Stolperstein memorial dedicated to Ingrid Billigheimer in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Ingrid Billigheimer

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Ingrid Billigheimer in Karlsruhe, Germany: Tickets, Hours, and History

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (stumbling stone) dedicated to Ingrid Billigheimer in Karlsruhe stands as a powerful, decentralized memorial to the victims of Nazi persecution. Part of the world’s largest memorial project, these small brass plaques are embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of Holocaust victims. Ingrid Billigheimer’s Stolperstein, like hundreds of others in Karlsruhe, personalizes the tragedy of the Holocaust and invites reflection on the city’s—and Europe’s—history. This guide provides comprehensive information for visitors, including historical context, practical tips, accessibility, and ways to meaningfully engage with this moving memorial.

(Wikipedia - Stolperstein) (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe) (IamExpat)

Overview of the Stolpersteine Project
Historical Background: Ingrid Billigheimer and Her Family
Location & Description of the Memorial
Visitor Information: Hours, Accessibility, and Tours
Cultural and Historical Significance
Community Engagement and Special Events
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Further Reading

Overview of the Stolpersteine Project

Initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project commemorates victims of the Nazi regime by placing 10x10 cm brass-plated concrete stones in front of their last freely chosen homes or workplaces. Each Stolperstein is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and, if known, the date and place of deportation or death. The aim is to integrate remembrance into everyday life, prompting passersby to “stumble”—not physically, but mentally and emotionally—over the memory of those lost. Today, over 100,000 Stolpersteine are installed across Europe, making it the largest decentralized Holocaust memorial in the world.

(Fabrizio Musacchio) (Wikipedia - List of places with stolpersteine)

Historical Background: Ingrid Billigheimer and Her Family

The Billigheimer family, including Ingrid, her parents Kurt and Irma, and her sister Hannelore, lived in Karlsruhe’s Südweststadt district. Kurt, a decorated World War I veteran, lost his job due to anti-Jewish laws after 1933. The family endured escalating persecution, culminating in deportation. In 1942, Irma, Ingrid, and Hannelore were sent to Auschwitz, where they were murdered. Kurt followed in 1944. Their story is memorialized with Stolpersteine at their last residence, Jollystraße 41, serving as a poignant reminder of the city’s lost Jewish community.

(ka-news.de) (Traces of War) (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe)

Location & Description of the Memorial

Where to Find Ingrid Billigheimer’s Stolperstein

Address: Jollystraße 41, 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany
Coordinates: 49.002861, 8.389998
District: Südweststadt, a short walk from central Karlsruhe and well served by public transport.

(Mapcarta)

Physical Description

The Stolpersteine for Ingrid and her family are standard: 10x10 cm brass-plated concrete blocks, engraved with:

“Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”)
Full name
Date of birth
Date and place of deportation (if known)
Fate (“ermordet”—murdered, if applicable)

The stones are embedded flush with the sidewalk near the building entrance. Locals often polish the brass, especially for Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27), ensuring the names remain visible to all.

Visitor Information: Hours, Accessibility, and Tours

Visiting Hours & Admission

Open 24/7: The Stolperstein is in a public space, always accessible.
No Tickets: There is no entrance fee.

Getting There

Public Transport: Karlsruhe’s excellent tram and bus network stops nearby. The “Mühlburger Tor” station is a convenient option.
On Foot/Bike: The area is pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-Friendly: The sidewalk is level and accessible, though weather or debris may sometimes obscure the stones.

Guided Tours & Special Events

Guided Tours: Local organizations and the tourist office occasionally offer Stolpersteine-focused walking tours, especially around remembrance dates.
Community Events: Annual cleaning ceremonies and remembrance events, notably in January and March, invite public participation.

(Stolpersteine Karlsruhe) (RK Karlsruhe) (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe)

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Stolpersteine project transforms Holocaust remembrance by embedding memory within daily urban life. Each stone personalizes what might otherwise be anonymous tragedy, making history tangible and present. The Billigheimer Stolpersteine, in particular, highlight the rupture in Karlsruhe’s community, reminding residents and visitors alike of the city’s lost neighbors. The project’s guiding principle, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten,” is realized in every encounter with these stones.

(IamExpat) (bnn.de)

Community Engagement and Special Events

Local organizations, such as the Reservistenkameradschaft Karlsruhe, support the Stolpersteine’s upkeep, hosting regular cleaning events and remembrance ceremonies. These rituals encourage ongoing public participation and education. Schools, volunteer groups, and city residents all contribute to maintaining the memorials and sharing the stories behind them.

(RK Karlsruhe)

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Visiting Times: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for quiet reflection and good lighting for photography.
What to Bring: A soft cloth for polishing the stone, flowers, or small stones for remembrance.
Nearby Attractions: After visiting, consider exploring the Karlsruhe Palace, the Jewish Museum, or the former synagogue site to deepen your understanding of local history.
Digital Tools: Use resources such as the Audiala app for interactive maps and audio guides.

(Culture Tourist)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Stolperstein?
A 10x10 cm brass plaque embedded in sidewalks, commemorating a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen home.

Is there an entrance fee?
No. The memorial is in a public space and free to visit.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day or by arrangement with local organizations.

Is the memorial accessible?
Yes, with level sidewalks and no barriers for wheelchairs or strollers.

Can I take photos?
Yes, but please be discreet and respectful, as the stones are in residential areas.

How can I contribute?
Participate in cleaning events, leave flowers, or support local remembrance organizations.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Ingrid Billigheimer is a deeply moving experience that personalizes the history and tragedy of the Holocaust. These modest memorials, discreet yet powerful, invite reflection and remembrance in the midst of everyday life. We encourage all visitors to approach these sites with respect, participate in community events, and explore related historical sites throughout Karlsruhe. Digital tools and guided tours can further enrich your visit and understanding. By remembering Ingrid Billigheimer and others, we help ensure that the lessons of history remain alive.