The Scandes
Overview
Kebnekaise, 2,113 metres (6,932 ft) in the very north of Sweden is the highest mountain in Sweden. In Skandinavia only Norway has higher peaks. It's situated far north, above the Arctic Circle.The Arctic circle is an imaginary line, about approximately 2600 km south of the North Pole.
There is one equivalent the same distance from the South Pole. Above this line the sun never sets during the summer solstice, and during winter solstice it will never rise. This phenomenon have many popular names as the Midnight sun, the Polar Day, the Eternal night, the Polar night. Up here the day last from approx. 25 of May to 18 of July. The Arctic circles change their positions due to the relationship between earth's axis and the sun. At the moment it moves 14,4 meters/year.
There are two distinct summits on Kebnekaise, Sydtoppen (2117 m) and Nordtoppen (2097m). Sydtoppen is the highest point of Sweden. On the summit there's snow and ice all year around. The height varies, depending on time of year and weather. Sydtoppen is a small glacier, about 40 meters thick. Bring crampons to prevent you sliding off to certain death, it's a open fall on one side, several 100 meters. There has been fatal accidents.
The summit is a tiny little place, not much place to do anything but enjoy the views. One can cross over to the north summit, by an airy ridge The area is really a group of mountains, with three other peaks higher than 2000 m and numerous lesser. The area is heavily glaciated, about 40 glaciers. This is a very popular area to trek in summertime or ski in winter. The most popular walk is a marked path, Kungsleden, 450 km long, passing by Kebnekaise. It goes from Hemavan to Abisko. You can drink the water straight out of the brooks almost anywhere, except at crosspoints where many people meet.
The wildlife consist of some rarely seen mammals, bear, wolverine, lynx and wolf, birds like eagles and mosquitos. The mosquitos are mostly found in the lowlands, the valleys like Vistasvagge. They come in all sizes, and the smaller, the worse. A mosquito repellent is absolutely necessary part of the gear. One can also see raindeers, but that's not wildlife, it's cattle. They belong to the Samis.
There are several routes to the top. It has two easy routes, both requiring only average fitness, Durlings led and Västra leden (Western route). Durlings is the longest but easiest. Västra leden is easily a solo walk, scrambling on some parts. Rocky routes with snow patches.
Västra leden goes by Vierramvare, Kaffedalen (where one can put up a tent, if one doesn't want to go both up and down in one day) and finally to Sydtoppen.
Östra rutten (east route) goes over a glacier, which best is done with a guide. The east route is airy on the final ascent.
The ascent takes about five hours, with the east route being shorter. It is possible to shave of some time of the west route by choosing to camp higher up and further from the Kebnekaise fjällstation.
Requires experience of easy alpine climbing and glaciers. If one lacks this it is advised to make use of mountain guides at a cost of SEK 450 ca. (2003) Drakryggen, The Dragon's back, is the ridge seen on the photo below. There are several peaks close by, like Kaskasapakte and Kaskasatjåkka north of Keb.
Vieranvarri, Tuolpagorni is very close, south of Keb. Singitjåkka is south of Keb, beside Tuolpagorni.
There are also Nygrens led, which can be done more or less technical after preferences. The approach to this route is from Tarfala. If one prefers a little more technical routes, choose routes from Tarfala. It's a bit rocky place to camp by the lake (1100 m), but it can be done. If one wants to do some ice climbing (winter), there's the Ice fall. It's about a 100 meters high.
Getting There
To get to Kebnekaise the most direct route take the train or airplane to Kiruna in northern Sweden.The train (SJ) takes 26 hours from Malmö in southern Sweden, if you want to continue by train from Europe. From Stockholm it takes 20 hours. There are sleeping wagons with different standards on beds.
The flight (SAS) takes between 1,5 or 2,25 hours från Stockholm, depending on chosen flight.
Nordic Airlink (link to English on page) flies to Kiruna as well, departing from Arlanda. Fares are SEK 349-899 one way, depending on seat availability, flights are in the early evening. It's also possible to fly on standby to Kiruna, and pay 400 SEK from Arlanda and 700 SEK from Malmo with SAS, when you're under 26.
From Kiruna take the bus (cheap) or taxi (expensive) to Nikkaloukta (it takes an hour or two), if you choose the shortest route to Keb. Walk from Nikkaluokta about 19 km to Kebnekaise fjällstation, which is a hostel, hotel, etc. There is an option to pay for a boat ride that will eat about 6 km of the walk.
You may set up your tent anywhere, see Red Tape section. However, if you set up the tent next to the fjällstation you will be required to pay a fee. Some service is then included. For those in a hurry there are helicopter options, about SEK 600 one way (2003). In the winter you can get transported on a snowmobile (snöskoter), for about SEK 150 (1998).
An alternative way take the train to Abisko from Kiruna, walk Kungsleden through the National Park, pass Alesjaure and from there on to Kebnekaise. It's a very nice trek. (You can also pick Njulla before leaving Abisko). This route will take you about 5 -10 days, depending on choice of route and other preferences. The easy walk will be along Kungsleden. If you're heading for Tarfala, choose Vistasvagge.
One can also take the train from Narvik in Norway and get off at Abisko. Same route as above down to Kebnekaise.
Some updates on prices on Kebnekaise Fjällstation (mid 2010):
Accommodation for a night per person ranged between 350-450 SEK per night, depending on where you slept. No information about cabin prices.
Helicopter update as of August/2012:
Schedule:
Departing from Nikkaluokta 09.00
Departing from Kebnekaise 09.15
Departing from Nikkaluokta 17.00 (between 25/6 - 2/9)
Departing from Kebnekaise 17.15 (between 25/6 - 2/9)
Price, one way per person:
Adults 800:- SEK (~100 EUR, ~120 USD)
Children, 2-11 years old 500:- SEK (~60 EUR, ~74 USD)
Children, under 2 years old Free of charge
Included 20 kg luggage per person. Extra luggage 25 SEK (~3 EUR, ~4 USD) / kg.
Red Tape
There is none and you're allowed to walk almost everywhere, it's a free country. Follow the rules of the Allemansrätten.To bring your dog is fine, but you must either have it in leash or have such a control as it were on a leash. Summertime rule (law). There are several National Parks in the area or close by, but as long as the dog stays on Kungsleden, and only there, it's allowed into the parks.
