Updated on September 13, 2025 by Angelika
Today, I took a day trip to the Grafeneck Memorial near Gomadingen on the Swabian Alb. During the Nazi era, Grafeneck was one of the first killing centers of the so-called T4 program, where people with mental and physical disabilities were systematically murdered. Today, the site is a protected living space for people with disabilities, who live in residential groups amidst the gentle hills of the Swabian Alb.
Today, I took a day trip to the Grafeneck Memorial near Gomadingen on the Swabian Alb. During the Nazi era, Grafeneck was one of the first killing centers of the so-called T4 program, where people with mental and physical disabilities were systematically murdered. Today, the site is a protected living space for people with disabilities, who live in residential groups amidst the gentle hills of the Swabian Alb.
Grafeneck Documentation Center
A narrow road from L247 leads to the complex, which today houses the palace, the documentation center, memorial, and residential buildings of the Samaritan Foundation.
I park right opposite the modern Documentation Center, which blends subtly into the landscape and immediately conveys calm and reflection.
Inside, the history of the site and the victims is presented in a moving way. Exhibits show how the Nazi ideology classified lives as "worthy" or "unworthy" and how this led to euthanasia killings and, later, the genocide of European Jews. The center also reminds visitors to confront modern forms of right-wing extremism, exclusion, and xenophobia.
The Memorial – the Pentagonal Open Chapel
The memorial is approached via an alley between the residential buildings of today’s residents. A stone threshold bears the names of the more than 40 institutions from which victims were brought to Grafeneck.
The pentagonal roof symbolizes the Fifth Commandment: “Thou shalt not kill,” steel beams represent Christ’s crown of thorns, and a crack in the back wall stands for the breach of civilization at Grafeneck. The chapel was designed by Professor Weinbrenner from Nürtingen and sculpted by Rudolf Kurz from Stimpfach.
Names and Memorial Book
The Names and Memorial Book contains the names of over 9,800 victims who have been identified so far. Flipping through its pages, I am struck by the sheer scale of lives extinguished.
Alphabet Garden
26 granite blocks, each representing a letter of the alphabet, symbolize the names of the victims. A powerful reminder: every life matters.
Memorial Plaque at the Cemetery
A bronze plaque commemorates the victims and serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against discrimination and violence. Two large flower-adorned graves contain the ashes of those murdered.
Renaissance Grafeneck Palace
I walk back along the avenue and past the documentation center to the castle.
The palace was built around 1560 on the site of a medieval castle and later expanded into a Baroque summer residence by Duke Carl Eugen. After losing interest in the palace, the Dukes handed it over to the Forestry Office.
In 1928, the Samaritan Foundation purchased the palace and established a home for people with disabilities. Shortly after the start of World War II, the Nazi government seized the property, turning it into a killing center as part of the "euthanasia" program. The staff lived in the palace. Today, the palace houses the administrative offices of the Samaritan Foundation, which regained the property in 1946/47. The historical façade impresses, even given its dark past.
View from the Palace Terrace
From the terrace, there is a wide view over the gentle hills of the Swabian Alb – a moment of quiet reflection.
Historical background:
Grafeneck war von Januar bis Dezember 1940 eine der ersten NS-“Euthanasie”-Tötungsanstalten im Rahmen der sogenannten „Aktion T4“. From January to December 1940, Grafeneck was one of the first Nazi “euthanasia” killing centers as part of the so-called “Aktion T4.” Here, people with mental and psychological disabilities were systematically murdered—a total of 10,654 victims from all over Baden, Württemberg and Hohenzollern. The killings took place in a gas chamber that was set up in a shed. By the end of 1940, 50 % of all people in sanatoriums and nursing homes had been murdered. Aktion T4 was discontinued, but many perpetrators were later employed in the extermination camps.
Today:
Grafeneck is a safe and lively living space for people with disabilities. The memorial commemorates the victims of Nazi euthanasia, and includes the chapel, the Names & Memorial Book, and the Alphabet Garden.
💡 Visitor information: The Grafeneck Memorial is freely accessible.The documentation center is open daily from 9:00 - 20:00.
Alte Mühlenscheuer (Old Mill Barn) in Gomadingen - Bakery & Café Glocker
After visiting the memorial, I take a break at Bakery & Café Glocker in the old mill barn in Gomaringen. I chose a cheesecake with apricots. The terrace sits right by the Große Lauter river – the perfect spot to let the impressions sink in.
Sternberg Hill with Observation Tower
I didn’t have the time for a hike to climb Sternberg tower this time, but the view of the gentle hills of the Middle Kuppenalb in the warm autumn light was impressive. Next time, I will take the hike up.
Planetary Trail
Opposite the hiking parking lot on Marbacher Straße, I spot this sign about Saturn.
This roughly 10 km educational trail features the planets of our solar system to scale – great for a walk with children or simply enjoying the landscape.
Main and State Stud Marbach
My final stop was the famous Marbach Stud, known for breeding elegant Arabian horses. Well-kept grounds and majestic animals – a perfect end to an intense day.
Day Trip Summary
I was especially impressed by how the past and present intertwine at Grafeneck: the memorial for the victims reminds us to act with humanity, while today the site provides a protected home for people with disabilities. My detours to Gomadingen, the Planetary Trail, and the Marbach Stud show how rich the region is in culture, nature, and little moments of enjoyment. A day full of intense impressions that will stay with me for a long time – I’ll definitely return to explore the Große Lauter valley further!
Are you looking for more tips for the Swabian Alb, Baden-Württemberg or Germany?
Then take a look at my other articles on destinations in Baden-Württemberg - from castles and palaces to scenic hiking tours and historic towns, there’s something for every taste!
In my article about the most beautiful road trip routes in Germany I have a Tour across the Swabian Alb in three variants for you.
You can find inspiration for your next trip in my list Destination Germany - The Ultimate List of the 100+ Most Beautiful Places.
For your vacation planning you will receive in my comprehensive Guide to the 52 most beautiful regions in Germany an overview of the country's most beautiful vacation regions, including, of course, the Swabian Alb.
In another blog article, I will introduce you to Germany's most beautiful cities to you.
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