Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Hirsch Zvi Komissar in Trondheim, Norway

Stolperstein Dedicated To Hirsch Zvi Komissar

Stolperstein Hirsch Zvi Komissar Trondheim: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Hirsch Zvi Komissar in Trondheim, Norway, offers a unique opportunity to connect personally with the history of the Holocaust and the Jewish community in Norway. As part of the largest decentralized memorial project in the world, Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques set into the sidewalks of European cities, commemorating those who suffered under Nazi persecution. The memorial for Komissar—engineer, entrepreneur, and key figure in Trondheim’s Jewish life—serves both as a tribute to individual resilience and as an invitation to reflect on the impact of the Holocaust in Norway.

This comprehensive guide provides essential information about visiting the Hirsch Zvi Komissar Stolperstein: its historical context, location, accessibility, recommended visiting times, nearby attractions, educational opportunities, and practical travel tips. Whether you are interested in honoring Holocaust victims, learning about Trondheim’s cultural heritage, or participating in commemorative events, you will find the resources here to ensure a respectful and meaningful visit. For further information, visit stolpersteine.no and stolpersteine.eu.

Introduction
The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Philosophy
The Holocaust in Norway and Trondheim: Historical Context
Hirsch Zvi Komissar: Life and Legacy
The Stolperstein: Location and Description
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Accessibility and Getting There
Nearby Attractions
Guided Tours and Educational Resources
Cultural and Local Significance
Practical Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Interactive Resources
Combining with Other Trondheim Attractions
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Philosophy

Initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolperstein project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial to victims of Nazi persecution (Stolpersteine.eu). Each Stolperstein—literally “stumbling stone”—is a brass-plated cobblestone inscribed with the victim’s name and fate, installed at their last freely chosen place of residence or work.

The philosophy behind the project is to make remembrance a personal, local, and visible part of daily life. Placed at street level, Stolpersteine invite passersby to “stumble” upon history—transforming the ordinary urban landscape into a site of memory and reflection.

The Holocaust in Norway and Trondheim: Historical Context

During the Nazi occupation of Norway (1940–1945), the country’s Jewish population faced systematic persecution and deportation. Of approximately 2,100 Jews in Norway before the war, at least 773 were deported, with only 34 surviving (HL-senteret). Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, was home to an active Jewish community centered around its synagogue (established in 1905) and played a significant role in regional commerce and culture.

The Stolperstein dedicated to Hirsch Zvi Komissar represents the many local tragedies experienced during this period, personalizing the collective loss suffered by Trondheim’s Jewish population.

Hirsch Zvi Komissar: Life and Legacy

Hirsch Zvi Komissar (1887–1942) was a Belarusian-born mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and prominent Zionist. After arriving in Trondheim in 1915, he became a key figure in the city’s Jewish community, contributing to both civic and religious life. Komissar’s fate—arrested in 1942 and murdered at Auschwitz—mirrors the broader story of Jewish persecution in Norway (Snublestein.no; Store norske leksikon).

The Stolperstein: Location and Description

The Stolperstein for Hirsch Zvi Komissar is installed at Klostergata 35, Trondheim, Norway (Snublestein.no). This 10 x 10 cm brass plaque, set flush into the pavement, bears the following inscription:

“Her bodde Hirsch Zvi Komissar
Født 1893
Arrestert 1942
Deportert
Drept i Auschwitz”

(Translation: “Here lived Hirsch Zvi Komissar / Born 1893 / Arrested 1942 / Deported / Murdered in Auschwitz.“)

Its presence marks both the physical threshold of Komissar’s life and the symbolic rupture caused by Nazi persecution.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk and accessible 24 hours a day, year-round.
Admission: Free; no tickets or reservations are required.
Best Times to Visit: Daylight hours are recommended for visibility and reflection. Summer months offer extended daylight, and commemorative events often occur around International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and other key dates (Guide to Europe).

Accessibility and Getting There

Location:

Address: Klostergata 35, Trondheim, Norway
Map and Details: Stolpersteine Norway map

Getting There:

By Foot: Klostergata is a short walk from Trondheim’s city center and major landmarks.
By Public Transport: Bus lines 3, 5, or 7 stop nearby; the Trondheim Torg tram stop is a 10-minute walk.
By Car: Limited parking is available in public garages; walking or public transport is encouraged to support Trondheim’s environmental initiatives (Grown Up Travel Guide).

Accessibility:

The Stolperstein is installed at street level, making it accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Some cobblestone surfaces may be uneven—take care if needed.

Nearby Attractions

Trondheim Synagogue: The only remaining synagogue in Norway outside Oslo, offering guided tours (Trondheim Synagogue).
Jewish Museum Trondheim: Exhibits on Jewish life in Trondheim and the Holocaust in Norway.
Nidaros Cathedral: Norway’s national sanctuary, known for its impressive Gothic architecture.
Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro): A picturesque wooden bridge with scenic views.
Kristiansten Fortress: For panoramic city views and military history.
Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum: Open-air museum showcasing regional heritage.

Guided Tours and Educational Resources

Guided Stolperstein Walks: Offered periodically by the Jewish Museum Trondheim and local historical societies. Check Jewish Museum in Oslo or local tourist offices for schedules.
Educational Programs: The Stolperstein is integrated into local Holocaust education, with school visits, research projects, and workshops run in cooperation with the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies.
Digital Resources: Online maps, biographies, and virtual tours are available via stolpersteine.no and stolpersteine.eu.

Cultural and Local Significance

Trondheim’s Jewish community, though small, played a vital role in local commerce and intellectual life. The city is home to 67 Stolpersteine, each marking the last voluntary address of victims of Nazi persecution (Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Trøndelag). The installation of Stolpersteine is typically marked by ceremonies involving descendants, local officials, and community members. Jewish traditions such as placing stones and reciting Kaddish are observed (Jewish Heritage Europe).

Practical Tips for Visitors

Plan Your Route: Combine your visit with nearby historical sites for a richer experience.
Dress for Weather: Trondheim weather can be changeable; dress in layers and bring rain gear.
Respect the Memorial: Speak quietly, don’t obstruct sidewalks, and be mindful of local residents.
Commemorative Gestures: Placing a small stone, flower, or cleaning the plaque is a traditional act of remembrance.
Photography: Allowed, but please be respectful of the memorial’s solemnity and avoid photographing private property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of the Hirsch Zvi Komissar Stolperstein?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7, year-round.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No, the memorial is free to visit.

Q: How accessible is the site for visitors with mobility issues?
A: The site is flush with the pavement and generally accessible, though cobblestones may be uneven.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check with the Jewish Museum Trondheim or local tourist offices for schedules.

Q: What other historical sites can I visit nearby?
A: Nearby are the Nidaros Cathedral, Old Town Bridge, Kristiansten Fortress, and Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum.

Visual and Interactive Resources

High-quality images and location maps are available on stolpersteine.no.
Online biographies and virtual tours can be found via stolpersteine.eu.
For further context and visuals, see Jewish Heritage Europe.

Combining with Other Trondheim Attractions

Consider combining your visit with:

Nidaros Cathedral: Norway’s most significant Gothic church.
Old Town Bridge: Iconic red bridge with city views.
Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum: Open-air museum of regional culture.
Falstad Memorial Centre: Holocaust remembrance site about 30 minutes from Trondheim (Falstad Center).

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Hirsch Zvi Komissar Stolperstein offers a powerful, personal connection to the history of the Holocaust in Trondheim. Its accessibility, integration into the city’s fabric, and connection to a wider European network make it a uniquely meaningful site for reflection and learning. By visiting, participating in commemorative acts, or joining guided tours, you help preserve memory, foster understanding, and support a culture of remembrance.

Plan your visit today by consulting the official Stolpersteine website and the Stolpersteine Norway project. For guided audio tours and additional resources, consider downloading the Audiala app. Stay engaged through social media for updates on events and educational opportunities.