Stolperstein memorial stone for Klara Goldschmit in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Klara Goldschmit

Stolperstein Klara Goldschmit Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Klara Goldschmit in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a deeply moving experience that connects visitors to the city’s history during the Nazi era. The Stolpersteine—meaning “stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. Conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, this project is now the largest decentralized memorial in the world, with over 100,000 stones installed across more than 30 countries, including many in Karlsruhe (Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe).

Klara Goldschmit’s Stolperstein stands as a poignant testament to her life and tragic fate, marking the site where she last lived before her deportation and murder in the Holocaust. These memorials personalize history, transforming numbers into names and stories. The nearby Klara Goldschmidt Memorial further honors her family and Karlsruhe’s Jewish community, situated near Akademiestraße 18 (Klara Goldschmidt Memorial).

Stolpersteine are accessible around the clock and free of charge, integrated into public spaces and wheelchair accessible. Guided tours and educational programs offered by local institutions provide deeper context and understanding (Karlsruhe Tourism). For those planning a visit, resources such as the official Stolpersteine project site and Karlsruhe Memorial Book offer biographies, precise locations, and interactive maps (Stolpersteine Project, Karlsruhe Memorial Book).

This guide presents essential visitor information—including historical background, accessibility, practical tips, and respectful engagement—to enrich your encounter with this important aspect of Karlsruhe’s heritage.

What Are Stolpersteine?
Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Locations and History
Visiting Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Practical Information
The Klara Goldschmidt Memorial: Location and Features
Visiting the Stolperstein for Klara Goldschmit: Historical Context and Significance
Nearby Attractions in Karlsruhe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Further Resources and Call to Action

What Are Stolpersteine?

Stolpersteine are small, hand-inscribed brass plaques (10 x 10 cm) set into the pavement in front of the last freely chosen residences of people persecuted by the Nazis. Established by Gunter Demnig, each stone begins with “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”) and lists the victim’s name, birth date, date of deportation, and—if known—the place and date of death. The Stolpersteine commemorate Jews, Sinti and Roma, disabled individuals, political dissidents, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others (Stolpersteine Project).

By situating these memorials in everyday public spaces, the project ensures that the names and stories of victims remain visible and present in the community.

Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Locations and History

Karlsruhe has actively participated in the Stolpersteine project, honoring the memory of residents who suffered under Nazi persecution. Over 200 Stolpersteine have been installed across 61 locations in the city, with the number continuing to grow as new stories are uncovered (Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe). Many stones are found in the Innenstadt-West and Innenstadt-Ost neighborhoods, with streets such as Herrenstraße, Kaiserstraße, and Körnerstraße featuring several memorials (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).

The memorial for Klara Goldschmit is one of the most notable, offering a direct link to the city’s Jewish heritage and the personal tragedies of the Holocaust.

For specific locations and biographies, consult the Karlsruhe Memorial Book.

Visiting Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are accessible 24/7, year-round. No tickets or admission fees are required. The locations are generally wheelchair accessible, as they are part of pedestrian pathways.

How to Find Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe

Use the official Stolpersteine website and Karlsruhe Memorial Book for interactive maps and biographies.
City maps and some walking tours highlight Stolpersteine routes.
The Audiala app offers audio guides and interactive maps for historical sites in Karlsruhe.

Photography and Respectful Etiquette

Photography is permitted for personal use, but visitors are encouraged to behave respectfully. Placing a small stone or flower on a Stolperstein is a traditional gesture of remembrance. Many communities also hold cleaning days to polish the brass plaques and honor the memory of the victims.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Local museums and historical societies offer guided walking tours focusing on Stolpersteine and the city’s Jewish history. These tours provide detailed stories and broader context. Educational materials and virtual tours are also available online (Karlsruhe Tourism).

The Klara Goldschmidt Memorial: Location and Features

The Klara Goldschmidt Memorial, located near Akademiestraße 18, commemorates Klara and her family as part of Karlsruhe’s broader remembrance efforts. The site features a sculpture and informational plaques offering insight into the Goldschmidt family’s history and the broader context of Jewish life and persecution in Karlsruhe (Klara Goldschmidt Memorial).

Directions:

Tram: Lines 2, 3, or 5 to “Akademiestraße” stop.
Bus: Multiple routes serve the area (see local transit schedules).
Parking: Public parking is available nearby.

The memorial is wheelchair accessible, with benches and smooth pathways for all visitors.

Nearby, you can also visit the Karlsruhe Synagogue, Karlsruhe Palace, and the City Museum, which together provide a comprehensive view of the city’s cultural and historical landscape.

Visiting the Stolperstein for Klara Goldschmit: Historical Context and Significance

The Story of Klara Goldschmit

Klara Goldschmit was a Jewish resident of Karlsruhe who, like many others, was persecuted and ultimately murdered during the Nazi era. Her Stolperstein ensures her memory endures, transforming the anonymous tragedy of the Holocaust into a personal, local story.

Location and Directions

The Stolperstein for Klara Goldschmit is located at Körnerstraße 57 in Karlsruhe (Traces of War). Körnerstraße is easily accessible by tram or on foot, and the area is served by the city’s public transport network (Karlsruhe public transport). Paid parking is available nearby.

Description and Appearance

Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a brass plate inscribed with the name, date of birth, date of deportation, and, if known, the date and place of death of the victim. The plaque for Klara Goldschmit follows this format. Set flush with the pavement, the shiny brass surface invites passersby to pause and reflect, often catching the light and the gaze of those who walk by.

Visual tip: Including a photo with the alt tag “Stolperstein Klara Goldschmit in Karlsruhe” can enhance your remembrance and understanding.

Visitor Tips

Research: Confirm the exact location using official online maps or the city archive.
Guided Tours: Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper context.
Respect: Behave quietly and respectfully; consider participating in community cleaning or commemorative events.
Accessibility: The site is accessible to wheelchair users, though some pavements in Karlsruhe may be uneven.
Combine Visits: Explore other nearby memorials for a comprehensive understanding of Karlsruhe’s history.

Nearby Attractions in Karlsruhe

While visiting the Stolperstein and the Klara Goldschmidt Memorial, be sure to explore:

Karlsruhe Palace & Badisches Landesmuseum: Learn about the city’s broader history.
Karlsruhe City Museum: Offers exhibits on local culture and Jewish life.
Karlsruhe Synagogue: A significant site for Jewish heritage.

These sites provide context and depth to your visit, connecting the Stolperstein project to the wider story of Karlsruhe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need tickets to visit Stolpersteine or the Klara Goldschmidt Memorial?
A: No, both are public memorials and free to visit at any time.

Q: Are Stolpersteine wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, they are generally accessible as they are part of public sidewalks, but some areas may have uneven pavement.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, for personal use. Please be respectful of the solemn nature of the memorials.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, guided walking tours are available through local museums and cultural organizations.

Q: How can I learn more about the individuals commemorated?
A: The Karlsruhe Memorial Book and official Stolpersteine website provide detailed biographies.

Further Resources and Call to Action

For up-to-date information and to enhance your visit:

Download the Audiala app for interactive audio tours, and follow Karlsruhe’s cultural channels for updates on commemorative events and new installations. Support the Stolpersteine project through donations or volunteering, and consider joining a guided tour or remembrance ceremony to deepen your engagement.

Visiting the Stolperstein for Klara Goldschmit and related memorials in Karlsruhe is more than a historical journey—it’s a chance to honor individual lives, reflect on the past, and participate in an ongoing culture of remembrance.