Koop. Dr. Nikolaus Pfeifauf (1910-1971) und Kaplan Dr. Hermann Blassnig (1911-1985)

Brave Priests in Solbad Hall During the Dark Era of National Socialism

In the dark era of National Socialism, there were courageous priests in Solbad Hall who fearlessly stood up for humanity and freedom of expression. Despite the threat posed by the Nazi regime and its persecution of dissenters and minorities, these two men dared to raise their voices and advocate for the rights and dignity of every individual. With their unwavering faith and deep understanding of the importance of freedom and equality, they set an example for all who resist tyranny and oppression. May we never forget their brave actions and let their courage and determination inspire us to work for a just and free world.

"Photo: top left Dr. Nikolaus Pfeifauf and top right Dr. Hermann Blassnig". In: Parish Archive Hall in Tyrol and Diocesan Archive of Innsbruck.

Dr. Nikolaus Pfeifauf and Dr. Hermann Blassnig in Solbad Hall

On July 29, 1934, Dr. Nikolaus Pfeifauf, son of Professor Alois Pfeifauf from Hall, celebrated his first Mass (Primiz) in Absam. From April 1938 to 1946, he served as a curate (Kooperator) in Solbad Hall. Chaplain Dr. Hermann Blassnig worked in Solbad Hall from September 1939 until September 1945.
Dr. Blassnig and Dr. Pfeifauf conducted secret singing and prayer gatherings with Catholic youth in Solbad Hall. During these meetings, they shared sermons by the well-known Bishop Clemens August Graf von Galen.

Arrest and Interrogation by the Gestapo

These activities were deemed illegal by the National Socialist authorities and led to the arrest of Dr. Blassnig and Dr. Pfeifauf by the Gestapo on October 26, 1941. They were transported to the police prison in Innsbruck and interrogated personally by the head of the Gestapo. After three days of intensive questioning, they were released under strict conditions and placed under close surveillance by the Gestapo in Solbad Hall.

The Influence of Bishop von Galen – The "Lion of Münster"

Bishop Clemens August von Galen, known as the “Lion of Münster,” publicly denounced the Nazi euthanasia program as mass murder. He composed secret sermons that were distributed by the two priests in Hall. In recognition of his actions, Bishop von Galen was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Theology at the University of Innsbruck. As a result, the university was closed by the Nazi authorities—becoming the only university in the German-speaking world to suffer such a fate.