Nösslachjoch

The Nösslachjoch is a gentle grassy summit in the Stubai Alps, standing just south of Steinach am Brenner. It marks the north-eastern end of the ridge that separates the Gschnitztal from the Obernbergtal. Three Tyrolean villages—Steinach, Trins and Gries am Brenner—meet at the top of the mountain. The peak itself is clothed in alpine meadows that give way to larch woods on the lower slopes. A smaller knoll 10 metres lower holds the summit cross. The mountain is famous for its anthracite seams laid down in the Upper Carboniferous. From the 19th century the coal was dug out and sold as Nösslacher Schwarzerde, a natural dye for tobacco. By the 1930s it was mined underground, and at its peak the workings produced about 5,000 tonnes a year. Five tunnels totalling roughly 1,300 metres were driven into the mountainside. The Bergwerksweg Nösslachjoch now leads walkers past the old adits and spoil heaps. Visitors reach the top by following the lift system of the Bergeralm ski area, whose chairs climb almost to the summit ridge. The wide alpine pastures around the peak are popular with skiers in winter and hikers in summer. To the east the view drops over the Wipptal to the Brenner Pass. The mountain lies within the protected landscape of Nösslachjoch, Obernberger See and Tribulaune.