Stolperstein Dedicated To Regina Mannheimer

Stolperstein Regina Mannheimer Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Regina Mannheimer in Karlsruhe, Germany, is part of the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Stolpersteine—German for “stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques set into sidewalks before the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. Each stone commemorates a unique life, bearing the name, birth year, and fate of the victim, and serves as a deeply personal reminder of history woven into the city’s everyday landscape (Stolpersteine.eu; Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024).

Karlsruhe, with its rich Jewish heritage, has participated in the Stolpersteine project since 2005, integrating nearly 300 stones into its urban fabric (Karlsruhe Remembrance Culture). The Stolperstein for Regina Mannheimer, located at Kreuzstraße 3, is easily accessible by public transport and is surrounded by other memorials dedicated to local Jewish families (Traces of War).

This guide provides an in-depth overview of the historical significance of the Regina Mannheimer Stolperstein, practical visiting information, nearby attractions, and recommendations for respectful visitation. Whether you are a historian, educator, or traveler, this resource will help you plan a thoughtful and impactful visit.

Historical Background and Significance
Location and How to Visit
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities
Visiting Etiquette and Practical Tips
Nearby Historical Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Further Resources
Summary and Final Tips
References

Historical Background and Significance

Origins of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s to honor individuals persecuted by National Socialism on a personal level (Stolpersteine.eu). Unlike conventional monuments, Stolpersteine are embedded at street level, challenging passersby to confront history as part of daily life. The project’s philosophy is rooted in decentralized remembrance, making the memory of Nazi victims both visible and immediate.

Today, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across 27 European countries, commemorating Jews, Sinti and Roma, disabled persons, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others (pragueviews.com; ka-news.de).

Regina Mannheimer and Karlsruhe’s Jewish Community

Regina Mannheimer’s Stolperstein is a testament to the vibrant Jewish life that once flourished in Karlsruhe before the atrocities of the Holocaust. The city’s Stolpersteine project, launched in 2005, involves extensive collaboration between local historians, families, and educational institutions (Karlsruhe Remembrance Culture). Each stone results from careful historical research and often includes the participation of the victim’s descendants.

Location and How to Visit

Address: Kreuzstraße 3, Karlsruhe, Germany (Traces of War)
Coordinates: 49.010018, 8.405275

The Stolperstein is embedded in the pavement directly in front of Regina Mannheimer’s last freely chosen residence. The location is central and easily accessible via public transit—trams and buses stop nearby at Herrenstraße and Marktplatz, both within a short walk (Karlsruhe Kulturdenkmale). For drivers, parking is available at Herrenstraße BBB, approximately 60 meters from the site.

Visiting Hours:
As an outdoor memorial, the Stolperstein is accessible 24/7. There are no entry fees or tickets needed.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Wheelchair Accessibility: The site is on a level, well-maintained pavement and is generally accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. However, some unevenness may occur; visitors may wish to check the area in advance.
Public Facilities: Restrooms and seating areas are available nearby in the city center.
Information: While the inscription is in German, translation apps are recommended. Some local organizations offer English-language materials and guided walks.

Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities

Various local organizations, such as Lernort Kislau and Amnesty International, offer periodic guided tours and educational programs focusing on Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine (BNN Karlsruhe). These may include readings, biographical narratives, and historical context to deepen your understanding of the memorials.

Interactive maps and digital resources are available through the Karlsruhe city archive and the official Stolpersteine website.

Visiting Etiquette and Practical Tips

Approach Respectfully: Pause to read the inscription and reflect. Bending down to read the Stolperstein is encouraged; it symbolizes humility and remembrance.
Leave a Tribute: Placing a small stone or flower on or near the Stolperstein is a traditional gesture of respect.
Photography: Allowed for personal use; avoid blocking the sidewalk or disrupting passersby.
Cleaning: Community groups organize regular cleaning events to maintain the stones. Visitors may gently polish the brass plaque as a sign of care (RK Karlsruhe).
Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays tend to be quieter and more contemplative.

Nearby Historical Sites

Karlsruhe features over 200 Stolpersteine and several significant historical sites within walking distance of Kreuzstraße 3:

Herrenstraße 14: Former Jewish community center and synagogue, marked with additional Stolpersteine and plaques.
Marktplatz: Central square with further memorial stones and access to museums.
Ständehaus: Stolpersteine dedicated to persecuted members of the Badischen Landtag.

Self-guided remembrance walks are recommended and can be planned using Karlsruhe’s interactive map.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial accessible at any time, free of charge.

Q: Is the memorial suitable for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the site is wheelchair accessible, though some pavements may be slightly uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please be discreet and do not obstruct the sidewalk.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, both guided and self-guided tours are periodically offered by local organizations.

Q: How can I find other Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe?
A: Use the interactive maps provided by the city archive and the Stolpersteine project.

Further Resources

Summary and Final Tips

The Regina Mannheimer Stolperstein in Karlsruhe is a moving and accessible memorial that invites personal engagement with history. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect, read and reflect on the inscription, and participate in local remembrance activities when possible. Complement your visit with guided tours or by exploring nearby memorials and museums for a deeper understanding of Karlsruhe’s Jewish history and the broader Stolpersteine initiative.

Use digital tools and interactive maps for planning, and consider joining community cleaning or remembrance events to contribute actively to the culture of memory. By visiting and sharing these experiences, you help ensure that the lessons and legacies of the past continue to resonate.