Stolperstein Dedicated To Hugo Ettlinger

Stolperstein Hugo Ettlinger Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Karlsruhe, a city renowned for its rich heritage and vibrant urban life, is deeply committed to commemorating the victims of National Socialism through the Stolpersteine project. These “stumbling stones”—small, engraved brass plaques set into sidewalks—mark the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted by the Nazi regime. Among the nearly 300 Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe, the memorial dedicated to Hugo Ettlinger stands as a poignant reminder of local Jewish history, forced “Aryanization,” and the enduring power of remembrance.

This comprehensive guide explores the historical context of Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe, details the life and fate of Hugo Ettlinger, and provides essential information for visitors, including accessibility, tours, etiquette, and integration within the city’s broader culture of remembrance. Whether you are a history enthusiast, educator, or simply a curious traveler, this guide will help you engage meaningfully with Karlsruhe’s living memorials.

Historical Context of Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe
- Origins and Symbolism
- Implementation and Expansion
Hugo Ettlinger: Biography and Commemoration
Visiting Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe
Public Reception and Ongoing Debate
Educational Value and Digital Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

Historical Context of Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe

Origins and Symbolism

The Stolpersteine project was created by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 as a decentralized memorial initiative. The first stones, commemorating Sinti and Roma victims, were installed in Cologne, with the concept quickly developing into individualized memorials. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated cobblestone, inscribed with the name, birthdate, fate, and, if known, the date and place of death of a victim persecuted by the Nazis (Leo Baeck Institute; IamExpat).

The metaphorical notion of “stumbling” refers not to a physical trip, but to a moment of reflection—passersby are invited to pause, bow to read the inscription, and contemplate the person’s story. The project’s guiding principle, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten,” personalizes remembrance and restores dignity to the victims (Germany.info).

Implementation and Expansion in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe joined the Stolpersteine project in the early 2000s, with local coordination by the Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte e.V. and active participation from schools, religious groups, and civic organizations (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). As of 2017, over 296 Stolpersteine have been installed throughout the city, honoring a diverse range of victims: Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, victims of the Nazi euthanasia program, and more (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Each stone is placed at the victim’s last chosen address, integrating remembrance into daily city life. Community engagement is central: local historians, students, and volunteers conduct meticulous research to document each biography, and annual cleaning ceremonies help maintain the stones as “living memorials” (Folklife Magazine).

Hugo Ettlinger: Biography and Commemoration

Family and Background

Hugo Ettlinger belonged to a prominent Jewish family in Karlsruhe. The Ettlingers played notable roles in local business, academia, and civic life (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe). Before the rise of National Socialism, Hugo Ettlinger and his family were active contributors to the city’s social and economic fabric.

Persecution and Fate

With the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, Jewish residents in Karlsruhe faced escalating persecution: exclusion from public life, loss of property, and destruction of synagogues. Hugo Ettlinger’s business was forcibly “Aryanized”—transferred to non-Jewish ownership—leading to his social and economic marginalization. In 1935, he died by suicide, a fate shared by many who faced unbearable conditions under Nazi policies (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe).

The Stolperstein Memorial

Hugo Ettlinger’s Stolperstein marks the site of his last voluntary residence in Karlsruhe, restoring his name and story to the public sphere. It stands as a testament not only to his personal tragedy but also to the broader impact of Nazi persecution on Karlsruhe’s Jewish community (Stolpersteine.eu).

Visiting Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe

Locations, Accessibility, and Visiting Hours

Stolpersteine are embedded in sidewalks throughout Karlsruhe, especially in residential districts like Süd-, Südwest-, and Weststadt, and near landmarks such as Marktplatz (Culture Tourist; RK Karlsruhe). Each stone is typically situated in front of the victim’s last chosen residence.

Visiting Hours: Stolpersteine are outdoors and freely accessible at any time, year-round. There are no entrance fees or ticket requirements.
Accessibility: Most stones are installed on public pavements and are accessible to visitors with mobility aids, though their small size (96x96 mm) means they can sometimes be overlooked in busy areas (Stolpersteine.eu).

Tickets and Costs

There is no cost to visit Stolpersteine. The project is funded by private sponsorships, with the cost of sponsoring a new stone typically set at €120 (Folklife Magazine).

Guided and Self-Guided Tours

Guided Tours: Local organizations and the Karlsruhe tourist office offer guided tours, often focusing on specific neighborhoods or stories, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day or Kristallnacht (Demokratie Karlsruhe).
Self-Guided Tours: Interactive maps and digital guides, such as the Stolpersteine Guide, allow visitors to plan their own routes and learn the stories behind each stone.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Public Transportation: Karlsruhe’s efficient tram system connects visitors to Stolpersteine locations across the city, including Durlach and Mühlburg.
Nearby Sites: Combine your visit with stops at Karlsruhe Palace, the State Museum of Natural History, and the Jewish Museum for a comprehensive historical experience (Culture Tourist).
Best Times: Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for easier reading of inscriptions. Special commemorative events often take place on January 27 (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary).

Visitor Etiquette and Photography

Pause and Reflect: Take time to read and contemplate each inscription (Prague Views).
Respect: Avoid stepping directly on the stones.
Photography: Discreet photography is allowed and encouraged to raise awareness, but be mindful of the solemn context.
Community Events: Visitors are welcome to participate in cleaning and remembrance ceremonies, often organized by local groups (RK Karlsruhe).

Public Reception and Ongoing Debate

While Karlsruhe has widely embraced Stolpersteine, some debate persists regarding the ground-level placement of the stones. Critics argue that it is disrespectful to step on victims’ names, while supporters contend that the location forces direct, everyday engagement with history (IamExpat). Despite these discussions, Stolpersteine remain central to Karlsruhe’s culture of remembrance, with growing support from local communities and Jewish organizations (Stolpersteine.eu).

Educational Value and Digital Resources

Stolpersteine serve as catalysts for historical education and reflection. Local schools and organizations use the stones as starting points for lessons and tours, while digital resources—such as interactive maps and online biographies—make the memorials accessible worldwide (Stolpersteine Guide; Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Hugo Ettlinger’s Stolperstein located?
It is typically in front of his last voluntary residence in Karlsruhe. The exact location can be found via the official Stolpersteine database or through local tourist information.

Do I need a ticket to visit?
No, Stolpersteine are public memorials and free to visit at any time.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, both guided and self-guided tours are offered. Check with the Karlsruhe tourist office or local remembrance organizations.

Are the Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
Most are installed on public pavements with curb cuts, but accessibility may vary. Consult digital maps and plan routes in advance if needed.

What is the significance of the stones’ placement?
They are placed at the last freely chosen address to integrate remembrance into everyday life and prompt spontaneous reflection.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Hugo Ettlinger, and the broader Stolpersteine project in Karlsruhe, transform the city’s sidewalks into powerful sites of remembrance, education, and reflection. These living memorials not only honor individual victims but also invite ongoing dialogue about history, tolerance, and human dignity.

Plan your visit to Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine today:

Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and interactive maps
Join local remembrance events and cleaning ceremonies
Explore nearby historical sites for a deeper understanding of Karlsruhe’s past
Share your experience to help keep these stories alive

By engaging with the Stolpersteine, you participate in an enduring act of remembrance—ensuring that the names and stories of victims like Hugo Ettlinger are never forgotten.