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.
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.
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.
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.
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