Try the Web App

Bücherverbrennung auf dem Schlossplatz am 17. Juni 1933 Stele

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Try the Web App

Amidst the bustling energy of Karlsruhe, a silent sentinel stands, the Bücherverbrennung auf dem Schlossplatz am 17. Juni 1933 Stele. It’s a stark reminder of a dark chapter in history. This stele commemorates the book burning that took place on this very spot, Schlossplatz, on June 17, 1933. The Bücherverbrennung auf dem Schlossplatz am 17. Juni 1933 Stele, erected on the 80th anniversary in 2013, isn’t just a stone marker. It’s a testament to the destructive power of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom. In the spring of 1933, following the Nazi seizure of power, “wild” book burnings erupted across Germany. The “German Student Association” launched a campaign “against the un-German spirit,” culminating in organized book burnings in 21 university cities on May 10, 1933. Karlsruhe, not a university city at the time, wasn’t part of this initial wave. However, inspired by these events, Baden’s Hitler Youth leader, Friedhelm Kemper, initiated his own campaign “against filth and trash.” This campaign targeted books deemed subversive by the Nazi regime. The Bücherverbrennung auf dem Schlossplatz am 17. Juni 1933 was the culmination of this campaign. The Hitler Youth collected books from bookstores and libraries, piling them onto carts. On June 17, 1933, despite heavy rain, the bonfire was lit on Schlossplatz. The ceremony, delayed by the downpour, involved speeches by Kultusminister Otto Wacker and Kemper himself. Hitler Youth members tossed books into the flames, echoing the chilling “fire oaths” from the Berlin book burning. The rain, however, dampened the spectacle, requiring constant petroleum to keep the fire going. The Bücherverbrennung auf dem Schlossplatz am 17. Juni 1933 Stele stands as a reminder of this act of cultural destruction. It serves as a solemn warning against the suppression of ideas and the fragility of intellectual freedom.

After discovering the story of Bücherverbrennung auf dem Schlossplatz am 17. Juni 1933 Stele in Karlsruhe, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Karlsruhe while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Karlsruhe. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Karlsruhe directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Karlsruhe. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Karlsruhe. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Karlsruhe with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

More Places in Karlsruhe

Bruchsal

Reconstruction and urban development followed the period called the Economic Miracle after World War II and contributed to significant increases

Explore

Sportschule Schöneck

“Sportschule Schöneck: a school for sport, education and athletic encounter.” This guiding principle, established in 1953, still resonates today. The

Explore

Narrenbrunnen

Guggemusik fills the air. Helau-Rufe echo through the square. We are standing at the Narrenbrunnen. This isn’t just any fountain.

Explore

Goethe-Gymnasium

Journey back to 1908. Picture Karlsruhe, a city brimming with intellectual fervor. This is where the Goethe-Gymnasium first opened its

Explore

Bürogebäude 70.04

“What if these walls could talk?” They stand tall and proud. Building 70.04 in Karlsruhe. This unassuming building on Rintheimer

Explore

Carl-Benz-Denkmal

Beneath this very spot, a tale of innovation and remembrance unfolds at the Carl-Benz-Denkmal. This monument honors Carl Benz. He

Explore