In November 1923, Hanfstaengl was involved in the Hitler Putsch - the failed attempt by the NSDAP to take over the power in the German Reich by coupage from Bavaria. While Hanfstaengl was able to flee to Salzburg, Hitler initially dived in Hanfstaengl's country house in Uffing on Lake Staffel, but was arrested there by the Bavarian police after a few days. According to Hanfstaengl's report, his wife Helene, born Niemeyer, Hitler was said to have held away from shooting himself in the face of the upcoming arrest.