (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; stolpersteine.eu).

Community members, schools, and local organizations regularly organize cleaning and remembrance events, keeping the memory of those commemorated alive (BNN Karlsruhe).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Gertrud Kuttner

Hours and Accessibility

Open 24/7: The Stolperstein is embedded in public pavement and can be visited at any time of day, year-round.
Free of Charge: No tickets or entry fees are required.
Accessibility: The memorial is located on a flat sidewalk, suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors of all ages.

Getting There

Address: Schlößleweg 2, Durlach district, Karlsruhe
Public Transport: From Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof, take tram lines S4 or S5 to Durlach, then walk a short distance to the site.
By Car: Limited parking is available; please respect residential parking rules (Mapcarta).

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Any time, though daylight hours are best for reading inscriptions. Consider significant dates such as Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) or the anniversary of the October 22, 1940 deportations.
What to Bring: A soft cloth for cleaning the plaque, if you wish. Flowers or small stones are traditional tokens of remembrance.
Etiquette: Pause to read and reflect. Photography is allowed, but be mindful of the residential setting.

Connecting with Karlsruhe’s Memory Culture

Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine are part of a wider culture of remembrance. Nearby, you can find Stolpersteine for Waldemar Kuttner, Elise Frank, and Salomon Frank, as well as memorials such as the Jewish cemetery and various historical plaques (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe). Annual events, school projects, and community initiatives reinforce the city’s commitment to memory culture.

Suggested Walking Route and Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring other key sites:

Stolperstein for Gertrud Kuttner at Schlößleweg 2
Durlach Historic District: Explore medieval architecture and local cafés
Marktplatz: Central square with the Karlsruhe Pyramid and historic buildings (Karlsruhe Highlights)
Karlsruhe Palace and Schlossgarten: Learn more at the Baden State Museum and enjoy the gardens
ZKM | Center for Art and Media: Contemporary exhibitions on remembrance and identity

Guided Tours and Community Engagement

Guided Stolpersteine Tours: Available through the Karlsruhe Tourism Office and local historical societies.
Community Events: Participate in cleaning days and remembrance ceremonies, especially on significant anniversaries (Culture Tourist Karlsruhe Guide).

Dining and Accommodation

Durlach and the city center offer a variety of restaurants and cafés for reflection after your visit. For overnight stays, consider options like Hotel Der Blaue Reiter for convenient access to local transport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit the Stolperstein for Gertrud Kuttner?
A: No, the memorial is free and publicly accessible at all times.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, it is on a flat sidewalk suitable for mobility aids.

Q: Can I join a guided tour?
A: Yes, check with the Karlsruhe Tourism Office for available tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish history.

Q: Are there other related sites nearby?
A: Yes, including other Stolpersteine, the Jewish cemetery, and Karlsruhe Palace.

Q: How can I participate in remembrance activities?
A: Join community cleaning events or attend ceremonies on remembrance days.

Visuals and Maps

Interactive Map: Stolperstein Locations in Karlsruhe

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Gertrud Kuttner is a powerful testament to Karlsruhe’s living memory culture—a bridge between past and present, the individual and the collective. By visiting, reflecting, and participating in remembrance activities, you help keep the memory of Gertrud Kuttner and countless others alive.