About the Stolperstein
A Stolperstein—literally, “stumbling stone”—is a small brass plaque set into a city pavement to commemorate a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, the project gives individual names and stories a place in everyday public spaces. Inscriptions typically include a person’s name, birth year, deportation details and, where known, their fate (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024; Visit Norway; IamExpat, 2024).
Mina Scholamis Mahler’s Stolperstein commemorates a member of Trondheim’s Jewish community. It is a personal memorial and a reminder of the persecution and losses experienced by the city’s Jewish community during the Nazi occupation (Trondheim Jewish Museum).
History
The Stolpersteine project
The first Stolperstein was laid in Cologne in 1996, on the anniversary of the Auschwitz Decree ordering the deportation of Sinti and Roma (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024). The plaques are hand-engraved and measure 10x10 cm (IamExpat, 2024).
The project’s guiding principle is that “a person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” Its stones bring individual names and stories into public view, and stooping to read an inscription is a symbolic bow of respect. More than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in 27 European countries, forming the world’s largest decentralized memorial (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024).
Mina Scholamis Mahler and Trondheim’s Jewish community
Mina Scholamis Mahler was part of Trondheim’s Jewish community before World War II. Nazi occupation began in Norway in 1940. The synagogue was seized and desecrated, and the community faced persecution and deportation (Norwegian SciTech News).
Mass arrests and deportations of Jews from Norway began in 1942. On November 26, 1942, the SS Donau left Oslo carrying hundreds of Norwegian Jews, including women and children, to Auschwitz; only a handful survived (Trondheim Jewish Museum). Individual details about Mina may be sparse, but her Stolperstein keeps her name and memory present.
Jewish families arrived in Trondheim in the 1880s, and a vibrant community had formed by 1905. The Orthodox synagogue, today the world’s northernmost, was consecrated in 1925. Jewish businesses and associations thrived before World War II (JGuide Europe; Jewish Virtual Library).
What to see
Stolpersteine are placed in front of the last known residence of the person they commemorate. In Trondheim, they are found in residential neighborhoods, often in the historic Bakklandet area. For the exact location of Mina’s stone, consult the official Stolpersteine database, the Stolpersteine Guide app, or snublestein.no, the Norwegian registry. The Trondheim Jewish Museum can also provide guidance.
The stones create encounters with history in everyday settings and can prompt community reflection, school visits and personal learning. The Trondheim Jewish Museum has educational materials and exhibitions for visitors seeking more context.
Practical visiting information
Visiting hours and tickets
Stolpersteine are accessible at any time. There are no visiting hours, admission fees or tickets.
Tips and etiquette
- Do not step directly on the Stolperstein; pause to read and reflect.
- Leaving a small stone, flower or candle is a respectful gesture.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for Trondheim’s variable weather; be mindful of icy conditions in winter.
- Take photographs respectfully.
- Local volunteers and organizations clean and polish Stolpersteine, especially around Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27. Community members are encouraged to take part and support ongoing research and installations (Visit Norway).
Nearby places
The Trondheim Torg Tourist Information Center offers maps and guidance.
Nearby sites include the Trondheim Jewish Museum, Nidaros Cathedral, Bakklandet and Kristiansten Fortress. Nidaros Cathedral, the Old Town Bridge and Trondheim Art Museum are also within walking distance of the museum.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mina Scholamis Mahler’s Stolperstein?
Check snublestein.no or the Stolpersteine app for its exact location.
Is it free to visit?
Yes. There is no charge, and no ticket is required.
Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
Generally, yes, though uneven pavements may be challenging in some areas.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. The Trondheim Jewish Museum and local organizations offer tours; contact them ahead of time to confirm schedules.
What is the best time to visit?
May–September offers the best weather. Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27, is a significant date for commemorative activities.
