
Kebnekaise and Nikkaluokta
Kebnekaise (North Sámi: Giebmegáisi) is the tallest mountain in Sweden, at 2,093 metres (6,975 feet) above sea level. It is in Kiruna Municipality in Norrbotten County.
Nikkaluokta (North Sámi: Nihkkáluokta) is the only settlement in the Kebnekaise massif, at the border of the Gällivare and Kiruna municipalities. It is the end of the public road network, and the starting point for most expeditions to Kebnekaise.
. . . Kebnekaise and Nikkaluokta . . .
Much of the region surrounding Kebnekaise is some kind of protected wilderness, with popular hiking and cross-country skiing destinations and several hiking trails. Kebnekaise is the highest mountain in a larger mountainous area between Nikkaluokta and Abisko (Šielmmačohkka 2004 m, Godučohkka 1997, Ádjni 1755, Nissončorru 1738). To the south-west is the Laponia national park complex and to the north-east several large protected fell forest areas.
The name Kebnekaise is formed from Lule Sámi giebnne (cauldron) and gájsse (high and pointy peak). It was originally the name of the nearby Tolpagorni, worthy of the name, but seemingly there was confusion with the cartographers about which mountain was meant.
Kebnekaise has three major peaks. The southern one, Sydtoppen, is the highest, consisting of a glacier sitting on a rocky plateau. The middle one, Nordtoppen, is marginally lower, and the northern one, Kebnepakte, the lowest. There are many glaciers in the area.
The southern peak can be reached by mountaineers by more or less ordinary hiking and some scrambling on the “western route”. Guided tours will usually take the shorter “eastern route” over a glacier and with some climbing. The third commonly used route, “Durling’s route”, joins the westen route from Kungsleden and is less exposed. Nordtoppen is significantly more difficult to reach, and requires mountaineering skills and equipment for safety.
Although hiking on Kebnekaise is relatively easy in normal circumstances in season, the dangers should not be underestimated. Depending on temperature and snow quality, crampons may or may not be needed to ascend the summit glacier. Slipping on the glacier can easily be fatal (a 300 m drop on the eastern side), and harsh weather can provoke other fatal mistakes. This is the highest mountain in Europe this far to the north. The Tarfala research station on the slopes has measured the strongest winds in Sweden: 81 m/s (182 mph).
. . . Kebnekaise and Nikkaluokta . . .