Stolperstein Dedicated To Friedel Janecek

Stolperstein Friedel Janecek Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Friedel Janecek in Wiesbaden’s Mainz-Kastel district is a powerful component of Europe’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial project. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project embeds small brass plaques in pavements across the continent, commemorating the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted by the Nazi regime. Janecek’s Stolperstein stands as both an individual tribute and a vital piece of Wiesbaden’s living memory culture, inviting visitors to reflect on history, resilience, and the ongoing importance of remembrance (Stolpersteine Official Website; Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Mainz-Kastel; Tourismus Wiesbaden).

Historical Context of the Stolpersteine Project

Conceived by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the Stolpersteine project arose from a desire to restore dignity and identity to the millions persecuted under National Socialism. Each Stolperstein measures 10 x 10 cm and is handcrafted, inscribed with the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and, when known, their date and place of death. The project has grown to encompass over 100,000 stones in more than 1,900 municipalities across 30 countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized memorial (stolpersteine.eu).

Stolpersteine are more than static markers—they are “social sculptures” involving survivors, relatives, historians, students, and the broader community in research, installation, and care. Their ground-level placement encourages passersby to “stumble” upon remembrance in daily life, fostering a culture of ongoing reflection and education (stolpersteine-berlin.de).

The project commemorates all victims of Nazi persecution: Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, those persecuted for their faith, and victims of the Nazi “euthanasia” program. This inclusive philosophy gives voice to diverse stories and helps mend the historical erasure imposed by the regime (stolpersteine-berlin.de).

Friedel Janecek: Biographical Background

Friedel Janecek (born 1905) was a political dissident known for her socialist and communist activism. Janecek’s life was marked by courage and resistance in the face of increasing danger. As a member of multiple leftist parties, including SPD, SAPD, KPD, and DKP, Janecek was repeatedly persecuted and arrested by the Nazi regime. The Stolperstein at Eisenbahnstraße 12 in Mainz-Kastel marks Janecek’s last voluntary residence, serving as a testament to her resilience and the broader struggle for political freedom (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Mainz-Kastel; Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).

The Significance of the Janecek Stolperstein

Restoring Identity and Dignity

By naming Friedel Janecek and marking her former home, the Stolperstein serves as a counterpoint to the dehumanization and anonymity of the Holocaust. It returns individuality, dignity, and belonging to Janecek’s memory.

Local and European Memory Culture

Janecek’s Stolperstein is part of a vast network across Wiesbaden and Europe, linking personal stories to the collective remembrance of communities and fostering cross-generational dialogue about the consequences of intolerance and authoritarianism.

The participatory nature of the Stolpersteine project—engaging students, relatives, and local organizations—ensures that memory work is active and ongoing. Educational activities, guided tours, and digital tools make these memorials accessible to all, reinforcing a commitment to remembrance and human rights (migration-lab.net).

Visiting Friedel Janecek’s Stolperstein: Practical Information

Location and Directions

Address: Eisenbahnstraße 12, Mainz-Kastel, Wiesbaden, Germany
Coordinates: 50.007405, 8.283249
Neighborhood: Eastern bank of the Rhine, accessible from Wiesbaden city center and Mainz

Getting There:

Public Transport: Mainz-Kastel station (regional trains and buses) is a 5–10 minute walk away (Mapcarta).
Car: Limited street parking is available; consider public lots or park-and-ride options.
On Foot/Bicycle: The area is pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Open 24/7; no gates or restricted access.
Tickets: No admission fee required.

Accessibility

Physical Access: The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement and generally accessible to wheelchairs, though some uneven surfaces may exist. The Stolpersteine Guide App provides route and accessibility information.
Assistance: Contact the Wiesbaden Tourist Information Office for personalized advice.

Best Times to Visit

Daylight Hours: Plaque is easiest to read during the day.
Special Dates: Significant for commemorative events, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht anniversary (November 9).

How to Engage Respectfully

Pause and Reflect: Spend a moment reading the inscription in silence.
Remembrance Gestures: Placing a small stone or flower beside the Stolperstein is traditional.
Cleaning the Stone: Gently polishing the brass is considered respectful, especially on remembrance days (Folklife Magazine).
Photography: Allowed, but please be discreet and respect the dignity of the site.

Enhancing Your Visit

Use the Stolpersteine App: The Stolpersteine NRW app and the Stolpersteine Guide App offer interactive maps, biographies, and self-guided walking tours.
Combine with Other Sites: Wiesbaden has over 780 Stolpersteine at more than 420 locations (Wikipedia). The Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and the Museum Wiesbaden provide additional context.
Nearby Attractions: Explore the Kurhaus, Nerobergbahn, and the historic city center while in Wiesbaden.

Annual Commemorations and Guided Tours

Events: Local organizations, such as Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, hold ceremonies with speeches, flower-laying, and moments of silence at Stolperstein sites.
Guided Tours: Educational walking tours are available; inquire at the Tourist Information Office or local museums.

Safety, Amenities, and Tips

Safety: Wiesbaden is safe; standard urban precautions suffice.
Amenities: Cafés, public restrooms, and tourist services are available in Mainz-Kastel and Wiesbaden center.
Respect for Residents: Stolpersteine are often in residential areas—avoid blocking entrances and maintain a respectful demeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Stolpersteine?
A: Small brass plaques in sidewalks commemorating victims of Nazi persecution, placed outside their last chosen residence or workplace.

Q: Is the Janecek Stolperstein wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, though some sidewalk surfaces may be uneven. Apps and local resources provide accessibility information.

Q: Are tickets or appointments required?
A: No; the memorial is accessible at any time, free of charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and museums.

Q: Can I find other Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden?
A: Yes, the city and region have hundreds of similar memorials.

Additional Resources

Summary and Recommendations

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Friedel Janecek in Wiesbaden is a deeply meaningful experience that connects personal memory with the broader fabric of European history. The memorial’s accessibility—24/7, free of charge—makes it easy for everyone to pause, reflect, and pay respects. Enhance your visit by using digital resources, participating in guided tours, or joining local remembrance events.

By engaging with Janecek’s Stolperstein and others across Wiesbaden, visitors honor the memory of those who resisted oppression and help sustain a culture of remembrance, empathy, and democratic values. For further insight, explore local museums, download mobile apps, and connect with Wiesbaden’s vibrant historical community.

For more information, visit the official Stolpersteine website and Wiesbaden’s tourism resources. Download relevant apps for interactive experiences and walking tours.