What the Stolperstein is
The Stolperstein dedicated to Abel Lazar Bernstein is a small, brass-plated stone embedded in the pavement at Erling Skakkes gate 53 in Trondheim, Norway. It commemorates Bernstein and forms part of a wider European memorial initiative that places individual victims’ stories in the everyday landscape.
The Stolpersteine project was established by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s. “Stolpersteine” means “stumbling stones” in German. These brass-plated cobblestones are installed in front of the last freely chosen residences of people persecuted by the Nazis. Each stone bears the victim’s name, date of birth, fate and, where known, date and place of death. The project seeks to restore the identities of those who suffered under National Socialism and keep their memory visible (Stolpersteine.eu).
Today, over 107,000 Stolpersteine are in place across nearly 1,900 municipalities in Europe. The project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial project.
History
The Stolpersteine project is both an art installation and a social sculpture. Each stone is handcrafted, and researching, funding and installing one involves survivors, descendants, local residents and historical societies. Its street-level placement invites passersby to encounter the memorial during daily life (Stolpersteine.eu).
During the Nazi occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945, the country’s Jewish population faced systematic persecution. The Stolpersteine project reached Norway in 2010, and more than 600 stones have been laid across cities including Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim (Stolpersteine.eu). Trondheim had a vibrant Jewish community before World War II; its Stolpersteine commemorate people who were arrested, deported and murdered.
Abel Lazar Bernstein (1885–1942) was a central figure in Trondheim’s Jewish community. He was born to Dora and Levi Bernstein, who were from Kovno (now Kaunas, Lithuania). He settled in Trondheim, married Cecilie Fischer and had one son. Bernstein became vice-chairman of Det mosaiske trossamfunn i Trondheim, the city’s Jewish congregation (fanger.no). During the Nazi occupation, the Gestapo arrested him on February 8, 1942. On March 7, 1942, he was executed at Kristiansten Fortress alongside other Jewish men (Scandinavian Jewish Forum).
The Trondheim Synagogue was established in the late 19th century. It played a central role in the community before World War II and continues to serve as a hub for cultural and religious life. It is a rare and significant monument to the enduring presence of Norway’s Jewish community (Jewish Museum Trondheim).
What to see
Abel Lazar Bernstein’s Stolperstein
The stone is a brass-plated concrete cube measuring 10 x 10 cm (approximately 4 x 4 inches). Its Norwegian inscription typically reads:
HER BODDE
ABEL LAZAR BERNSTEIN
FØDT 1885
ARRESTERT 08.02.1942
DREPT 07.03.1942
Trondheim Synagogue
The synagogue is one of Norway’s few surviving synagogues. It offers a place to learn about the region’s Jewish history and continuing cultural and religious life. The Jewish Museum Trondheim has in-depth exhibitions on Jewish life in the region (Jewish Museum Trondheim).
Practical visiting information
Visiting the Stolperstein
- Address Erling Skakkes gate 53, Trondheim (Traces of War).
- GPS coordinates 63.429361, 10.382862.
- Access The stone is set flush with a public sidewalk and is accessible at all times, free of charge. It is generally accessible to all, though pavements in the area may be uneven.
- Getting there The central location is accessible on foot or by public transport. Use the address or coordinates to find the stone.
- Best time to visit Daylight is recommended for visibility. Trondheim is walkable year-round, though spring to early autumn offers the best conditions.
- Guided tours and events Local organizations and historical societies offer guided tours about Trondheim’s Stolpersteine and Jewish history. Tours often coincide with Holocaust Remembrance Day and other commemorative events. Check with local museums and tourist offices for current schedules.
Visiting the Trondheim Synagogue
- Address Kongens Gate 15.
- Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
- Sunday 12:00 PM–3:00 PM.
- Saturday Closed.
- Admission 100 NOK general admission; 70 NOK for students and seniors; children under 12 free. Group tours are by appointment.
- Accessibility Wheelchair accessible with ramps and restrooms.
- Tours Guided tours are available in Norwegian and English; advance booking is recommended.
- Photography Permitted except during services.
- Events and educational programs The synagogue hosts Holocaust remembrance events, cultural festivals and educational workshops. Check the official website for updates and event schedules.
Tips for a meaningful visit
- Pause to read the inscription and reflect on Bernstein’s story and the broader history.
- Treat the site with respect. A small stone or flower may be left as a sign of remembrance.
- Visit the Jewish Museum or join a guided tour for more context.
- Share your visit on social media or support local heritage organizations that help maintain these memorials.
- Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours.
- Consider participating in local commemorative events.
The Stolperstein is free to visit and accessible year-round. It connects visitors with the individual stories of Holocaust victims, the resilience of Trondheim’s Jewish community and the wider European effort to keep their memory alive (Stolpersteine.eu).
Nearby places
- Kristiansten Fortress Historic site and the location where Bernstein and other Jewish men were executed.
- Jewish Museum Trondheim Exhibitions on Jewish life in the region (Jewish Museum Trondheim).
- Trondheim Synagogue One of Norway’s few surviving synagogues.
- Nidaros Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and the Old Town Bridge All within walking distance, offering broader context to Trondheim’s heritage.
