Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Leib Fränkel in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Leib Fränkel

Stolperstein Leib Fränkel Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Leib Fränkel in Karlsruhe is a powerful symbol of remembrance for the victims of Nazi persecution. Embedded discreetly in the city’s sidewalk, this small brass plaque invites passersby to reflect on the individual stories behind the Holocaust’s vast tragedy. This guide provides comprehensive information on the memorial’s historical significance, visiting hours, accessibility, travel tips, etiquette, and related resources to help you plan a respectful and meaningful visit.

Introduction
What Is a Stolperstein?
Historical Significance of Leib Fränkel
Description of the Stolperstein for Leib Fränkel
Location and Directions
- Precise Location
- How to Get There
Visiting Hours and Admission
Accessibility
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
Nearby Attractions and Related Memorials
Community Engagement and Local Initiatives
Travel Tips and Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

What Is a Stolperstein?

Stolpersteine (literally “stumbling stones”) are small, brass-plated cobblestones embedded in sidewalks throughout Europe to commemorate victims of Nazi oppression. Each stone is inscribed with the name and fate of a victim at their last freely chosen residence. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolperstein project is now the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed (Stolpersteine.eu). The aim is to personalize remembrance, transforming anonymous city streets into sites of memory and reflection.

Historical Significance of Leib Fränkel

Leib Fränkel was a member of Karlsruhe’s Jewish community and a victim of the Holocaust. Born in 1877, he lived and operated a textile business with his family at Schützenstraße 32. On October 22, 1940, he was deported to the Gurs internment camp in France during the “Wagner-Bürckel Aktion,” a mass deportation from southwestern Germany. In 1942, Leib Fränkel was murdered in Auschwitz. His Stolperstein, placed at his former home, is a testament to his life and the broader tragedy experienced by Karlsruhe’s Jewish residents (ka.stadtwiki.net; Karlsruhe City Archive).

Description of the Stolperstein for Leib Fränkel

The Stolperstein for Leib Fränkel is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate set flush with the pavement. The inscription (translated from German) reads:

“Here lived
LEIB FRÄNKEL
Born 1877
Deported 1940
Gurs
Murdered 1942 Auschwitz”

The weathered brass surface serves as a lasting reminder, inviting contemplation and honoring the memory of Leib Fränkel.

Location and Directions

Precise Location

Address: Schützenstraße 32, 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany (Südweststadt district)
The Stolperstein marks the site where the Fränkel family once lived and worked (More about Schützenstraße 32 Stolpersteine).

How to Get There

Public Transport: Tram lines 1, 2, and 4 have nearby stops. The “Karlsruhe Schützenstraße” tram stop is closest.
By Car: Parking is available on surrounding streets, though public transport is recommended due to limited spaces.
Walking: The site is within an easy walk from Karlsruhe’s city center.

An interactive map of all Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe is available online (stadtgeschichte.karlsruhe.de) and via the Stolpersteine Guide App.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Hours: The Stolperstein is located in a public sidewalk and is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Admission: Free of charge; no ticket is required.

Accessibility

The memorial is flush with the pavement and generally accessible to wheelchair users. However, some sidewalks in older neighborhoods may be uneven.
Audio guides and information in multiple languages are available via the Stolpersteine Guide app (stolpersteine-guide.de).

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

The Jewish Museum Karlsruhe and local organizations offer guided walking tours that include the Leib Fränkel Stolperstein and other Jewish heritage sites.
The Stolpersteine Guide app provides curated self-guided tours and biographies.
Educational workshops and commemorative events are held, especially on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the anniversary of the mass deportations.

Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read and reflect on the inscription.
Avoid Standing on the Stone: While the stone is set in the pavement, stepping directly on it is discouraged.
Photography: Discreet photos are welcomed; be considerate of local residents and pedestrian flow.
Cleaning: Polishing Stolpersteine is a tradition, especially on remembrance days. Bring a soft cloth if you wish to participate.
Tokens: Placing a small stone or flower by the memorial is a respectful gesture following Jewish mourning customs.

Karlsruhe Synagogue and Jewish Museum Karlsruhe: Explore the broader history of the city’s Jewish community.
State Museum of Natural History and ZKM Center for Art and Media: Additional cultural landmarks nearby.
Other Stolpersteine: Plan a remembrance walk to visit stones commemorating other victims, such as Elisabeth Friedberg and Hans Friedberg.
Stele zur Deportation der Jüdinnen und Juden am 22. Oktober 1940 (Bahnhofsplatz) and the Jewish Cemetery: Additional sites of reflection (stadtgeschichte.karlsruhe.de).

Community Engagement and Local Initiatives

The Stolperstein project in Karlsruhe is maintained by local citizens, schools, and organizations who research biographies, sponsor stones, and organize public ceremonies. Regular cleaning and community events foster ongoing remembrance and dialogue (Official Stolpersteine Website - Sponsorship and Events).

Travel Tips and Practical Information

Sidewalk Traffic: Be mindful of foot traffic when visiting the memorial.
Weather: Wear appropriate footwear; stones can be slippery when wet.
Language: Inscription is in German; translation is available via guide apps.
Public Transport: Efficient and recommended for city travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No, the Stolperstein is free and open to the public at all times.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The memorial is accessible 24/7.

Q: Is the Stolperstein wheelchair accessible?
A: The stone is flush with the pavement; however, some sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through the Jewish Museum and the Stolpersteine Guide app.

Q: Can visitors participate in cleaning the Stolperstein?
A: Yes, it is a respected tradition and open to all.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein for Leib Fränkel is a profound way to engage with history, honor individual memory, and support a culture of remembrance in Karlsruhe. Take time to reflect, participate in traditions like stone cleaning, and explore related memorials and resources. Download the Stolpersteine Guide app for curated tours and additional biographies. Your participation helps ensure these stories remain an integral part of our collective heritage.

Plan your visit today, and share your experience using #LeibFraenkelMemorial to keep the memory alive. For more information on tours, commemorative events, and Karlsruhe’s culture of remembrance, explore the resources below.