Church situated in Sweden begins gradual relocation to fresh site
Historic Red Wooden Church in Kiruna, Sweden, Begins Its Journey
In an unprecedented event, the historic red wooden church in Kiruna, Sweden, known as Kiruna Kyrka, has begun its journey to a new location. The move, which is expected to take two days, involves lifting the 672-tonne structure from its original foundations and transporting it over a distance of 5km on remote-controlled flatbed trailers.
Designed by Swedish architect Gustaf Wickman, the church boasts designs inspired by the region's Indigenous Sami people. The large organ within the church, with over 2,000 pipes, and the altarpiece, painted by Sweden's Prince Eugen and inspired by his trips to Italy's Tuscany and western Sweden, have been meticulously wrapped and protected for the journey.
The church is currently sitting on a beam system with two rows of trailers underneath, allowing it to be moved in one piece. This decision was made to preserve the building intact, including key interior elements, such as the pews and the organ, which were largely kept in place, with pews temporarily removed for renovation.
The move is part of a decades-long, large-scale project to move the city of Kiruna due to ground subsidence caused by Europe's largest underground iron ore mine operated by LKAB. The mine's expansion requires vacating the old city center to continue mining activities, including accessing rare earth elements critical for Europe’s green transition.
The relocation of the church alone is expected to cost 500 million kronor and is being paid for by LKAB. LKAB has called the relocation "a unique event in world history". The roads on the route have been widened from nine to 24 metres and levelled to accommodate the move.
The move has generated widespread interest, and more than 10,000 people are expected to line the streets to witness the historic event. The belltower, which stands separately next to the church, will be moved next week. King Carl XVI Gustaf will be among those in town following the move.
Kiruna Kyrka is one of 23 cultural buildings being relocated in the Kiruna move. The church will be rotated 180 degrees to face west, consistent with traditional folk church design, in its new location between the cemetery and the new city center.
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