Kebnekaise, Mountain peak in Kiruna Municipality, Sweden
Kebnekaise is a massif in Kiruna Municipality, Sweden, forming the highest point in the country. The northern summit reaches 2096.8 meters (6879 feet), while the southern summit is covered by a thick glacier.
Charles Rabot led the first documented expedition to the summit in 1883, opening the climbing history of the region. The following decades brought regular ascents and the establishment of lodges for visitors.
The name comes from the Sami language and means Cauldron Crest, describing the shape of the summit. Many hikers start their journey from the mountain lodge, which has served as a meeting point for climbers for decades.
The mountain lodge Kebnekaise Fjällstation lies about 19 kilometers from Nikkaluokta and serves as the starting point for most summit tours. The hike to the lodge takes several hours and should be planned during stable weather conditions.
The glacier on the southern summit loses about half a meter in height each year, causing the highest point in the country to shift between the two summits. This change has been measured and documented closely for years.
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