NS-Dokumentationszentrum EL-DE Stolperstein Walk

Overview

Cologne's Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) are small brass-topped cobblestones set into pavements outside the last voluntary residences of victims of National Socialism. Created by artist Gunter Demnig — who began the project in Cologne in 1992 — the city has over 2,500 stones, more than any other city in the world.

Highlights

• Brass Inscriptions: Each stone reads "Here lived…" with the victim's name, birth year, and fate.
• Decentralized Memorial: Spread across every neighborhood, bringing remembrance to everyday streets.
• Largest Collection: Cologne has more Stolpersteine than any other city worldwide.

History

Gunter Demnig illegally installed the first Stolpersteine in Cologne in 1992. The project went official in 2000 and has since expanded to over 100,000 stones across 30 countries.

Visitor Tips

• Download a map from the NS-DOK website to create a self-guided route.
• Combine with a visit to the EL-DE Haus NS Documentation Centre.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours depending on route length.