Kiruna’s wooden church begins historic relocation

Sweden’s most beautiful wooden building moves to escape the mine beneath

Kiruna’s landmark church is on the move. The 113-year-old red wooden church – often named Sweden’s most beautiful building – has been lifted from its foundations and placed on a specially designed trailer. Over the course of two days, it will be transported five kilometers to the new city center of Kiruna in Arctic Sweden.

Why the church must move

The relocation is part of a decades-long transformation of the mining town. Ground subsidence from the world’s largest underground iron ore mine is forcing thousands of residents and buildings to shift. State-owned mining company LKAB has already relocated the city hall and is gradually rebuilding Kiruna around its new center.

Symbol of change

For locals, the church represents more than a place of worship. “The church is Kiruna’s soul,” said vicar Lena Tjärnberg. While many celebrate that the building is saved, leaving its century-old home brings mixed emotions.

The indigenous Sámi community views the move as another reminder of how mining affects their land and reindeer herding traditions. “Fifty years ago, my great-grandfather said the mine would eat up our way of life. He was right,” said Lars-Marcus Kuhmunen, chairman of the local Gabna Sámi community.

A city on the move

Kiruna’s relocation project includes around 3,000 homes and 6,000 people. Some buildings are demolished, others rebuilt, and a few – like the church – are transported whole. The move allows LKAB to continue mining iron ore and explore new deposits, including rare earth elements seen as critical for Europe’s green transition.

“The church is a symbol of this city’s transformation,” said Kiruna’s mayor Mats Taaveniku. “We are halfway. In 10 years, the move will be complete.”

More on the move of Kiruna Church.

Header: © Richard Heinen Unsplash