Climb Kebnekaise in the summer

Many people dream of adventures and challenges and climbing Sweden’s highest mountain Kebnekaise is just that. Although the climb is relatively simple, it is a challenge that requires both preparation and knowledge.

Even if you visit Kebnekaise during the summer, you can experience all seasons during your hike; From warming sun, through rain and fog to full snowstorm in huge minus degrees. Therefore, be humbled by the weather’s powers in our Arctic destination and do not underestimate the Swedish mountain chain.

Schedule enough days

During the summer, July and August are the best time to climb Kebnekaise. For extra security, it is wise to make your climb during the period when STF Kebnekaise Fjällstation is open for the season. When planning for your trip, you should put in a couple of extra days at the mountain station, in case a top trip is not possible on the day you planned for.

Count at minimum:
1 day for Kiruna – Kebnekaise Mountain Station
1+1 day for top trip (1 day reserve)
1 day for Kebnekaise mountain station – Kiruna

It is recommended to plan for at least 5 days. Then you have a margin in case something does not go as planned and you may also be able to see and experience other things that Kiruna has to offer.

Go from Kiruna to Kebnekaise mountain station

The first step is to get from Kiruna to Nikkaluokta, where the road ends and the hike to Kebnekaise mountain station begins. You can easily go with the Nikkaluokta Express or car. From Nikkaluokta to STF Kebnekaise mountain station, 19 km is now waiting with lovely mountain hiking or skiing. The first 5.6 km until Glacier Lake Láddjujávri consists of light hiking through birch forest. By the lake you’ll find Enoks that offer comfortable accommodation in mountain huts and good food in the restaurant. Try the reindeer burger in classic Lap Dånald’s style surrounded by vast nature in a mountain environment. From here you can take the boat across the lake to shorten the hike by about 6 km. Departure times daily from the end of June to mid -September.

The trail then continues along the valley and Láddjujávri before it eventually turns off and begins to wind up the mountain slope towards the station. The last kilometers up to the station open up the landscape and the terrain becomes slightly steeper. The hike usually takes between 5-6 hours, but can take longer or go faster depending on your conditions. Alternatively there are daily helicopter flights with Kallax Flyg up to the mountain station.

Mountain station or tent?

You can choose between camping or staying at STF Kebnekaise mountain station, right at the foot of Kebnekaise. If you are going to stay at the mountain station, you should pre-book your accommodation well in advance. Pitching a tent needs be done at least 150 meters from the mountain station. For a fee you will have access to the service building where you can cook and use the sauna, toilet, shower and drying room. By camping a bit further away from the mountain station you can shorten the upcoming hike up to Kebnekaise.

One tip is to leave the tent set up and just bring the essential on the top trip in a daily backpack. Then you avoid unnecessary packing weight and you have a finished sleeping space waiting when you come back. However, be sure to bring valuables and that you leave your equipment at your own risk.

At the mountain station you should talk to the guides and get daily reports about the weather, trails and the snow tops. They can also provide tips and recommendations on equipment, among other things. In the shop you can buy food and outdoor gear. There is also a wide selection of rental equipment.

Hike to the southern peak via the western trail

The western trail is the longest and most demanding trail to Kebnekaise’s southern peak with the mountain station as a starting point. Via this trail there is about 9 kilometers of hiking, one-way, in very rocky, uneven and steep terrain. The total climb is about 1800 meters. A person who climbs the southern peak via the western trail can expect a hiking time of about 10-16 hours back and forth. The time it takes varies depending on the weather, how many breaks you make and your basic conditions. Feel free to start the hike early in the morning to have plenty of time and avoid the biggest crowds.

The western trail is also called Björling’s joint; The second person to climb and the first Swedish on the southern peak J A Björling followed this route. The trail is initially marked with red -painted stones and mound of stones, and later with aluminum sticks with round, red reflexes. Bad weather can make the joint markings difficult to detect and it is therefore important that you can navigate with the help of map and compass.

The trail initially has the same stretch as the eastern trail, but just before Jökelbacken the common trail divides in the western and eastern trail, there is a signpost here. The western trail goes up towards Kitteldalen on the northeastern side of Kittelbäcken. By the bridge is the last chance to fill with water!

After the bridge, the stone staircase begins, which was built by Sherpas from Nepal. You get up in the pass between Tuolpagorni and Vierranvárri and then up to Vierranvárris top. Here is a good place to think about whether you want to continue or turn around. What does the weather look like? How does the body feel? Think about whether you can move on and remember that there is no shame in turning back. The mountain remains for new attempts.

If you choose to continue, a very bleak journey now lies ahead, where you head down the so called Kaffedalen which means 200 lost altitude meters. If the weather is bad and there is limited visibility ahead, you must be very careful about navigating your way back. In Kaffedalen, the Durling path from the Singi huts joins the western trail. From Kaffedalen you go up to the top cabin and from there you continue onward to the southern peak.

On the way back to the mountain station you should be extra careful in the rocky terrain. With a tired body and soul, you are more likely to stumble and get hurt.

Preparation and tips

• If you are an inexperienced hiker then it is recommended to go with a guide.
• Children are recommended to be at least 10-12 years old.
• Don’t go alone. Share the adventure with a friend or family member, or if you’re travelling solo, try to find a group or a friend on site to join up with.
• Practise hiking in your local area, ideally with the gear you plan to take. Walk in wooded terrain and on hills. Let your body get used to it and you’ll be better prepared for what lies ahead.
• You can’t count on having mobile phone coverage. Some providers work better than others, so you might want to consider switching providers.

Equipment

Dress in layers. Bear in mind that the weather can change very quickly. You will be walking over rocky terrain, so you should wear well-worn boots with ankle support. Bring two pairs of gloves: a pair of lightweight gloves that dry quickly and a pair of lined gloves in case it gets cold. A shell jacket, fleece, base layer and a tracksuit top are a good starting point. Don’t forget a map and compass.

If you’re heading up to the snowy summit, crampons may be necessary; these are available to rent from the shop at STF Kebnekaise mountain station. However, due to limited availability we recommend bringing your own. Sport’s tape and blister plasters can save your hike. A windbreaker can be useful for protection in case something happens that requires a stop. Trekking poles help with balance as the terrain is very rocky. Bring a bag for rubbish and toilet paper – leave no trace behind.

Make sure you have plenty of water with you, at least 1.5 litres, as there are no water sources once you reach the mountains. Bring plenty of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as biscuits, chocolate, glucose tablets, sweets, sesame biscuits, energy bars and nuts.

Keep safe in the mountains: Fjällsäkerhetsrådet