Kebnekaise

Kebnekaise featuring camping
Kebnekaise
Kebnekaise showing a bridge and a river or creek
Kebnekaise which includes a lake or waterhole
Kebnekaise featuring a ruin


Take on the thrilling trek to the top of Sweden’s highest mountain peak and enjoy incredible natural scenery along the way.

Make the challenging climb to the summit of Kebnekaise, Sweden’s tallest mountain. The height of Kebnekaise varies slightly throughout the year depending on the season, but it typically stands around 6,900 feet (2,100 meters). With no ski lifts, visitors need to make a vigorous day-long hike to see the dramatic views from the mountain peak.

Begin your journey in the town of Nikkaluokta and make the 13-mile (21-kilometer) trek to the mountain’s base camp, STF Mountain Station Kebnekaise. This signposted trail passes through beautiful pinewoods and meadows. Hire a guide in Nikkaluokta to help you make the trek. Alternatively, start in Abikso and hike 65 miles (105 kilometers) along the Kungsleden (King’s Trail) to reach the base camp.

In the summer, choose to hike by the extended light of the midnight sun. See if you can spot reindeer being herded by the Sami shepherds that inhabit the area.

From the base camp, the Western Trail is the most popular and direct route to the summit, requiring no technical equipment. Allow about 13 hours to ascend and descend the mountain. More advanced climbers might consider taking on the steeper route up the eastern side of the mountain, which passes over the Björling Glacier.

The view from the top is spectacular, with snow-covered peaks stretching out endlessly across the horizon. Reward yourself with a visit to the lodge’s sauna once you reach the base camp again. Enjoy a meal of local fare at the lodge’s wonderful restaurant or share stories with other climbers while sitting around the fireplace.

Take a tent and pitch your own camp on the hills surrounding Kebnekaise or stay at the STF Mountain Station Kebnekaise. Nikkaluokta is best reached from Kiruna, about an hour’s journey by road. Alternatively, ride the bus to Aroksjokkvillage from Kiruna and then take a motorboat to Nikkaluokta. Kiruna has both an airport and a train station, with good connections to the rest of Sweden. Weather conditions are best for the trek between late June and September.

See the fantastic views from the top of Sweden’s highest mountain.

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Things to do in Kebnekaise

In Kebnekaise, explore the stunning hiking trails that cater to all levels, offering breathtaking views of Sweden's highest peak. For a unique experience, consider joining a guided business tour that showcases local culture and the region's natural beauty. Don't miss the chance to engage with knowledgeable locals who can provide insights into the area's rich heritage and outdoor activities.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, head to Kiruna’s shopping centre, where you’ll discover unique local crafts and Sami souvenirs. Closer to Kebnekaise, explore small shops offering handmade items and traditional Swedish gifts, perfect for bringing a piece of the Arctic back home.

Recreation

In Kebnekaise, the Kebnekaise Mountain Lodge offers serene wellness experiences with rejuvenating sauna sessions and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Nearby, the Icehotel’s unique spa features ice baths and warm relaxation areas, providing a truly invigorating Arctic retreat.

Adventure

In Kebnekaise, embark on thrilling hikes to Sweden's highest peak, experiencing breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. For an unforgettable adventure, join guided ice climbing tours or try your hand at dog sledding through enchanting snowy forests, immersing yourself in the stunning Arctic wilderness.

Nightlife

Kebnekaise offers a unique nightlife experience, perfect for adventure seekers. After a day in the mountains, unwind at the Kebnekaise Mountain Station, where you can enjoy a warm drink by the fire. For a lively atmosphere, join fellow travellers at the nearby pub for local brews and stories.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kebnekaise

In Kebnekaise, visitors can explore the stunning Kebnekaise National Park and the informative visitor centre, which are the most popular attractions in the area. These points of interest offer a perfect blend of adventure and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in Sweden's natural beauty.

  • Abisko National Park: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sweden’s natural landscape in Abisko National Park, located 45.1km from Kebnekaise. Perfect for adventure seekers, it offers stunning scenery and outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing.
  • Naturum Laponia Visitor Centre: Situated 49.9km away, this visitor centre is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It provides engaging exhibits about the region’s unique ecology and offers various adventure activities in a picturesque setting.
  • Stora Sjofallet National Park: Just 48.3km from Kebnekaise, this national park boasts spectacular scenery, with cascading waterfalls and rugged terrain. It’s a haven for outdoor adventures, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Kebnekaise

The best time to visit Kebnekaise is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January8.2°F (-13.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February9.9°F (-12.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
March16.7°F (-8.5°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
April26.2°F (-3.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
May37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
June50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
September43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
October29.5°F (-1.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November19.2°F (-7.1°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December12.2°F (-11.0°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kebnekaise

To save money on your trip to Kebnekaise, consider visiting in the cheaper months of May to June or August, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance. Sundays are generally the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options, eco-certified hotels, and last-minute deals, which can offer substantial savings. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package deal may yield further discounts.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kebnekaise are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kebnekaise is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kebnekaise is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Kebnekaise is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Kebnekaise hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.