Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Karolina Berney in Wiesbaden Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Karolina Berney Geb. Löser

Stolperstein Karolina Berney geb. Löser Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. These small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe restore the names and dignity of those persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime—transforming everyday city streets into sites of remembrance. In Wiesbaden, the Stolperstein dedicated to Karolina Berney (née Löser) at Luisenstraße 17 invites visitors to reflect on the city’s Jewish history and engage in personal remembrance. This detailed guide explores the historical and cultural significance of the Stolpersteine, shares Karolina Berney’s story, and provides all the practical information you need for a respectful and meaningful visit (Holocaust Educational Trust; Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse; Stolpersteine.eu).

Introduction
Origins and Concept of Stolpersteine
The Story of Karolina Berney and Family
Visiting the Stolperstein in Wiesbaden
Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Concept of Stolpersteine

The Stolpersteine project began in the mid-1990s, inspired by Gunter Demnig’s commitment to surfacing the stories of Holocaust victims within the very neighborhoods they once called home. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated cobblestone set into the pavement outside the last freely chosen residence of a victim of Nazi persecution. The stone is engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and, when known, the date and place of death, ensuring that their individuality is restored (Stolpersteine.eu).

The project’s guiding philosophy is encapsulated by the Talmudic principle: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” As of 2024, more than 784 Stolpersteine have been installed in Wiesbaden alone, with thousands more across Europe, each inviting passersby to “stumble upon” memory and history (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).

The Story of Karolina Berney and Family

Karolina Berney, née Löser, was born on May 30, 1890, in Laufersweiler (Kreis Simmern). She and her husband, Heinrich Berney (b. April 22, 1888, Wörrstadt), lived at Luisenstraße 17, Wiesbaden, with their children Alfred (b. 1915) and Beate (Bettina, b. 1923) (Erinnerungsblatt Berney). Heinrich ran a tailoring business from their home, which the family lost due to anti-Semitic laws and persecution in 1939. Forced into increasingly dire circumstances, the Berneys rented out rooms to survive and endured forced labor. Like thousands of others in Wiesbaden, their fate was shaped by the escalating policies of exclusion, dispossession, and violence enacted by the Nazi regime.

The Stolperstein set before their former residence is a quiet but powerful testament to the family’s life, dignity, and the tragedy they endured.

Visiting the Stolperstein in Wiesbaden

Location and Access

Address: Luisenstraße 17, Wiesbaden, Westend district.
How to Get There: Easily reached via Wiesbaden’s efficient public transportation. The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is nearby, and local buses serve the Westend district. For drivers, limited street parking is available.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Stolpersteine are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no visiting hours restrictions.
Tickets: No admission fee or ticket is required. The memorial is freely accessible to all.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is embedded flush with the sidewalk, making it accessible to most visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Some adjacent sidewalks may be uneven due to cobblestone paving; suitable footwear is recommended.
For visually impaired visitors, tactile maps and audio guides may be available through local tourism services.

Nearby Historical Sites

Combine your visit with other key sites in Wiesbaden to deepen your understanding of the city’s past:

Jewish Museum Wiesbaden: Offers exhibits on Jewish life and history in the region.
Stadtschloss Wiesbaden (City Palace): Home to the Hessian State Parliament (Mapcarta).
Luisenplatz: A lively square surrounded by historic architecture and cafés.
Sankt Bonifatius: A neo-Gothic church within walking distance.

Guided Tours and Educational Resources

Guided Tours: Offered by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and other cultural organizations. These tours provide historical background and personal stories about the individuals commemorated.
Digital Resources: The Stolpersteine app and interactive maps help visitors locate stones and access biographical information.
Educational Materials: Publications by the AMS provide detailed biographies and context (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).

Community Engagement and Events

Local schools, organizations, and residents regularly participate in events such as:

Commemorative Ceremonies: Especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9).
Cleaning and Polishing Stones: Ensures the names remain visible and the memory is honored.
Workshops and Educational Walks: Encourage reflection and active remembrance.

Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips

Respectful Conduct: Approach the stone thoughtfully; pause to read the inscription and reflect. Avoid standing directly on the stone. Leaving flowers or small stones is a meaningful gesture of remembrance.
Photography: Allowed, but please be discreet and respect the privacy of local residents.
Best Times to Visit: Daylight hours are ideal for visibility and safety.
Safety: Wiesbaden is generally safe; remain aware of your surroundings and secure valuables.
Language: Most on-site information is in German, but many locals speak English. Translation apps can help with inscriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there specific visiting hours or tickets required?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials accessible 24/7, free of charge.

Q: Is the Stolperstein site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the stone is set flush with the sidewalk, although nearby pavements may be uneven.

Q: How do I find this and other Stolpersteine?
A: Use the AMS Stolperstein lists, the Stolpersteine app, or ask at the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours can be booked via local museums and tourist offices.

Q: Can I participate in commemorative events?
A: Yes, such events are open to the public and often advertised through local cultural institutions.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Visiting the Stolperstein commemorating Karolina Berney geb. Löser in Wiesbaden is a deeply personal way to engage with history. These small memorials are powerful reminders of the lives disrupted and destroyed by Nazi persecution, and their presence in the heart of the city’s daily life invites ongoing remembrance. Combine your visit with a guided tour, explore the area’s rich historical sites, and participate in community events to deepen your understanding.

For further information, download the Stolpersteine app, consult the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, and follow local cultural channels for updates on new stones and events. Responsible tourism—including respectful engagement and supporting local businesses—helps sustain the living memory embodied by projects like Stolpersteine.