Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Siegfried Speyer in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Siegfried Speyer

Visiting the Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer in Karlsruhe, Germany — Complete Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (stumbling stone) dedicated to Siegfried Speyer in Karlsruhe is more than just a brass plaque—it is a tangible link to the city’s Jewish heritage and a lasting testament to the individuals who suffered under the Nazi regime. Visiting this memorial offers a deeply personal connection to history and an opportunity to reflect on the broader impact of persecution and remembrance. This guide provides historical context, practical visitor information, and resources to ensure a meaningful and respectful visit.

Introduction
Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project
Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Growth, Locations, and Tours
The Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer: Historical Background
Visiting Information: Location, Accessibility, and Etiquette
Educational and Reflective Opportunities
Integration with Karlsruhe’s Memorial Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources and Further Reading
Call to Action
Visuals and Media Recommendations
References

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig in Cologne, with the goal of commemorating victims of Nazi persecution at the very locations they once called home. Each Stolperstein is a hand-crafted concrete block (96 x 96 x 100 mm) topped with a brass plate inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death. The core philosophy, rooted in the Talmudic saying “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten,” is to restore the identities of individual victims in the fabric of everyday life (Leo Baeck Institute, Stolpersteine Speyer).

As of 2023, this decentralized memorial is the largest of its kind, with over 100,000 Stolpersteine in more than 1,265 communities across 21 European countries (Stolpersteine Speyer).

Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Growth, Locations, and Tours

Karlsruhe began participating in the Stolpersteine project in 2005, with the first stones laid at Hoffstraße 1 (Karlsruhe City Wiki). The project has since expanded to nearly 300 stones at over 60 locations (Karlsruhe Remembrance Culture), reflecting the city’s commitment to remembering its lost Jewish residents and other victims of Nazi persecution.

Locations and Neighborhoods

Stolpersteine are installed in various districts, including Innenstadt-Ost, Innenstadt-West, Durlach, Weststadt, Südweststadt, and Grötzingen. Each stone marks the last freely chosen residence of a victim, anchoring their memory to a specific address (Karlsruhe City Wiki).

Tours and Visitor Experience

Self-Guided Tours: Maps and lists of Stolpersteine locations are available online and at local tourist information offices, enabling visitors to explore at their own pace (Karlsruhe Remembrance Culture).
Guided Tours: Occasional walking tours are organized by local groups, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day. Check with Karlsruhe Erleben or the Stolpersteine project for schedules and bookings.

Accessibility

Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are generally accessible to wheelchair users. Some pavement conditions may vary, so travelers with mobility needs should check specific locations in advance.

The Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer: Historical Background

Siegfried Speyer was a Jewish cantor and teacher in Karlsruhe, emblematic of the many lives disrupted and destroyed during the Third Reich. He was part of a family that included Fanny Godlewsky Speyer and Manfred Speyer (Find a Grave Memorial). The Speyer family, like many others in Karlsruhe, faced escalating antisemitism, culminating in forced displacement and deportation.

The Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer is located at Herrenstraße 14 (Karlsruhe Culture Archive), marking his last freely chosen residence and serving as a powerful reminder of the city’s lost Jewish community.

Visiting Information: Location, Accessibility, and Etiquette

Location and Hours

Address: Herrenstraße 14, Karlsruhe (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe)
Hours: Open and accessible 24/7, year-round. There is no entrance fee.
Accessibility: The memorial is fully integrated into the sidewalk and accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

How to Visit

Finding the Stone: Use the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe database or city maps. The stone is within walking distance of other central attractions.
Best Time: Daylight is recommended for clearly reading inscriptions and taking photographs.
Etiquette: Pause, read the inscription, and consider leaving a small stone or flower as a sign of respect. Cleaning the brass plaque is a meaningful gesture. Photography is permitted, but please be discreet and respectful.

Guided and Educational Visits

Guided Tours: Offered occasionally by local organizations and the city’s tourist office (Karlsruhe Erleben).
Educational Programs: Schools and civic groups often include Stolperstein visits in their curricula.

Nearby Attractions

Jewish Heritage Sites: Rebuilt Karlsruhe Synagogue, city museums with exhibitions on Jewish life and Holocaust remembrance.
Other Memorials: Blue enamel plaques, Gedenkgrabstein at Hauptfriedhof cemetery.

Educational and Reflective Opportunities

The Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer, like others in Karlsruhe, is central to Holocaust education and civic remembrance. Local schools and community groups research and present victim biographies, facilitating intergenerational dialogue (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). Public ceremonies, often organized by the Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte and religious institutions, reinforce the importance of memory and reflection.

Visitors are encouraged to use the Stolpersteine as starting points for broader discussions on human rights, tolerance, and the dangers of forgetting history.

Integration with Karlsruhe’s Memorial Landscape

The Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer is part of a larger network of memorials across Karlsruhe, including plaques, monuments, and exhibitions in museums and cemeteries (Karlsruhe Remembrance Culture). This integration reflects Karlsruhe’s ongoing commitment to remembrance and education, supported by civic, religious, and educational organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, the Stolperstein is freely accessible in a public space.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours can be booked through the city’s tourist office or local organizations, especially on remembrance days.

Q: Is the Stolperstein wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the stones are embedded in flat sidewalks and are accessible.

Q: What is the best way to pay respects?
A: Pause quietly, read the inscription, and consider placing a stone or flower. Cleaning the brass is also a meaningful gesture.

Q: Where can I find more information or a map?
A: Consult the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe database or Karlsruhe Remembrance Culture.

Additional Resources and Further Reading

Call to Action

By engaging with the Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer, you become part of an ongoing act of remembrance and education. To enrich your visit, use the Audiala app for guided tours and additional historical narratives. Stay informed about commemorative events and new memorials by following local remembrance groups on social media. Support the preservation of historical memory by sharing your experiences and learning more about the lives behind each stone.

Visuals and Media Recommendations

Images: Include close-up photographs of the Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer with alt text such as: “Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer embedded in Karlsruhe sidewalk.”
Maps: Utilize interactive maps from official Stolpersteine websites for planning your route.
Virtual Tours: Explore digital resources from local museums for further engagement.

Summary and Final Tips

The Stolperstein for Siegfried Speyer stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance in Karlsruhe’s urban landscape. Through accessible public memorials, guided and self-guided tours, and ongoing educational initiatives, the city fosters a culture that honors the memory of its victims and encourages active reflection. Respectful participation—whether through quiet contemplation, placing a stone, or joining a tour—helps ensure that the stories of Siegfried Speyer and others are never forgotten.