Stolperstein Karl Rumberger: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Stuttgart Historical Sites
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein for Karl Rumberger, located in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, is a poignant memorial that connects visitors with the city’s deep commitment to Holocaust remembrance and the stories of those who resisted Nazi oppression. Stolpersteine—small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe—commemorate victims of the Nazi regime at their last freely chosen residences. Conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolperstein project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed in more than two dozen countries and more than 1,000 in Stuttgart alone (Stolpersteine Stuttgart; Germany.info).
This guide offers comprehensive information about the Karl Rumberger Stolperstein, including its historical context, practical details for visitors (such as location, accessibility, visiting hours, and guided tours), cultural insights, and recommendations for exploring nearby historical sites in Stuttgart. Whether you are a history enthusiast, educator, or traveler, this article will help you plan a respectful and meaningful visit.
The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Significance
The Stolperstein project began in 1992 in Cologne, Germany, when artist Gunter Demnig installed the first brass plate to honor Sinti and Roma victims of deportation (LBI News). The concept quickly evolved to focus on individuals, with each Stolperstein featuring a victim’s name, birth date, fate, and last freely chosen address. The project’s guiding principle—“A person is only forgotten when his name is forgotten”—underscores the importance of personal remembrance (Prague Views).
Stolpersteine are hand-engraved, 10 x 10 cm brass plaques set into sidewalks, inviting passersby to reflect on the lives lost in the Holocaust. The project’s decentralized nature empowers local communities, families, and organizations to sponsor and maintain stones, fostering both personal and collective memory (Stolpersteine Stuttgart).
Expansion and Community Engagement in Stuttgart
Stuttgart’s engagement with the Stolperstein project began in 2003. By 2025, the city has installed over 1,000 Stolpersteine, maintained by sixteen local initiatives and supported by educational institutions, residents, and volunteers (Stuttgarter Zeitung). These groups conduct biographical research, organize commemorative events, and partner with schools and universities to integrate Stolpersteine into educational curricula (Stolpersteine Stuttgart-Ost).
Annual cleaning ceremonies, city walks, and public discussions encourage ongoing engagement and ensure the stones remain visible and respected within the urban landscape.
The Stolperstein for Karl Rumberger
Historical Background
Karl Rumberger (1908–1944) was a political dissident and member of the Communist Party of Germany who actively resisted the Nazi regime. After multiple arrests and periods of persecution, Rumberger was ultimately murdered in Flossenbürg concentration camp in 1944 (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Rumberger).
The Stolperstein dedicated to Rumberger, installed at Reinhold-Brändle-Weg 8 in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen in 2006, commemorates his courage and the sacrifices made by political activists who opposed totalitarianism (Stolpersteine Stuttgart Zuffenhausen).
The memorial has also fostered renewed connections between Rumberger’s descendants and their family history.
Practical Visitor Information
Location and Accessibility
- Address: Reinhold-Brändle-Weg 8 (formerly In den Pliensäckern 19E), Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
- Public Transport: Nearest S-Bahn station is Zuffenhausen Bahnhof; from there, it’s a short walk to the Stolperstein’s location.
- Accessibility: The Stolperstein is flush with the sidewalk and accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.
- Visiting Hours: The memorial is outdoors and freely accessible 24/7, with no admission fee or ticket required.
- Maps: Use official resources such as the Stolpersteine Stuttgart map or ask at the Stuttgart Tourist Information Center for directions.
Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities
- Local Initiatives: Organizations like Lern- und Gedenkort Hotel Silber e.V. and Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg offer guided Stolperstein walks and educational programs (Hotel Silber; Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg).
- Tour Details: Tours typically last 1–2 hours, are offered in German (with English options available by request), and cover multiple Stolpersteine and stories of resistance.
- Booking: Recommended in advance, especially during significant commemoration dates or peak tourist seasons.
Visitor Etiquette
- Pause and Reflect: Take time to read the inscription and consider the individual’s story.
- Remembrance Tokens: Flowers or small stones may be placed as a gesture of respect.
- Photography: Permitted, but please be considerate of local residents and avoid obstructing the sidewalk.
- Participation: Join local cleaning days or commemorative events to support ongoing remembrance efforts.
Best Times to Visit
- Season: May through September offers ideal weather for walking tours.
- Timing: Early mornings or late afternoons provide quieter, more reflective experiences.
- Events: Special ceremonies and guided walks are held around Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and July 20 (Stauffenberg assassination attempt commemoration) (stuttgarter-nachrichten.de).
Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions
- Other Stolpersteine in Zuffenhausen: Memorials for victims such as Eugen Spilger, Julius Beickert, and families persecuted for their faith or ethnicity.
- Hotel Silber: Former Gestapo headquarters, now a museum and memorial focused on Nazi persecution and resistance (destinationwwii.com).
- Memorial to the Victims of National Socialism: Granite monument near the Stauffenberg Museum.
- Pfarrhaus Unterländer Str. 65: Historic site where evangelical pastors sheltered Jews during the Nazi era.
- Stiftskirche & Birkenkopf: Churches and wartime relics offering further insights into Stuttgart’s WWII history.
Digital Resources and Accessibility
- Interactive Maps and Databases: Stolpersteine Stuttgart and Stolpersteine Stuttgart-Ost provide searchable locations and biographies.
- Virtual Tours: Some organizations offer digital tours and photo galleries for remote visitors or preliminary planning.
- Audio Guides: Download the Audiala app for self-guided tours and additional historical context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Stolpersteine?
A: Stolpersteine are small brass plaques set into sidewalks to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence.
Q: Where is Karl Rumberger’s Stolperstein located?
A: Reinhold-Brändle-Weg 8, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
Q: Are there tickets or fees?
A: No, all Stolpersteine are publicly accessible and free to visit.
Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, with advance booking through local initiatives or the tourist board.
Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the Stolperstein is at sidewalk level and reachable by public transport.
Visual and Media Resources
- Images: High-quality photos and alt text such as “Karl Rumberger Stolperstein Stuttgart” are available on local history and tourism websites.
- Maps: Interactive maps pinpoint Stolperstein locations and related historical sites.
- Virtual Tours: Offered by select organizations for remote engagement.
Visitor Tips
- Prepare for Weather: Dress for outdoor conditions; Stuttgart’s climate is mild but variable.
- Language: Most inscriptions are in German; translation apps or English-speaking guides are helpful.
- Combine Visits: Explore other memorials and museums nearby for a fuller understanding of Stuttgart’s history.
- Share Experiences: Support local remembrance initiatives by sharing your visit and insights.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Visiting the Karl Rumberger Stolperstein in Stuttgart is a powerful way to honor those who resisted tyranny and to participate in ongoing remembrance efforts. The site’s accessibility, integration into everyday urban space, and connection to broader historical narratives make it a vital destination for reflection and education.
Plan your visit using the resources and tips provided, attend a guided tour for deeper context, and utilize digital tools like the Audiala app for enriched storytelling. Stay engaged with local Stolperstein initiatives to support the preservation of memory and the promotion of human dignity.
