The Kebnekaise massif lies within a range of the Scandinavian mountains that is bordered by the glacial valleysLadtjovagge, Tjäktjavagge and Vistasvagge. The highest points of the massif lie along the ridge that runs from the southern and northern summits to Kebnepakte at. Other subsidiary peaks are Kebnetjåkka, Vierranvárri, Tolpagorni , Guobircohkka, and Siŋŋibákti. Of the two highest points, the southern peak lies on a glacier situated on a rocky plateau. The glacier has shrunk in recent years, and therefore the summit is not as high as earlier. The top was traditionally said to be, and higher in the oldest measurement, i.e.. If the melting continues at the same rate, the south peak will sink below the north peak within a few years' time. However, as of July 2015, Tarfala Research Station reports that the glacier has grown by — from its lowest measurement of the previous year. The massif is heavily glaciated, with Kebnepakteglaciären, Isfallsglaciären, and Storglaciären towards Tarfala valley to the east, Björlings glacier to the southeast, and Rabots glaciär to the west, plus several smaller glaciers throughout the area. In Europe there are no higher mountains further north. During clear weather, a vast area can be seen from the summit, according to some sources as much as 10% of Sweden.
Climbing routes
is located to the southeast at the foot of Kebnekaise, about, 6–7 hours hike from the trailhead at Nikkaluokta. It is the starting point for an ascent to the south summit via the western route or the eastern route. The western route leads over steep scree slopes and the intermediate peak Vierranvárri. Most of this route to the top is pure hiking, but there is a short exposed part that could possibly count as scrambling. The eastern route leads over glaciers and rocks and offers exposure. The steepest section is equipped with fixed steel cables for protection, similar to a via ferrata. There is also a third, less known route only marked with cairns — "Durlings led", which branches off Kungsleden a few kilometers north of Singi, goes about two kilometers into Singivagge, and then turns north into the valley between Kuopertjåkka and Siŋŋibákti. "Durlings led" eventually merges with the western route at "Kaffedalen", the pass between Vierranvárri and Kebnekaise. Advantages with this route are lack of exposure and a shorter ascent if Singivagge is used for an overnight camp. Just below the top plateau one encounters an old smaller cabin at altitude. A large cabin used to stand below the plateau, near the smaller one, until September 2018, when it was demolished by the county administration due to being too worn. A cabin up on the plateau was opened in 2016 as a replacement. The peak glacier is a small top, merely tens of meters high, on a rocky plateau. To approach the actual mountain top on the glacier, crampons or other means of enhancing traction may be required, depending on snow conditions. The glacier should be walked upon with great caution; fatal accidents have occurred with people sliding off into the huge void on the eastern side. This danger might not always be apparent, even when there is good visibility. Routes to the northern summit, including one via the narrow, icy arête from the southern summit, require mountaineering equipment and skills. Due to the harsh subarctic climate at the location, Kebnekaise sees the vast majority of climbers during the summer months. However, Kebnekaise is also an established destination for winter alpinism and guided skiing tours are organised by the STF lodge's guides.
