What the memorial is
The Stolperstein dedicated to Josef Mejer Gurewitz in Trondheim, Norway, commemorates him and the city’s Jewish community, which was targeted during the Nazi occupation. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks outside the last freely chosen residences of people persecuted by the Nazis.
Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. As of 2025, more than 107,000 stones had been embedded across 28 countries; the project has installations in over 1,800 locations worldwide (Stichting Stolpersteine, St. Louis Jewish Light).
Each stone is a 10x10 cm brass plaque, inscribed with the person’s name, birth year, fate and, if known, place and date of death. The stones commemorate Jews, Roma, Sinti, LGBTQ+ people, political dissidents and others persecuted by the Nazi regime (German Life).
History
The Stolpersteine project began in 1992. Stones can be requested by descendants, historians, local organizations or residents. The process involves historical research, permission from property owners and authorities, and installation, typically by Demnig or his authorized team. Installations often include public ceremonies and community participation. The project includes people who died in hiding or by suicide (Stichting Stolpersteine).
The project personalizes the tragedy of the Holocaust by restoring individual names and stories to public spaces. The act of bending down to read an inscription is regarded as a gesture of respect. Local communities also hold ceremonies and clean the stones. Some people have objected to memorials set into the pavement because they can be stepped on; Munich is among the cities where alternative memorials have been preferred (Leo Baeck Institute). Supporters regard the stones’ presence in everyday life as central to remembrance, and note that frequent contact keeps the brass polished (St. Louis Jewish Light).
Norway has Stolpersteine in cities including Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. As of April 2020, there were over 600 in Norway (Wikipedia). Trondheim has several, including the stone for Josef Mejer Gurewitz.
Before World War II, Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, had a vibrant but small Jewish community. During the Nazi occupation, Jewish residents faced arrest and deportation, and many were murdered in concentration camps. Of the 773 Jews deported from Norway, only 38 survived (Wikipedia). Josef Mejer Gurewitz was among those lost.
Stolpersteine are part of a wider shift toward decentralized, personal memorials that challenge the anonymity of historical tragedy. In Trondheim, each stone recalls the wartime history of the city and the need to combat hatred and intolerance (German Life).
What to see
The Josef Mejer Gurewitz memorial is centrally located in Trondheim. Stolpersteine are generally placed outside a person’s last freely chosen residence or workplace. In Trondheim, they are primarily in the city center and historic Jewish neighborhoods.
There is no official city map solely for Stolpersteine. Searchable lists and maps are available through the German Stolpersteine database and the official project website.
Other sites to visit include Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim Jewish Museum (jodiskmuseum.org), the Archbishop’s Palace Museum and the Bakklandet historic district. The Nidaros Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and Bakklandet district are also among the city’s historical attractions (TouristPlaces.Guide).
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets and accessibility
Stolpersteine are set into public sidewalks and can be visited at any time, free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required.
The Josef Mejer Gurewitz memorial is listed as accessible year-round, daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission.
Most Stolpersteine are on flat, well-maintained pavements and are generally accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges, although occasional uneven surfaces may occur. The memorial site has wheelchair-accessible pathways and clear signage.
Getting there and tours
Trondheim is easily navigable on foot, and most Stolpersteine are within walking distance of major attractions. The memorial is reachable by public transport, and nearby parking is available for drivers.
Local historical societies and the Jewish Museum offer guided tours featuring the memorial and other Stolpersteine, with historical context and personal narratives. Tours can be booked in advance. The Trondheim Tourist Office can also be contacted for tour details.
Tips
- Daylight hours are best for visibility and photography. Spring through early autumn offers pleasant weather.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow time to pause at each stone.
- Read the inscriptions and take photographs respectfully, without obstructing others.
- Visitors may leave a small stone as a sign of remembrance.
- For audio guides and historical content, the Audiala app is mentioned as a resource.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need tickets to visit the Stolpersteine or the Josef Mejer Gurewitz memorial?
No. Both are public spaces and free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required.
Are the memorials and Stolpersteine accessible to people with disabilities?
Most are on flat pavement and are generally wheelchair accessible, though occasional uneven spots may occur. The memorial site has wheelchair-accessible pathways and clear signage.
Can I take photographs?
Yes. Photography is allowed and encouraged when done respectfully and without obstructing others.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local historical societies and museums offer tours. They can be booked in advance; contact the Trondheim Tourist Office for details.
How can I stay updated on Stolpersteine events in Trondheim?
Follow the Jewish Museum in Trondheim and local heritage organizations, or download audio guide apps like Audiala.
