Stolperstein commemorating Gustav Schulenburg in Karlsruhe Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Gustav Schulenburg

Stolperstein Gustav Schulenburg Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Gustav Schulenburg in Karlsruhe provides a deeply personal connection to the city’s past and to the enduring memory of those persecuted under National Socialism. As part of the world’s largest decentralized memorial project—initiated by artist Gunter Demnig—Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) reintegrate the stories of individual victims into the fabric of everyday life. Embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of those targeted by the Nazi regime, these brass plaques offer a silent yet powerful call to remembrance and reflection.

Karlsruhe, a city with a robust tradition of civic engagement and historical reflection, has participated in the Stolpersteine project since 2005. Hundreds of stones, including the one honoring Gustav Schulenburg, now dot its neighborhoods. These memorials remain freely accessible, inviting residents and visitors alike to contemplate history as part of their daily routines. Supported by local organizations, schools, and community groups, the Stolpersteine serve as living memorials and tools for education, ensuring that the stories they represent continue to shape civic consciousness.

This comprehensive guide details the historical background of Gustav Schulenburg, the significance of his Stolperstein, practical advice for visiting, information on accessibility, and ways to enrich your experience through guided tours and nearby cultural attractions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, educator, student, or visitor, this article will help you engage meaningfully with one of Karlsruhe’s most poignant sites of memory.

For additional planning and resources, refer to the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe official site, the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Center, and the Germany.info overview of Jewish life.

Introduction to the Stolperstein Project and Gustav Schulenburg
The Historical Background of Gustav Schulenburg
The Stolperstein for Gustav Schulenburg: Meaning and Installation
Visiting Information: Location, Hours, and Accessibility
Guided Tours and Educational Initiatives
Nearby Historical and Cultural Sites in Karlsruhe
Community Involvement and Maintenance
Visitor Tips and Responsible Tourism
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources

The Stolperstein Project: Restoring Individual Memory

The Stolpersteine project is a decentralized memorial initiative conceived by Cologne-based artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s. Its aim is to commemorate the victims of National Socialism—including Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, religious minorities, people with disabilities, and persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals—by embedding small brass plaques into the pavements outside their last freely chosen homes (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). Each stone is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, and fate, personalizing the memory of those who were otherwise rendered anonymous by systematic murder.

Since the first official Stolperstein was laid in Berlin-Kreuzberg in 1996, the project has expanded across more than 20 European countries. As of 2025, over 75,000 Stolpersteine exist, making it the world’s largest decentralized memorial (Germany.info).

Gustav Schulenburg: A Life of Labor, Democracy, and Resistance

Gustav Schulenburg (b. March 7, 1874) was a prominent locksmith, trade unionist, and defender of workers’ rights in early 20th-century Germany. After representing the Deutscher Metallarbeiterverband (DMV) in Strasbourg from 1906 to 1918, Schulenburg became a central figure in Karlsruhe’s labor movement, serving as chairman of the local SPD branch and as an SPD city councilor from 1931 to 1933. His outspoken opposition to extremism and unwavering commitment to democracy made him a target of Nazi persecution. Arrested and imprisoned, he died in 1944, a victim of the regime he had so bravely opposed (Official Gustav Schulenburg Biography).

The Stolperstein for Gustav Schulenburg: History and Significance

The Stolperstein for Gustav Schulenburg in Karlsruhe was installed after thorough historical research verified his last residence and the circumstances of his persecution. The plaque, embedded in the pavement at his final address, bears the simple, dignified inscription that characterizes the project: “Hier wohnte Gustav Schulenburg.” Its presence restores dignity to his memory and invites passersby to reflect on both his personal courage and the broader history of resistance against tyranny.

Each Stolperstein is a modest but powerful intervention in the urban landscape, inviting spontaneous moments of remembrance and reinforcing the importance of individual lives within the vast narrative of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution.

Visiting Information: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location

The Stolperstein for Gustav Schulenburg is located at his last known residence in Karlsruhe. The exact address can be found using the Stolpersteine Guide or by consulting resources at the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Center.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Hours: Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are accessible 24/7.
Admission: Free; no tickets or reservations required.

Accessibility

The site is wheelchair accessible, as are most Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe. However, some stones may be located on uneven or narrow sidewalks; visitors with mobility concerns are encouraged to consult detailed maps or contact the Tourist Information Center for guidance.

How to Get There

Karlsruhe’s efficient tram and bus system makes it easy to reach Stolperstein locations from the Hauptbahnhof or anywhere in the city. Use the KVV public transport network for route planning.

Guided Tours and Educational Initiatives

While Stolpersteine are designed for self-guided reflection, local organizations and historical societies occasionally offer guided walking tours that include the Gustav Schulenburg Stolperstein and other sites of memory. These tours, often available in both German and English, provide historical context and personal stories, enriching the visitor experience. Contact the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Center or check the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website for current offerings.

Karlsruhe schools and civic groups also integrate Stolpersteine research and cleaning into their educational programs, reinforcing the project’s role as a living, community-based memorial.

Nearby Historical and Cultural Sites in Karlsruhe

Enhance your visit by exploring other significant landmarks nearby:

Karlsruhe Palace: Home to the Baden State Museum, offering rich regional history.
State Art Gallery (Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe): Showcasing works by German and European artists.
Karlsruhe Synagogue: A symbol of Jewish life and resilience.
Memorials to WWII victims and sites highlighting Jewish history.

Maps and detailed information are available at the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Center.

Community Involvement and Maintenance

The Stolpersteine project thrives on community support. In Karlsruhe, volunteers, local organizations, and private sponsors help fund, install, and maintain the stones. Sponsoring a Stolperstein involves a donation, which covers production and installation (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). Regular cleaning events—often organized by schools and civic groups—keep the plaques visible and provide opportunities for public remembrance.

Visitor Tips and Responsible Tourism

Respectful Conduct: Pause quietly; read the inscription and reflect. Avoid loud conversations and large groups in residential areas.
Photography: Permitted, but please respect the privacy of local residents.
Traditions: Placing a small stone or flower is a meaningful gesture of remembrance.
Stone Cleaning: If you wish to polish a Stolperstein, use a soft cloth.
Weather: Stones may be harder to read in rain or snow—plan visits during daylight and fair weather for the best experience.
Accessibility: Consult interactive maps or the Stolpersteine Guide for up-to-date accessibility information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are tickets required to visit the Stolperstein for Gustav Schulenburg?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials and can be visited free of charge at any time.

Q: Where can I find the exact location of Gustav Schulenburg’s Stolperstein?
A: Use the Stolpersteine Guide or inquire at the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Center.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, both self-guided resources and occasional guided tours are available. Check with local tourism offices for schedules.

Q: Is the site accessible to wheelchair users?
A: Generally yes, but some sidewalks may vary in accessibility.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes, but please be considerate of local residents and the solemn nature of the memorial.

Conclusion

The Stolperstein for Gustav Schulenburg in Karlsruhe stands as a powerful tribute to personal courage and the ongoing importance of remembrance. As both a historical landmark and a living memorial, it invites visitors to pause, reflect, and honor the legacy of those who resisted oppression. With no barriers to access, rich educational programming, and integration into Karlsruhe’s vibrant urban landscape, this memorial is an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the city’s past and its commitment to memory.

Plan your visit to the Gustav Schulenburg Stolperstein and immerse yourself in Karlsruhe’s broader tradition of remembrance. Engage with local organizations, support ongoing maintenance, and use available digital resources to deepen your understanding.