Stolperstein Dedicated to Kurt Billigheimer.

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Kurt Billigheimer at Jollystraße 41 in Karlsruhe stands as a powerful and intimate memorial to a Jewish family persecuted under the Nazi regime. These Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques embedded in city sidewalks across Europe, marking the last freely chosen residences of victims of National Socialism. Conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the project now spans thousands of sites, with Karlsruhe hosting over 300 stones since 2005 (Stolpersteine Project). Each stone, including that for Kurt Billigheimer and his family, invites residents and visitors alike to remember the individuals whose lives were torn apart by intolerance and violence.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to visiting the Kurt Billigheimer Stolperstein, detailing its location, historical context, visitor information, travel tips, and ways to engage deeper with Karlsruhe’s culture of remembrance.

Location of the Stolperstein for Kurt Billigheimer

Address:
Jollystraße 41, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

The Stolperstein is embedded on the pavement directly in front of the former Billigheimer residence, in the tree-lined Südweststadt district. This setting, typical of early 20th-century residential Karlsruhe, integrates remembrance into the everyday fabric of city life, making the memorial both accessible and impactful (Karlsruhe city remembrance portal).

Accessibility

• Public Transportation:
  The site is easily reached from the Marktplatz tram and S-Bahn stops (lines S1, S2, S4, S5, S8). From Marktplatz, Jollystraße is a short tram ride or a 15–20 minute walk.
• Parking:
  Paid parking is available at Schlossplatz and Herrenstraße garages nearby.
• Pedestrian Access:
  The Stolperstein is flush with the sidewalk and generally accessible for people with mobility impairments, though some surrounding pavement may be uneven.

Description of the Stolperstein

Each Stolperstein is a hand-engraved brass plaque, 10 x 10 cm in size, set into a concrete block. The Kurt Billigheimer Stolperstein is inscribed as follows:

Hier wohnte
Kurt Billigheimer
Jg. 1897
Deportiert 1942
Auschwitz
Ermordet 1944

Three additional stones at this address commemorate his wife Irma and daughters Ingrid and Hannelore. The uncoated brass naturally weathers over time, and periodic cleaning is encouraged as a symbolic act of remembrance.

Artistic and Memorial Significance:
Initiated by Gunter Demnig, each Stolperstein is unique and installed with community participation, making it both a work of art and a living, decentralized memorial (Stolpersteine Project). The act of “stumbling” upon the stone, physically or mentally, prompts reflection and remembrance.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Story of Kurt Billigheimer and Family

Kurt Billigheimer was born in 1897 into a Jewish family with deep roots in Baden-Württemberg. Alongside his wife Irma and their two daughters, he lived at Jollystraße 41 and managed a family business in brandy distilling. With the rise of the Nazi regime, the family faced escalating persecution. In 1942, they were deported to Auschwitz, where all four family members lost their lives (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe).

The Role of Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe has integrated over 300 Stolpersteine into its urban landscape, each marking the last freely chosen address of victims of Nazi persecution—Jews, Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, and others. The city’s remembrance culture emphasizes participation, education, and the integration of memory into daily life (Karlsruhe city remembrance portal).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Travel Tips

Visiting Hours and Admission

• Open Access:
  The Stolperstein is outdoors and accessible 24/7, all year round.
• Admission:
  There is no entrance fee or ticket required.

Directions and Accessibility

• By Tram/S-Bahn:
  Alight at Marktplatz, then walk or transfer to a local tram toward Südweststadt.
• By Car:
  Use the city’s parking garages; street parking is limited.
• Accessibility:
  The site is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though as with all historic sidewalks, some caution is advised.

Travel Tips

• Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter, more contemplative visits.
• Download the Stolpersteine Guide app or consult the Karlsruhe interactive map for up-to-date locations and background information.

Enhancing Your Visit

Guided Tours and Apps

• Guided Walking Tours:
  Local organizations and the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Center offer themed walks featuring Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage.
• Stolpersteine Guide App:
  Provides interactive maps and detailed biographies for a self-guided experience.

Nearby Attractions

• Karlsruhe Palace and Badisches Landesmuseum:
  Explore regional history within walking distance.
• Former Synagogue Site (Herrenstraße 14):
  Learn about the city’s pre-war Jewish community.
• Jewish Cemetery:
  Additional site of reflection and historical significance.

Photography and Respectful Practice

• Discreet photography is permitted; sharing images with contextual information helps raise awareness.
• It is customary to pause, read the inscription, and optionally leave a small stone or flower—a gesture of Jewish mourning.
• Bringing a soft cloth to polish the stone is appreciated, especially before commemorative dates.

Preservation and Community Involvement

• Maintenance:
  Stolpersteine are maintained by the city and local volunteers. Cleaning the brass is seen as an active remembrance gesture.
• Get Involved:
  Support the project by sponsoring stones, joining cleaning efforts, or participating in educational programs. Contact Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte e.V. for details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there a fee or ticket required to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, the site is public and free to visit at any time.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the stone is flush with the sidewalk, but approach with care as surfaces may vary.

Q: Can I take photos at the site?
A: Yes, discreet photography is allowed and encouraged to help spread awareness.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Center.

Q: How can I learn more about the people commemorated?
A: Use the Stolpersteine Guide app or consult the Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe for biographies.