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Kebnekaise Southern Peak

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

peak

Weather…

Kebnekaise Southern Peak (Sydtoppen) was for a long time the undisputed highest point in Sweden and is part of the Kebnekaise massif in the Arctic region. Unlike the Northern Peak, the Southern Peak is capped by a glacier, meaning its elevation fluctuates based on weather conditions and seasons. In recent decades, global warming has caused significant melting of this ice cap, leading to the Southern Peak officially losing its title as Sweden's highest point to the rock-based Northern Peak in 2019. Climbing the Southern Peak is technically less demanding than the Northern Peak and is one of the most popular mountaineering goals in Sweden, typically accessed via the 'Västra leden' (Western Route). From the summit, clear weather provides a dramatic panorama covering nearly one-tenth of Sweden's total land area. Continuous scientific monitoring of the summit glacier by the nearby Tarfala Research Station provides a stark record of climate change's impact on the Scandinavian mountains.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-13	-12	-10	-5	1	6	11	9	4	-3	-8	-11
Rain mm	78	73	76	69	90	113	152	116	111	90	81	89

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The southern point is the primary destination for most mountaineers in the massif and is typically approached from the valley via the western or eastern routes.

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Best season

Late summer months are considered handy, as the days are long and the snow on the lower sections has mostly melted, making the grueling ascent slightly easier.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain often encompasses large boulder fields, steep scree slopes, and, right on the summit, a permanently glaciated dome that requires extreme caution.

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What to bring

Warm, windproof clothing and crampons are often indispensable, as the immediate summit area can consist entirely of bare ice or slippery compacted snow.

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Parking

The trailhead and parking facility for this multi-day tour is generally located in Nikkaluokta, from where the long trek to the mountain station begins.

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Safety

The glaciated dome can become extremely dangerous in strong winds; hikers slipping on the steep flanks often have absolutely no way to brake their fall.

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Time needed

The exhausting round trip from the mountain station up to the southern peak and back typically takes between ten and fourteen hours in favorable conditions.

Geography

Coordinates

67.90250, 18.51110

Facts

Officially lost its status as Sweden's highest point in 2019.
Height fluctuates by roughly 2-3 meters between summer and winter.
The summit is a small glacier cap over a rock base.
Historical records often showed heights exceeding 2110 meters.
Located approximately 150 km north of the Arctic Circle.
The most common destination for mountain hikers in Sweden.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kebnekaise<1 km · SExplore →

Tarfala Valley4 km · EExplore →

Kaskasatjåkka5 km · NEExplore →

Nallo14 km · NExplore →

Tjåmuhas34 km · NExplore →

Lapporten45 km · NEExplore →

Stora Sjöfallet National Park50 km · SWExplore →

Abisko National Park51 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kebnekaise Southern Peak (1)

Kebnekaise nordtoppen📍 landmark

The rocky northern peak of Kebnekaise is the second highest point in Sweden.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the South Peak the highest point in Sweden?

It was for a long time, but it is losing height due to glacier melt.

Do you need mountain guide equipment?

For the South Peak via 'Västra Leden', no climbing gear is required.

How long does the climb take?

From the mountain station, the round trip takes about 10-14 hours.

When is there snow?

There is snow on the summit year-round due to the glacier.

Is there a shelter?

Yes, there is a small emergency shelter just below the summit.

Kebnekaise Southern Peak: where is it located?

Kebnekaise Southern Peak is located in Sweden.

Kebnekaise Southern Peak: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kebnekaise Southern Peak: why is it worth visiting?

Kebnekaise Southern Peak (Sydtoppen) was for a long time the undisputed highest point in Sweden and is part of the Kebnekaise massif in the Arctic region.

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