Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Regina Förster Geb. Frommer in Wiesbaden Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Regina Förster Geb. Frommer

Visiting the Stolperstein for Regina Förster in Wiesbaden, Germany: Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) project, the world’s largest decentralized memorial, honors victims of the Holocaust by embedding small brass plaques in sidewalks outside their last freely chosen residences. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, each Stolperstein marks not only a physical location but also a personal history, inviting daily remembrance and reflection. As of 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across 27 European countries, including Germany, Austria, Poland, and others, transforming public spaces into living memorials (fabriziomusacchio.com; pragueviews.com).

Among these is the Stolperstein for Regina Förster (née Frommer), located at Mauergasse 14 in Wiesbaden, Germany. This memorial also honors her family members—Moritz, David, Melga Mathilde, and Heinrich Förster—who were murdered in Będzin, Poland, during the Holocaust. Visiting this Stolperstein is free, accessible at all times, and offers a direct, contemplative connection to Wiesbaden’s Jewish history (tracesofwar.com; stolpersteine.eu).

Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project began informally in 1996, when Gunter Demnig laid the first plaque in Cologne, Germany. The project’s concept is simple: commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution—Jews, Sinti and Roma, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, political dissidents, and others—by embedding personalized brass plaques in the pavement outside their last freely chosen homes. Each Stolperstein is hand-engraved by Demnig, reinforcing the dignity and individuality of the victims.

As of 2025, Stolpersteine can be found in 27 European countries. The project is sustained by private donations and community sponsorship, encouraging broad participation in remembrance (fabriziomusacchio.com; stolpersteine.eu).

The Stolperstein for Regina Förster in Wiesbaden

The Förster Family’s Story

Regina Förster (née Frommer), born in 1905, lived at Mauergasse 14 in Wiesbaden. Alongside her, four family members—Moritz (b. 1898), David (b. 1925), Melga Mathilde (b. 1928), and Heinrich (b. 1930) Förster—are commemorated at the same location. All were deported and murdered in Będzin, Poland, a site of mass Jewish extermination during the Holocaust (tracesofwar.com).

The Stolpersteine at Mauergasse 14 bear their names, birth dates, and, when known, the dates and places of death. This personalizes the tragedy, transforming abstract history into tangible, individual remembrance.

Historical Context: Jews in Wiesbaden

Wiesbaden was home to a vibrant Jewish community before the rise of the Nazi regime. Systematic persecution, deportation, and murder decimated the community during the Holocaust. Today, Stolpersteine throughout the city serve as poignant reminders of this dark chapter and the individuals who suffered.

Visiting the Stolpersteine Memorial in Wiesbaden

Location and Accessibility

Address: Mauergasse 14, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany
How to Get There: The site is centrally located and easily reached by public transport (bus, tram), on foot, or by car. Parking is available nearby, though public transport is recommended due to limited spaces.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Open 24/7. Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and can be visited at any time.
Tickets: No tickets or fees are required.

Accessibility

The memorial is flush with the pavement, making it accessible to people with mobility aids. As it is outdoors, visitors should prepare for weather conditions.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Wiesbaden offers guided walking tours focused on Jewish history and Holocaust remembrance, which often include the Stolpersteine. These tours are especially common around commemorative dates such as Holocaust Remembrance Day. For current schedules and bookings, check with the Wiesbaden Tourism Office.

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons provide softer lighting for photography and quieter foot traffic.
What to Bring: A soft cloth for gently cleaning the brass plate, or a small stone or flower as a traditional gesture of remembrance.
Etiquette: Avoid stepping directly on the stones, read the inscriptions respectfully, and be mindful of local residents.
Photography: Permitted, but should be discreet and respectful.

Local Customs

Cleaning the stones and leaving a small token are customary acts of remembrance, particularly on Holocaust Remembrance Day. These acts help keep the names and memories alive within the community.

Enhancing Your Visit: Nearby Attractions

Jewish Museum Wiesbaden: Offers exhibits and resources on local Jewish history.
Wiesbaden Holocaust Memorial: A central monument for further reflection.
Former Synagogue Site: Marked with plaques and historical information.
City Museum Wiesbaden: Provides broader historical context.

Many visitors combine their Stolperstein visit with these sites for a more comprehensive understanding of Wiesbaden’s Jewish heritage.

Educational and Community Engagement

Stolpersteine play a vital role in education, with schools and community groups incorporating them into programs about the Holocaust and human rights. Community members often maintain the stones, especially before remembrance events, symbolizing an ongoing commitment to memory and vigilance against intolerance (pragueviews.com).

The Stolpersteine Network Across Europe

Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine are part of a vast European network, with over 116,000 stones installed in more than 31 countries as of 2024. This transnational project underscores the importance of individual memory in confronting collective tragedy (stolpersteine.eu).

FAQs

Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials, open at all times and free to visit.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the stone is set at ground level and accessible, though be mindful of pavement conditions.

Q: Can I participate in guided tours?
A: Yes, tours are available through local organizations and the Wiesbaden Tourism Office.

Q: How can I learn more about Regina Förster and her family?
A: Visit the official Stolpersteine website and local resources like the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse.

Visitor Recommendations

Use the Stolperstein app for Wiesbaden for navigation and details on all local Stolpersteine.
Visit during commemorative events for guided experiences and community engagement.
Support the Stolpersteine project through donations, sponsorship, or volunteering (stolpersteine.eu).

Ethical and Practical Considerations

Respect the privacy of local residents and the solemn nature of the memorial.
Treat the Stolperstein and surrounding area with dignity.
Use your visit as an opportunity for reflection and education, especially with children or students.

Visuals

Stolperstein for Regina Förster in Wiesbaden

Alt text: “Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Regina Förster at Mauergasse 14 in Wiesbaden, Germany”

Additional Resources

Conclusion

The Stolperstein for Regina Förster in Wiesbaden stands as a powerful, accessible, and enduring memorial to a family lost in the Holocaust and to countless others whose stories echo across Europe. By visiting, reflecting, and participating in remembrance activities, each visitor helps preserve the memory and meaning of these lives. The Stolpersteine project’s ongoing expansion ensures that the past remains present in our urban landscapes and collective consciousness.

For more guided content, audio tours, and the latest updates on Wiesbaden’s historical sites, download the Audiala app and follow community channels. Remembering is an act of responsibility—plan your visit, honor the past, and become part of the living memory.