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Kebnekaise

The highest mountain in Sweden - a glaciated Lapland peak whose melting icy summit is slowly ceding the crown to its bare southern neighbour.

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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

Typemountain

WhereNorrbotten

Nearest cityKiruna

Best seasonJune to September

Time to allowA long day or more

Getting thereIn Lapland; from Nikkaluokta near Kiruna, walk in to Kebnekaise mountain station

EntryFree; guides and huts charged

Kebnekaise is the highest mountain in Sweden, a glaciated Lapland peak reached only on foot from the mountain station at its base. Its south summit, capped with a shrinking glacier, has long been the high point, but as the ice melts it is losing height and the crown is passing to the bare rock north summit.

What you actually see

The two summits - the icy south top and the rocky north top vying for the crown.
The glacier - the melting summit ice at the heart of the mountain's shrinking height.
The mountain station - the base lodge for climbers and hikers.
The Lapland fells - the wild high country all around.

When to go

The summer climbing season from June to September, when the routes are safe and guided ascents run. Weather at the summit is fierce and changeable, so a settled day is essential.

Honest expectations

Reaching the summit is a serious, long mountain day, often with a guide on the glaciated route, not a walk-up - fitness and preparation are essential. Even the base is a hike from the road. The melting glacier means the exact high point and height keep changing.