Kebnekaise 4.59

Kebnekaise is the highest mountain in Sweden. The Kebnekaise massif, which is part of the Scandinavian Mountains, has two main peaks, of which the southern, glaciated one is highest at above sea level as of August 2014. The northern peak is and free of ice. Kebnekaise lies in Sapmi, about 150 kilometres (ca. 90 miles) north of the Arctic Circle and west of Kiruna near the popular Kungsleden hiking trail between Abisko and Hemavan.Due to the shrinkage of the glacier surrounding the southern peak, it is possible the northern peak will assume the title of the highest point in in Sweden; as of Summer 2016 the difference in altitude was just one foot.GeographyThe Kebnekaise massif lies within a range of the Scandinavian mountains that is bordered by the glacial valleys Ladtjovagge (Sami spelling Láddjuvággi), Tjäktjavagge (Čeakčavággi) and Vistasvagge (Visttasvággi). The highest points of the massif lie along a ridge running from the southern and northern summits to Kebnepakte (Giebmebákti) at. Other subsidiary peaks are Kebnetjåkka (Giebmečohkka), 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 is 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 (which is the highest fixed point in Sweden) within a few years' time. However, as of July 2015, Tarfala Research Station reports that the glacier has grown by 4.5m to 2,102 - from its lowest measurement of 2097.5m the previous year.