Valkenburg in Valkenburg aan de Geul, Limburg, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Struikelstenen
⎯⎯⎯
“Stumbling Stones”
| — | 75 jaar Bevrijding fotoroute | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 28, 2024
1. Struikelstenen / “Stumbling Stones” Marker
The old town hall of Valkenburg is the start of various historical routes with the theme of the Second World War. The 75 Years of Liberation Photo Route takes you from here along the most important places from Valkenburg's war past. The route along the struikelstenen (“stumbling stones”) takes you past the places where Jewish residents of Valkenburg made their home, who were deported to the extermination camps and did not return. There are 42 stumbling stones for them in Valkenburg.
Erected 2019. (Marker Number 01/20.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
this page online
Location. 50° 51.82′ N, 5° 49.926′ E. Marker is in Valkenburg, Limburg, in Valkenburg aan de Geul. It is on Walravenstraat, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Walravenstraat 1, Valkenburg, Limburg 6301 DA, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oud Stadhuis / Old Town Hall (a few steps from this marker); Huis De Guasco (within shouting distance of this marker); Theodoor Joseph Hubert Dorren (within shouting distance of this marker); H.H. Nicolaas en Barbara Kerk / St. Nicholas and St. Barbara Church (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 28, 2024
2. Struikelstenen / “Stumbling Stones” Marker - wide view
The marker is located on the south side of the old town hall.
More about this marker. Although the marker implies that the “75 Years of Liberation Photo Route” begins with this marker (01/20), there is also another marker with a lower number that is part of the route (00/20), at the railroad station. But the route is seemingly organized by neither chronology or theme, so it probably does not matter. The markers on the route, at least within the town of Valkenburg itself, are best visited on foot or by bicycle, as parking would otherwise be somewhat difficult in some areas. Valkenburg is compact enough that walking the route is more of a pleasure than a chore.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Stolpersteine - Stumbling Stones. Stolpersteine (“Stumbling Stones”), are the bronze 10cm square blocks by Gunter Demnig that are set in pavement in front of the last residence of choice of victims of the Holocaust. They qualify under current database rules as both historical markers and as war memorials. There are over 100,000 of these extant, as of 2023. (Submitted on June 16, 2024.)
2. Struikelstenen Route (Stichting Struikelstenen Valkenburg, in Dutch). The Stichting Struikelstenen Valkenburg (“Stumbling Stones Foundation Valkenburg”) has mapped out the locations of all the stumbling stones in the town.
Excerpt (in translation): It is common knowledge that millions of Jews were deported during the Second World War and never returned. Also in Valkenburg, 42 deported Jews did not return. In memory of the perished Valkenburg Jews, so-called "stumbling stones" have been placed by the Valkenburg Struikelstenen Foundation in the sidewalk in front of the house from which they were deported. On the stumbling stones, measuring approximately 10 by 10 cm, level with the sidewalk, there is a brass plate on which the name, year of birth, place and date of the deceased Jewish fellow citizens are stated…(Submitted on June 16, 2024.)
Additional keywords. Holocaust
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
