Nikkaluokta is the Starting point, shown on Google Maps
Herds of reindeer emerged from the woods and pranced across the paved road as if there was nothing moving towards them, but there were in fact vehicles speeding up to meet them. We slowed down and glanced at the reindeer who were shedding their winter coats as they moved through the snowy landscape. They didn’t seem to be bothered by our presence at all and continued to devour the freshly grown grass. On the way to the Kebnekaise walk, this occurred to us multiple times during the drive.
The further we walked up, the more space there was between the clumps of trees, and the smaller the trees grew. It’s possible that this is due to the fact that during the winter months in northern Sweden, there is very little sunshine for roughly a month. Because of this, it will be difficult for those trees to receive the necessary amount of sunshine to mature into large, robust trees. Within this region, there are a number of small communities dispersed throughout the surrounding wilderness. It took us around 18 hours to drive from Karlstad in Sweden to Nikkaluokta in that country. If you do want to drive, be aware that there are reindeer on the road. Because they could not care less about vehicles, you must remain vigilant at all times.
The further we walked up, the more space there was between the clumps of trees, and the smaller the trees grew. It’s possible that this is due to the fact that during the winter months in northern Sweden, there is very little sunshine for roughly a month. Because of this, it will be difficult for those trees to receive the necessary amount of sunshine to mature into large, robust trees. Within this region, there are a number of small communities dispersed throughout the surrounding wilderness. It took us around 18 hours to drive from Karlstad in Sweden to Nikkaluokta in that country. If you do want to drive, be aware that there are reindeer on the road. Because they could not care less about vehicles, you must remain vigilant at all times.
Start at Nikkaluokta, Kiruna
We made it to Nikkaluokta, which is located in Kiruna and served as the starting point of our trek to the commencement of the Kebnekaise walk. As we pulled into the parking area, we could see a number of campers set up around the outside of the lot. The last few rays of sunlight were beginning to set beyond the horizon. When we arrived, everything was still closed for the night. However, if you plan to visit when things are open, you will find that they have a lot of things to offer you. Even if it’s closed, they have a restroom that you can use as long as you have 10 kronor (it’s a Swedish coin, Swedish money). Even if it’s closed, they have a restroom that you can use. This is located next to the primary red triangle building.
Check out “Hiking Sweden” if you’re interested in learning more about the Swedish monetary system. That page contains a more in-depth discussion on the topic, as well as advice on what to do and what not to do when hiking in Sweden. Have a look at it over here!
Insert Coin for the Bathroom
Campers for Sleeping
Accommodation
You might wish to get some rest before heading on the Kebnekaise trek or making your way to the Fjallstation (also known as the mountain station). Both of these activities are in the mountains. They offer a range of lodging options, from tent sites to apartments with up to six beds each. Just remember to make your reservation well in advance because it tends to be quite busy.
Make a reservation for a place to stay by going to Nikkaluokta.com and making a reservation there. Our first night was spent sleeping in our teeny-tiny car, which we had organized and outfitted with a rolled-up mattress specifically for this journey. As soon as we rolled it out, I was swiftly overcome with sleep, and in my dreams, I was flying high above Kebnekaise and gazing down on the magnificent sights of nature below me. The snow appeared to be reflecting something and moving as if it had a tale to tell about the paths. But then, all of a sudden, the dream was over.
Restaurant
At the restaurant Skáidi, you may take in a breathtaking panorama while enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of its three seatings. The traditional dishes served at this restaurant are prepared with regional ingredients. It might be beneficial to make reservations here if you are traveling with a large party. If you simply want to unwind after your trip or before you even begin, there is a café available for your use. While you enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee and take in the breathtaking scenery, pause for a moment. Find out more about the different kinds of food and drinks that are available here.
Activities
They provide a wide variety of opportunities for you to participate in. Canoeing, fishing, day trips to Nikkaluokta and Kungsleden, and river safaris are just some of the activities that you can participate in while visiting Kebnekaise. For further information, have a look at the activities that they have here.
Nikkaluokta Information Center
Contact Nikkaluokta:
E-mail : info@nikkaluokta.com
Number : (+46)980-550 15 (call with international phone)
0980-550 15 (call with Swedish phone)
Tours
In this region and at the foot of the mountain, you can participate in a variety of tours of varying lengths and focuses. There are safari tours, canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, quad riding, and boat tours available. You can go on a wonderful hike, during which you will get the opportunity to observe the Kebnekaise mountain from a new vantage point. You won’t be climbing it on this trail, but you will be walking close to it, which puts you in an excellent position to take in the scenery of Sweden’s highest peak. The Fjallstation also provides tours for anyone who are interested in going there. Please scroll down to view additional information regarding the Fjallstation.
Transportation
My backpack was cinched up to my back and I was ready for us to begin our journey to the Kebnekaise hike. I didn’t think about a method of transportation to reach it. I had my feet, plus, when we started our trip to Kebnekaise, all the restaurants, transportation, and other activities were closed. We were on our own, which is nice, no crowds. But now after trying it out, if we do decide to venture to the Kebnekaise hike again, I want to try out the helicopter.
Helicopter
This was not something that we had even considered in the slightest. We reasoned to ourselves, “Oh yeah, hiking all of that will be no problem!” By the time we reached the finish of the Kebnekaise walk, we were absolutely exhausted. I couldn’t help but fantasize about flying through the air in a helicopter, taking in the sights from a bird’s-eye vantage point while listening to the rotors scream to life below me. If only I could do that, I wouldn’t have to worry about each individual action that I would have to take. Since the helicopter service is now available, this would be the time to take use of it if you wish to save yourself the effort of hiking from Nikkaluokta to the Fjallstation. For further information, please visit Kallaxflyg.com. You should also be able to book it through that platform.
Or give them a call: (+46) 980-81 00
Boat
During the warmer months, they have boats that are operational. When my husband and I went hiking, it was closed, but I have heard that it is now available to the public. If you did this, you would only have to walk one quarter of the trail to reach the Fjallstation. The site where you can board the boat is located close to Enoks Restaurant, and the presence of the water lends an air of calm and serenity to the surrounding region. It is a pleasant hike to go to this location merely to have a distant view of the mountains and to observe the glacier water. Although using the boat rather than walking the more than 10 kilometers to the Fjallstation would save you some time, taking the boat will not get you straight to the station. Please take a look at the times listed here for the boat. Enoks.se will provide you with information regarding the costs and the schedule for it.
If you’re planning on traveling with more than 10 people, then you’ll have to book it. You can email or you can call them.
Contact Enoks:
info@enoks.se
Andreas Sarri +46 (0)73-031 70 27
If you’re thinking about a River Safari, you can find more info. at this website. Check it out here.
View at Enoks
Onward to the Fjällstation
The first thing that needs to be done in order for us to reach Kebnekaise is to walk to Fjallstation. At the beginning of this path, there was a good flat road. However, when one travels further along the pathway, there will be impediments in their path. It is 18.6 kilometers (11.2 miles) one way to hike to the Fjallstation from Nikkaluokta. It took us approximately six hours, including breaks for snapping photos and resting, as well as for breakfast and lunch. When we finally reached Enoks Restaurant after our hike, I was astonished to see a reflection in the clear lake there. In the still waters of the glacier, a flawless reflection of the surrounding mountains could be seen. This is also the location of the boat that was mentioned earlier.
We hadn’t been on this trail for a particularly long before we saw our first glimpse of the mountains in the distance. After walking around a bend, we arrived at a serene location that I will never be able to forget. The crystal-pure water reflected the snow-capped mountains, and the pebbles, which came in a variety of brilliant colors, could be seen swimming around in the water. It was almost as if we were experiencing a scene from a painting. It was nearly unreal in terms of how stunning it was. After the long travel, I was revived and refreshed by a gentle breeze that had a brisk bite to it. As I sat there, I pondered what it may have been like to live here a very long time ago, before the existence of man was known to this location. I can picture a rich wildlife population, and whenever animals came to drink from the water, they would have a sense of calm and contentment as they relaxed in their ideal home.
Difficulty: Hard – Distance: 18.6 km (11.5 mi.) – Duration: Approx. 6 hours one way
As soon as we had completed our meal, we got back on the road and continued heading in the direction of the Kebnekaise walk. The trail started getting a little more difficult in certain sections. It would protrude both upwards and below, and the path would be covered with loose stones. Even though it was the middle of June, we were forced to trek through a meter (three feet) of snow. However, this is something that is highly dependent on when you want to go hiking in the Kebnekaise area. You could get a lot of snow or a lot of water depending on the situation. Always remember to pack the appropriate gear! Learn more by visiting the Swedish Tourists Association’s website, where you will find more information about the Kebnekaise mountain station, also known as the Fjallstation. This website will inform you of the current weather conditions in the region and provide assistance in guiding you toward the kind of gear that is necessary.
Hiking to the Fjällstation
Camping
The cost of setting up a tent is zero! Because of the potential for a fire, you just have to be at least 150 meters away from the station. If you wish to utilize the service building, which includes a kitchen, restrooms, showers, sauna, and a lovely drying area, there is a daily cost of 350 kronor that you must pay. The fee covers your use of all of its amenities. The views of the mountains that are all around the valley are just breathtaking! We were able to locate a wonderful little nook that was encircled by trees but was still very close to the station, and this is where we pitched our tent for the night. My legs hurt from standing all day, and I was exhausted. I was ready to sleep. But the charm of the town left me in awe of its beauty. I went on an adventure and saw the mystical streams that ran under the bridges as well as the cozy and attractive residences that were perched on the slope of a hill.
Being in such a little town that is completely surrounded by natural scenery made me feel as though I had an abundance of freedom. The location was enchanting. The total number of nights we spent in our tent was two. Two nights: the night before we began our ascent of the mountain, and the night after we attained our objective of climbing the mountain. It turned out to be a wise decision to leave the tent behind rather than drag it along with us, so we did just that. It appears that no one has tampered with it, and you are welcome to set up camp there for up to two consecutive nights.
Cabins
When it comes to finding a place to stay, you have a few different choices available to you. They offer lodging in the form of a hotel, hostel, cabin, or guesthouse. The prices range widely depending on the many options. You can acquire additional information by visiting the STF website. Some of them are more like rooms to rent, while others include enormous windows that allow you to take in the natural splendor of the surrounding area.
Tours and Activities
At Elsa’s Restaurant, you may indulge in some time-honored cuisine while taking in the breathtaking scenery. You are able to make reservations for their multi-course feasts. Or, if you want, they can arrange for you to have a guide accompany you on the Kebnekaise hike. Even tours along the King’s Trail and the Abisko are available. Have a look at it over here!
Green trail is the Western Trail & the red is the Eastern Trail
Kebnekaise Hike
As we approached the Fjallstation, we saw our first glimpse of the majestic mountains that lay beyond it. As we started our walk up Kebnekaise the following day, the mountain was looming in the sky above us. As we continued our ascent of Kebnekaise, we encountered an increasing number of loose rocks along the trail. With each step, we got a little bit closer to the peak. But when we finally reached the summit, the fog was so thick that we could hardly see further than the palms of our hands. Fortunately, the view from the “Old top Stuga” was very breathtaking! In the distance, we could make out the valley from which we had come up the mountain, which was surrounded by snowy mountains that were rather picturesque.
Eastern Trail (Ice Gear Needed)
As glacier hiking is a component of this Kebnekaise hike, you will need appropriate gear in order to complete it safely. You have the option to hire the equipment, or it may be included in the price of your tour. This all relies on the type of tour you choose or the manner in which you choose to trek the trail. However, hiking this trek with an experienced guide who is licensed to do so is strongly encouraged. Both the Western route and the Eastern trail begin at the same location; as they begin to diverge, there is a sign to let you know that they have done so.
The first part of this trail is a strenuous ascent close to the Kebnetjkka glacier, and then it levels off. When this occurs, you will be required to travel across Bjorling’s glacier. Follow your instincts and be mindful of where you put your feet at all times. It is possible for the glacier to have cracks that are covered with snow, and it would not be a smart idea to step into one of these crevices. At the terminus of the glacier, you will find Gudhjohnsens hylla, which is a shelf that will be waiting for you. Keep an eye out for rocks that have come loose while you’re walking along this trail.
Difficulty: Strenuous – Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi.) – Duration: Approx. 10 hours round trip
I’m Hiking up Kebnekaise
Western Trail
The length of this trail is more than that of the Eastern Trail, but it is more straightforward. In addition to that, you won’t need a guide for this one. This path is dotted with stones that have been painted red, however they are only in certain sections of the path and are not always easy to spot. When you go up the Kebnekaise trek, whether or not there is snow on the mountains will very much depend on when you go. This is the path that we hiked, which was an excellent choice given that there were only the two of us on the excursion. In addition to that, I have never gone glacier hiking, and I believe that trying to do so without a guide would be asking for danger.
As we progressed up one of the Kebnekaise trails, the terrain got difficult due to the stones, which gave the impression that they were about to give way from under your feet. When I looked at the path that was in front of us, I felt a pit in my stomach. The path climbed steeply up the side of the mountain, all the while passing through SNOW! It felt like all of my nerves had been exposed. But I persisted, and after my husband and I had made it to the point where the trail began to wind in a zigzag pattern, it began to pour down on us. Icicles began to form in the rain as we ascended higher and higher in elevation. We were both on the verge of giving up and going in the opposite direction.
Right at that moment, patches of blue sky began to appear, and the stormy weather calmed down. We had a break with the crazy weather, which was a blessing in disguise. The hike caused terrible agony in all of my toes and feet. I had never given it much thought before, but looking back, my toenails should have been trimmed down to just above my toes. My feet began to hurt with each step, and the discomfort only increased as we continued our hike. On the other hand, I pushed myself forward. It’s not like you get the opportunity to go mountain climbing every day.
Difficulty: Strenuous – Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi.) – Duration: Approx. 14 hours round trip
Red Paint on Stones for the Trail
View from Kebnekaise
New Top and the Old Top Stuga of the Kebnekaise Hike
As you ascend further and higher up the mountain, you run the risk of the weather becoming even more unpredictable. Because of this, they constructed these homes, which are known as “Stuga” in Swedish. Therefore, if you come across a sign that just says “Stuga,” you should understand what it implies. There is one at the previous peak, which has since been replaced, and there is one at the current peak. If the weather isn’t on your favor, you can take refuge in their protection.These little buildings are nothing more than a chamber with benches and flat sections elevated off the ground. In the event that one requires it, it provides shelter.
If Help is Needed!
You should make sure that you have the local emergency phone number before you even start your adventure onto the Kebnekaise hike. You may get this information at the office. The Mountain Safety Council can be found down here. They have both a phone number and an email address. Depending on where you are located in Sweden, the following list has a variety of various contacts. Have a look at it over here.
fjallsaker@naturvardsverket.se
TELEPHONE
+46 (0)10-6981053
Best Gear for the Kebnekaise Hike
The temperature on the Kebnekaise trek was very warm to begin with. But as we made our way closer and closer to the peak, a shiver shot through my entire body. The wind picked up, and it seemed like someone was rubbing ice on my face. The fact that I was wearing waterproof pants and extra layers was what ultimately rescued me. I strongly advise donning a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, and, above all else, waterproof boots. If I hadn’t brought these with me on the hike, I would have been drenched the entire time. To my good fortune, the only one of my feet to get wet on the way down was just a small bit. The accumulations of snow had transformed into streams, and one of them was so extensive that it was impossible for us to cross to the other bank without getting our feet wet.
Misfit Wanders’ Water Bottle
Lunchbox
Near Enoks on our way to Fjallstation
Take Care of YOU, Dress for the Weather!
It’s also a good idea to bring an extra pairs of socks and gloves. And finally, a hat to keep your head warm when you get close to the top of the trail. Bring a water bottle that can hold at least 1.5 liters of water. If you want to stay warm, bring a thermos or a small burner. This went with our two metal cups! It was great to reach the old top and have tea in the small hut while we rested and I propped up my tired feet.
I got Meindl waterproof boots just for this trail. Before I wore them on the Kebnekaise walk, I broke them in. They were the best thing I bought for this walk. I didn’t have to worry about rolling my ankle because they go over it, and they’re warm! Check them out here!
Check out my article, Hiking Gadgets to see some of the gear I have used on hikes.
Check out some of the best gear I have used when I go hiking in this article.
Delicious Food
Food that has been dried out would be best to bring. My husband and I had two bags of ready-made pasta. Each bag only needed hot water added to it, and then we had to wait. You should bring a banana or apple with you as long as it can stay safe and not get squashed. You can also bring a bag of nuts and dried fruit. That’s always helpful because it gives you energy and replenishes nutrients and vitamins that your body has lost.
Bridge to Cross on the Hike
Best Time to Go
The best time to go depends on the weather and the season you want to do the Kebnekaise walk in. In every season, people have gone up there. My husband and I went up it in the middle of June. We had a good time because there weren’t many other people around. But that’s probably because they just told you that you can go back to traveling in Sweden.
There were a few small streams we had to cross on our way up Kebnekaise. There was still a lot of snow on some parts of the hike, but it was melting quickly. We sled down the mountain to ease the pain in our knees on the way down. Make sure you do this where you can see other songs if you want to. You don’t want to fall through the snow and into the moving water below.
Check the Weather
Check the weather all the time. Things change a lot in this area, so try to be ready. We hiked to the Fjallstation and slept there that night. The next day, we checked the weather and then made the choice to start our hike up Kebnekaise. Our plan was to wait it out in the valley if it had been bad. We took a few extra days off just in case the weather got bad.
How to Get There
You can either drive to Nikkaluokta, which is what we did, or take the bus. It would take about 15 hours to drive there from Stockholm Central, and a whole day to take the public transportation. If you’re short on time, it might be best to rent a car or go with some friends in Sweden.
Click here to see google directions for driving
Click here to see google directions for public transportation.
Kebnekaise Old Top
Hiking in Sweden
If this is your first time in beautiful Sweden, the Hiking in Sweden page can help you get more information. You can learn about some great trails in Sweden, as well as the country’s weather, how to get ready, and the best places to visit.
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