Introduction

In the history of the resistance against the Nazi regime in Tyrol, Count Bernhard Stolberg zu Stolberg (1881–1952) stands as a remarkable figure. A member of the high aristocracy, he consciously chose Austria and courageously opposed Nazi ideology, which he deemed incompatible with his Catholic faith. His home at Bruckergasse 15 in Hall in Tirol became the secret meeting point for a monarchist resistance circle.

Count Bernhard Stolberg-Stolberg. Geni online: https://www.geni.com/people/Bernhard-Graf-zu-Stolberg-Stolberg/6000000008440458364 (Access: 31.10.2025). Stolberg-Stolberg. Wikipedia online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Stolberg (Access: 31.10.2025)

Origins and Decision Against the Nazi Regime

The Stolbergs are an extensive German noble family of the high aristocracy of the Holy Roman Empire. Bernhard, Count of Stolberg-Stolberg, was born on January 20, 1881, in Mankato, Minnesota, USA. His conscious rejection of Nazi Germany was evident in his decision to apply for Austrian citizenship for himself and his family in January 1938. In a significant gesture, he renounced his German noble title because he could not identify with the German Reich under Adolf Hitler.

"Whoever is a Catholic cannot be a National Socialist"

As early as 1933, after reading Hitler's "Mein Kampf", Bernhard Stolberg zu Stolberg recognized the fundamental contradiction between his faith and Nazi ideology. His statement, "Whoever is a Catholic cannot be a National Socialist," was followed by action. After the Nazi takeover of Austria and a one-month imprisonment in 1938, he began to actively organize resistance.

The Monarchist Resistance Circle

Count Stolberg became the leader of a group that met clandestinely at his home. This monarchist resistance circle was composed of local figures from Hall, including:

• Dr. med. Viktor v. Schumacher (1913–1984)
• Dr. Ernst von Verdross-Drossberg (1892–1963)

• Dr. Jur. Paul Freiherr von Kathrein (1878 - 1962)

• Dean Wilhelm Reinthaler (1876–1941), Dean of the Parish of Hall in Tyrol
• Dr. August Haffner (1869–1941)
• Dr. Walter Waitz (1902–1979), delivered anti-Nazi sermons
• Secondary school professor  Dr. Gottfried Pfeifauf (1913–1964), also joined the Anton Haller group
• Prof. Anton Dosch (1914–1979), took part in the armed uprising in the east of the city in the night from May 2 to May 3, 1945..."
• •Other clergy, academics, and civil servants (see blog post Monarchist-legitimist resistance in Hall in Tyrol)

Activities and Legacy

The resistance circle worked to protect and support opponents of the regime, as well as the families of the persecuted and imprisoned. The group was part of the larger resistance network in the Innsbruck-Hall region. The brave actions of its members, such as the anti-Nazi sermons of Dr. Walter Waitz or the leading role of Prof. Anton Dosch in the peaceful handover of Hall to the Allies, were direct results of this conspiracy. Count Bernhard Stolberg zu Stolberg died on September 22, 1952, in Hall in Tirol. His grave is located in the municipal cemetery of Hall.

Photo of the grave of count Bernhard Stolberg-Stolberg in the municipal cemetery in Hall in Tyrol.