Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Mina Scholamis Mahler in Trondheim, Norway: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Mina Scholamis Mahler in Trondheim, Norway, offers a profound opportunity to engage with Holocaust remembrance in a deeply personal and accessible way. Stolpersteine—literally “stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques installed in city pavements, marking the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, this project transforms anonymous statistics into individual memorials, inscribed with names, birth years, deportation details, and, where known, the fate of each victim (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024; Visit Norway).
In Trondheim, where the Jewish community endured significant losses during the Nazi occupation, these memorials serve as daily reminders woven into the city’s landscape. Mina Scholamis Mahler’s Stolperstein commemorates a specific individual, representing the local and collective history of Jewish persecution in Norway (Trondheim Jewish Museum; IamExpat, 2024).
Stolpersteine are always accessible, with no admission fee or restricted hours. Visitors are encouraged to approach these sites respectfully, utilizing resources such as the Audiala app and Stolpersteine online databases to locate and learn about each commemorated individual (Visit Norway; Stolpersteine Official Website).
This guide provides the historical background, cultural significance, and practical information necessary to honor Mina Scholamis Mahler’s memory while exploring Trondheim’s heritage and the broader network of Holocaust remembrance.
Table of Contents
- Historical Background of Mina Scholamis Mahler and the Stolperstein Project
- The Life and Fate of Mina Scholamis Mahler
- Cultural and Memorial Significance
- Location and How to Find the Stolperstein
- Visitor Information
- Educational and Reflective Opportunities
- Preservation and Community Involvement
- Additional Visitor Resources and Nearby Attractions
- Visiting the Trondheim Jewish Museum and Synagogue
- Practical Tips, Etiquette, and Accessibility
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Call to Action
- References
Historical Background of the Stolperstein Project
The Stolpersteine project began in the mid-1990s with artist Gunter Demnig’s initiative to commemorate Holocaust victims individually. The first plaque was laid in Cologne in 1996, on the anniversary of the Auschwitz Decree, which ordered the deportation of Sinti and Roma (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024). Stolpersteine are hand-engraved, 10x10 cm brass plaques installed in front of the last chosen residences of victims, personalizing memory and fostering reflection (IamExpat, 2024).
The project’s guiding principle is that “a person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” By embedding names in everyday spaces, Stolpersteine ensure that the victims are not consigned to anonymity. The act of stooping to read each inscription is a symbolic bow of respect.
Today, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in 27 European countries, making this the world’s largest decentralized memorial (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024).
The Life and Fate of Mina Scholamis Mahler
Mina Scholamis Mahler was a member of Trondheim’s Jewish community before World War II. Like many Norwegian Jews, her life was disrupted by the Nazi occupation. In 1942, mass arrests and deportations of Jews from Norway began. The SS Donau’s departure from Oslo on November 26, 1942, transported hundreds of Norwegian Jews—including women and children—to Auschwitz; only a handful survived (Trondheim Jewish Museum). While individual details about Mina may be sparse, her Stolperstein ensures her fate is not lost to history.
Cultural and Memorial Significance
Mina Scholamis Mahler’s Stolperstein is more than a plaque; it is a living memorial, integrating remembrance into Trondheim’s daily life. The project’s philosophy is to restore erased names and stories to public consciousness, encouraging reflection and education. In Trondheim, these stones are particularly significant for acknowledging the city’s Jewish history and the consequences of intolerance (Visit Norway).
Location and How to Find Mina Scholamis Mahler’s Stolperstein
Stolpersteine are placed in front of the last known residence of the individual commemorated. In Trondheim, they are found in residential neighborhoods, often in the historic Bakklandet area. Use the official Stolpersteine database, Stolpersteine Guide app, or snublestein.no (Norwegian registry) to locate specific stones, including Mina’s. The Trondheim Jewish Museum also provides guidance.
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Tickets
- Stolpersteine are always accessible; there are no visiting hours or admission fees. Visit at any time.
Accessibility and Practical Tips
- The stones are set flush with city sidewalks and are generally accessible to wheelchair users, though Trondheim’s old streets may have uneven surfaces.
- Wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and be mindful of icy conditions in winter.
Guided Tours and Resources
- The Trondheim Jewish Museum offers occasional walking tours including Stolpersteine.
- Digital resources such as the Audiala app and Stolpersteine online maps provide context and navigation.
Educational and Reflective Opportunities
Stolpersteine, including Mina’s, prompt spontaneous encounters with history and serve as catalysts for community reflection, school visits, and personal learning. The Trondheim Jewish Museum provides educational materials and exhibitions for deeper understanding.
Preservation and Community Involvement
Local volunteers and organizations maintain Stolpersteine by cleaning and polishing them, especially around Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27). Community members are encouraged to participate in these efforts and to support ongoing research and installations (Visit Norway).
Additional Visitor Resources and Nearby Attractions
- Tourist Information: Trondheim Torg Tourist Information Center offers maps and guidance.
- Nearby Sites: Visit the Trondheim Jewish Museum, Nidaros Cathedral, Bakklandet, and Kristiansten Fortress for broader context.
Visiting the Trondheim Jewish Museum and Synagogue
Jewish Settlement and Community Life
Jewish families arrived in Trondheim in the 1880s, founding a vibrant community by 1905. By 1925, the Orthodox synagogue—today the world’s northernmost—was consecrated (JGuide Europe). Jewish businesses and associations thrived before WWII (Jewish Virtual Library).
The Onset of the Holocaust
Nazi occupation began in 1940. The synagogue was seized and desecrated, and the community subjected to persecution and deportation (Norwegian SciTech News).
Museum Information
- Location: City center, accessible by public transport.
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 10:00–17:00; closed weekends. Special hours for holidays—check the website.
- Tickets: Adults NOK 100; students/seniors NOK 70; under 12 free.
- Guided Tours: Daily at 11:00 and 14:00.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; photography allowed (no flash).
Nearby Attractions
Explore Nidaros Cathedral, Old Town Bridge, and Trondheim Art Museum, all within walking distance.
Practical Tips, Etiquette, and Accessibility
- Do not step directly on the Stolperstein; pause and reflect.
- Leaving a small stone, flower, or candle is a respectful gesture.
- Dress for Trondheim’s variable weather.
- Most stones are accessible, but be mindful of surfaces and winter conditions.
- Take photos respectfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Mina Scholamis Mahler’s Stolperstein?
Check snublestein.no or the Stolpersteine app for the exact location.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, there is no charge or ticket required.
Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
Generally yes, but uneven pavements may be a challenge in some areas.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, through the Trondheim Jewish Museum and local organizations—contact ahead 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.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Stolperstein dedicated to Mina Scholamis Mahler is a powerful testament to individual lives lost during the Holocaust, situated in the very streets where these histories unfolded. Visiting this memorial is a deeply meaningful act—an invitation to remember, reflect, and contribute to ongoing dialogue about intolerance and remembrance.
To enrich your visit, use the Audiala app for guided tours, consult the official Stolpersteine resources, and engage with local museums and community events. Explore more of Trondheim’s Jewish heritage, support ongoing remembrance initiatives, and share your experiences to ensure these vital stories endure.
