On your way to Kebnekaise!
On this page you will find everything you need for your trip. Start by reading the tab “Plan your trip” so you get all details you need to consider. Then check the equipment list, the training program and the trip schedule. Save this page as a favorite in your browser for easy access!
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us:
Mail: klara@swett.se or ebba@swett.se
Telephone: 023 – 381 16 36
Telephone hours: Monday – Friday 9-16, closed for lunch 12-13
TO DO BEFORE THE TRIP
With the right preparations the trip get more enjoyable!
Maybe, you are already excited about your trip and to get started with the preparations, OR you are pondering where to even start. We hope that the below information will help you on your way to the top!
Lets go!
Pre-trip meeting
You will have a pre-trip preparation day either in Gothenburg or Örebro. You will find more information about this under the “Pre-trip meeting”-tab. It will be an opportunity to get inspired and motivated for the challenge and we will help prepare you practically and physically during a four hour session. You will also meet some of the Swett staff who will be with you during the trip in June!
Fill in the guest information
All guests must fill in the guest information before the trip. You will enter personal information, some health related details and insurance and ICE-information. We ask for this information to provide you a safe and secure experience and to be prepared for all kind of situations. You find the sheet to fill in under the “Guest information” tab. Fill this out asap.
If you need to update the information after entering the data the first time, you use the confirmation link that you get to your email or contact us and we will help!
Discount ADDNATURE & MEINDL BOOTS
We offer you the below discounts through our partners for products that we use ourselves:
Addnature: 15% discount in the AddNatures webbshop with code: SWETT2021. Not valid for Hilleberg, Yeti, La Sportiva, Garmin or Patagonia.
Meindl: 15% discount on Meindl:s hiking boots meindl.se with code: SWETT2215
The discounts cannot be combined with other offers.
Miscellaneous
In addition:
- Go over the equipment list and make sure you have everything you need.
- Follow the training program to make sure you are physically ready
Here you will find the trip program!
Below, you will find information about the trip day by day. Please note that due to weather conditions we need to be flexible and things might change on site.
Short facts about Kebnekaise:
County: Lappland
Merit: Highest peak in Sweden
Altitude: 2097 altitude meters
Peaks: North Peak & South Peak
The North Peak: Rock 2 096,8 altitude meters
The South Peak: Rock 2 060 altitude meters and glacier about 40 meters. The only peak glacier in Sweden.
Highest peak: When the glacier is covered in new snow the South Peak is the highest. During summer the North Peak becomes the highest. We will climb the South Peak.
First summiteer: Johan Alfred Björling (1889) and Charles Rabot (1883)
Day 1
Hike: Nikkaloukta to Kebnekaise Fjällstation
Culmination: First sight of Kebnekaise!
Height: 490 m – 690 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking time: 6 h
Altitude meters: 200 m
Food: Lunch and two course dinner
Finally the adventure is here! You will be collected by bus and we will drive to Nikkaloukta where the hike starts. Make sure to fill up your water bottle, go to the bathroom and adjust your backpack and other equipment. Now we are off on a 6 h hike. We will experience nature and mountains together during a six hour hike to the base camp. We will eat our lunch outside and we will take several breaks and pauses during the day. When we arrive at Kebnekaise Fjällstation we will check into our rooms and then enjoy dinner at the restaurant. After dinner you can go for a sauna, explore the surroundings or go to bed early to prepare for the next day, and rest your body!
To consider:
- Make sure you are dressed for the hike already when you get on the bus.
- There is some time between lunch and dinner so make sure to pack snacks.
- You will carry your personal belongings. Pack smart!
Day 2
Hike: Test equipment and enjoy the surroundings!
Culmination: The fresh mountain air and your first steps in crampons!
Height: 690 m
Distance: 0 km
Hiking time: 0 h
Altitude meters: 0 m
Food: Breakfast, lunch and two course dinner
The breakfast is served from 07.00 in Elsas Kök but you can sleep in a bit longer. After breakfast we meet up at 09.00 in our designated groups for a run-through of the top tour the day after. Your guide will walk you through the route, weather prognosis and safety equipment and we will try it out together. We will eat our lunch inside or outside depending on the weather.
In the afternoon you will have some free time to explore the surroundings and to prepare your backpack for tomorrow. We will finish the day with dinner in Elsas Kök and go to bed early to make sure we are rested for the coming challenge.
To consider:
- Depending on the weather, this might be the day we do the hike to the top. If this is the case, you will have a security check and route walk through during dinner Day 1. We choose the day with the best conditions for us to reach the top!
- Make sure to pack snacks!
Day 3
Hike: Kebnekaise South Summit! 
Climax: Many! But mainly Kebnekaise South Summit!
Altitude meters: 690 m – 2090 m – 690 m
Distance: 14 km
Hike time: 11–13 h
Altitude: 1400 m
Food: Breakfast, lunch and a two course dinner
D-day! The alarm will be set early and we will have breakfast at 06.00. We will back our lunch package from the breakfast buffet and head out towards the top of Sweden! We will leave the base camp at around 07.00 and the first hour will be an easy hike until we reach “Storbacken”, the big hill! Here, all our hill training will be put to the test and we will be happy for all the hours we have previously spent preparing. It is a tough challenge and we will need to help motivate each other, take regular breaks and continue through to the top in a regulated pace!
After Storbacken, we will reach a section of rocky terrain which we will cross. After this passage we will take our lunch break and put on all our safety equipment. Björlings glacier awaits next which will take us about an hour to cross. Once over the ice we will get to the Via Ferrata where we will use our harnesses to clip onto the iron wires that will safely help us up a steep rock formation. 1 hour later we have accomplished yet another difficult task as a team! Now we only have another 45 minutes until we will reach the top of Sweden; Kebnekaise South Summit! Once there we will celebrate the moment together, take some mandatory summit pictures and then we head back down again, the same way we came.
To consider:
- There are never any guarantees to reach the top. Weather, wind and the current state of mind and body matters and we will always put your and others safety first. We always make one try and aim for you all to reach the top day 2 or 3.
- Something warm to drink is nice to have if the weather is cold, windy or rainy. Bring a 0,5 L thermos and fill it up with tea, coffee or hot water before the hike to the top!
Bild 1: Storbacken
Bild 2: Via Ferratan
Bild 3: Jag gjorde det!!
Day 4
Helicopter: Kebnekaise Base Camp to Nikkaloukta and back to Kiruna!
Culmination: A last day to enjoy the Swedish mountains and recognize your recent accomplishment!
Altitude meters: 690 m – 490 m
Distance: 18 km
Hike time: 0 h
Food: Breakfast and lunch
Back to civilization!
Depending on your scheduled trip back south, we will arrange for pick up with helicopters back to Nikkaloukta. Filled with experiences and accomplishments we will wave goodbye to the mountains for now!
Packing for Kebnekaise
When attempting to summit Kebnekaise, one need to prepare for all kinds of weather. During the hike it can be warm, windy and even snowy and for your safety, you need to be equipped for all scenarios.
Here you find information about how to prepare your packing:
- Video: Basic information about packing and instructions
- Check list for printing: to check off while you pack
- Utrustningstips: descriptions of equipment, material and use
Equipment tips
TO PACK IN
You will need a 40 liter pack pack to carry all your personal belongings. You will carry all your things from Nikkaloukta to the Base Camp, Day 1, so PACK SMART! Once at the base camp you will be able to leave things at your room during the days! Besides your extra clothing during the hike to the top, you will also carry your personal safety equipment (helmet, crampons and Via Ferrata ropes). We recommend that you don’t pack heavier than 7-8 kg’s considering you will carry it during day 1.
Pack water proof
Off course, the weather can be great, sunny and warm but it can also be cold, rainy and wet. Make sure that you protect your equipment from rain/water. 
How to pack water proof:
- Pack in water proof bags, drybags. You can buy them in different sizes and colors.
- You should protect your backpack from rain/water. Bring a rain cover!
CLOSEST TO YOUR BODY
The garments closest to your body should be able to keep you dry. AVOID COTTON!
We recommend that you bring under garments made by merino wool or synthetic fabrics which are functional and comfortable! A combination of the two is also good in for example socks which need to be more resistant to tearing/wearing. We also recommend that you bring underwear made by wool.
If it is sunny you might do your hike in a t-shirt. Again, choose wool instead of function wear which tend to absorb heat and smell.
When it comes to socks, either use one or two socks considering your personal preference. The advantage of double socks is that you can have a thinner and a thicker sock together and this will allow air to pass between the socks. This will reduce abrasions and blisters!
Make sure you have enough space in your boots! Test them A LOT before the trip!
REINFORCEMENT GARMENTS
The reinforcement garments is what you put on as your first layer when the weather gets colder during breaks or in the evening. For the upper body you will need a fleece jacket/wool sweater and a light down jacket/west. The jacket is perfect as a mid-layer during the hike and takes up minimal space in your bag. The fleece jacket/wool sweater can also be used during the hike and during the shorter breaks.
SHELL CLOTHING
The outer layer should be persistent to the weather we get served. It should be water resistant, protect you during windy conditions and allow you to alster body heat. At the same time then must breath and release moist and excess heat. These garments are worth to spend some extra on when it comes to quality!
To consider when it comes to shell clothing:
- Buy shell clothing with great quality, for example Haglöfs
- Your shell clothing should be made with Goretex or another active membrane
- If you already have shell clothing since a few years, make sure to check the membrane re-impregnate the surface if needed
- Vattenpelare (water resistance: > 10 000 (preferably higher)
- We recommend you bring a jacket with a hood!
- Actively test ALL your clothing before you buy them to make sure they move comfortably. r
- Follow the care/washing instructions for the shell clothing!
OTHER EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
We recommend you bring both hiking pants and shorts, since the weather can shift swiftly! The pants/short should be water resistant!
The shell clothing and your boots are the most important equipment!
You need to bring two pair of gloves that need to be wind and water proof. One pair thinner than the other. The thicker ones are mainly for the summiting day!
Make sure you protect your head and that you have a thinner scarf/buff to cover your neck!
A rain poncho is a great extra thing to bring you you get hit with rain unexpectedly!
You must protect yourself from the sun. Buy a pair of parasol sunglasses with UV protection and think sporty instead of pretty! Also bring sun lotion with at least 30-50 SPF. Bring sun protection for your lips as well!
Trekking poles!!! Adjustable and light poles are useful when walking up AND down! They should fit comfortably in your hands and weigh as little as possible.
SHOES
You will need two pair of shoes for this trip! You will spend A LOT of time in your hiking boots so make sure that the fit comfortably and that you have done several hikes in them before the trip. Take help from professionals in physical stores to help you find the perfect fit! A good brand is Meindl, where we offer discounts.
Besides the hiking boots you will need a pair of base camp shoes. Something to change into in the evenings that are lighter, comfortable and that you can change into easily!
To consider when choosing hiking boots:
- The boots must reach above your ankles (see exemple)
- The boots should fit comfortably: TEST THEM BEFORE!
- Make sure you can fit double socks if you prefer that
- Since you will be wearing crampons during the hike over the glacier lower hiking shoes will not work. The shoe has to be firm and preferably made of leather partly to ensure a stable fit!
WATER AND ENERGY
You need a water bottle, hard plastic material and a camel back water bag. The camel back will be kept in your backpack during your hikes and will allow you to take small sips throughout the day without making stops. The camel back should be able to contain 1,5-2 L but choose the size according to how much you drink while exercising. The plastic bottle should have a larger hole at the top for easier re-filling in streams and creeks.
In between the breakfast, lunches and dinners you might need to re-charge your energy levels. Bring your favorite power bars or nutrient snacks to keep you energetic and motivated throughout the long days. Nuts, energy bars dried fruit or candy. Pack 1 bar, 1 bag of nuts and 1 candy bag for each day!
HYGIENE
A toilet roll is not unwanted when needed so pack one for whenever it might be needed. Also bring a small medicine kit with blister tejp, plasters, pain killers and off course any personal medication needed!
TRAINING FOR KEBNEKAISE
Congrats!! What a fantastic experience you have to look forward to! It is truly a magical experience to stand at the top of the South summit of Kebnekaise! To give you the best possible experience and to help reach your goal we want to point out the importance of good preparations!
Below you will find an exercise program for 13 weeks. Print it out and keep it easily accessible!
Good luck with your training – lets go!!
Training for Kebnekaise 14-17 June 2022
Train smart and continuous!
Training can be complex AND simple! It is the different parameters that are important and the
fact that we all are different when it comes to training background, family situations, interest
and physical conditions. One thing is sure, for every hour spent training, you get rewarded in
return. The trip will be more enjoyable and you will become healthier in your everyday life!
The best training is the one you get done!
Don’t set unrealistic goals. And don’t start too ambitious! Instead, make sure that you get
continuous training each week and that you are having fun and are enjoying the work out!
Make a plan and follow it notoriously! Of course, it will be demanding and difficult so make
sure that you take it at your pace and that you keep your motivation up! Increase the
intensity gradually! One tip is to get the first workout of the week done early. preferably every
Monday. It will motivate you for the rest of the week!
Below you will find a training schedule designed to help you prepare for the trip. Depending
on your current workout level you might need to increase or decrease the amount of
sessions in order to get into shape. Don’t underestimate the training schedule. It is a physical
challenge to get to the top but if you follow the program you will increase your chances to
succeed enormously! Consider the schedule an investment in yourself and your goal! There
are no guarantees that you make it all the way but we can promise you that each training
session you have done before will help you once the trekk starts. So get your training started
ASAP!
Workout methods
The training schedule is divided into three parts, with sessions having different purposes. If
you have less time certain weeks, always prioritize the hill training and after that the cardio!
Cardio training
The purpose of the cardio training is to strengthen your basic fitness and get your muscles
and joints used to working. What you do during your cardio training does not matter. Run,
ski, spin or swim. Whatever you think is fun and that suits you! Aim to follow through the
whole session at an elevated pulse instead of increasing your pulse fast in the beginning
and not managing to hold at that level. Cardio is something that you need to maintain!
Hill/slope training/hiking
The purpose of the hill training is to strengthen the muscles in your body and to get your
wrists adapted to walk in hilly terrains. Besides that it is also good cardio endurance training.
This is the one training session that most travelers don’t have in their normal training
repertoar and it is specific in the preparation for this kind of challenge. Walk up and down a
hill , with high and low intensity, don’t run. Use your hiking boots and preferably use your
hiking poles and put on a backpack with appropriate weight in it. It is good to alter hill training
and hiking in various terrain and if possible combine the two, especially if you are mostly
used to walking/workout on asphalt. You need to prepare the muscles for the terrain at
Kebnekaise where it is very rocky and uneven terrain. If you don’t have access to hilly
terrain, use the stair machine at your local gym or walk up and down stairs. Even smaller, not
steep hills will help your body prepare but try to vary where you walk for each session if
possible.
Weight training
The purpose of your weight training is to build a strong body with focus on your core
muscles. Try to aim your efforts on prolonging your sessions, that is training: train with low
weights and do many repetitions.Use extra weight or your body weight!
Mobility and stretch!
There are no specific sessions regarding mobility and stretch in the program but we
recommend you to always make it part of every training session. When you start new forms
of exercise your body will need time to adjust and you might experience ache and stiffness in
your muscles. After a hill training session you might need to stretch your hips, flexors,
hamstrings and calves. Add some mobility training for your back and shoulders as well, they
need it after a session with a packed backpack.
How to use the training program
This program is based on three months training over a period of 13 weeks, from 21st of
March until 14th of June. Start with week 1 in the training program asap and you will be able
to get the whole program done before your trips starts on the 14th of June. No time to waste!
The intensity will increase over the following weeks and it is designed to suit everyone, even
the ones that don’t workout regularly today! Adapt your starting week according to your
current training.Focus on getting a good training routine set up and make sure not to skip the
hill training and the terrain training! The added week days are only suggestions and you
choose the days that suit you best! If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us at
Swett!
What to do if I miss a training session!?
A key to success when it comes to training is continuity! Try and make your workouts a
natural part of your day-to-day life! Of course you might miss a session and your life will
interrupt occasionally but don’t forget to strive forward even when/if this happens! If you miss
a session on Wednesday, get it done on Saturday instead! Keep the cardio and hill training a
priority and don’t try to compensate endlessly when/if you miss a day in the schedule! You
are supposed to stay motivated to reach your goal.
If you are starting to miss several sessions you need to revise your schedule and adapt the
times to your life. Remember that the best training is the training you get done!!! Schedule
your workout sessions as work appointments: what training, where, what time, what
equipment do you need?
PRE-TRIP PEP MEETING ÖREBRO
Program 21 April
13:00-14:30 Theory and presentation at office
14:30 Drive to Kvarntorpshögen
15:00-17:00 Hill training Kvarntorpshögen
What to bring
- Trekking clothes/work out clothes (check the weather forecast)
- Hiking boots
- Backpack (with some extra kg for extra load)
- Waterbottle
PRE-TRIP PEP MEETING GOTHENBURG
Program 27 April
13:00-14:30 Theory and presentation at office
14:30 Walk to Safjället
14:30-16:30 Hill training Safjället
What to bring
- Trekking clothes/work out clothes (check the weather forecast)
- Hiking boots
- Backpack (with some extra kg for extra load)
- Waterbottle