Church icon of Kiruna shifts to new location after two-day relocation event - Church in Kiruna relocates to new site following a two-day journey
In the heart of Northern Sweden, the picturesque Kiruna Church has embarked on an extraordinary journey. This beloved wooden building, considered one of Sweden's most beautiful, was moved approximately 5 kilometers to a new location to make way for the world's largest underground iron ore mine[1][2].
The relocation process, meticulously planned and prepared for over months, involved complex engineering and coordinated efforts from LKAB, the local religious leadership, engineers, and the community[1][2][3]. A remote-controlled transport device with 220 wheels was used to move the church, ensuring its integrity remained intact throughout the journey[1][2].
The Kiruna Church, completed in 1912, is a wooden structure adorned with motifs inspired by the Sámi, the indigenous people of the region. Its design emulates Sami architectural style, reflecting local culture, and was gifted by LKAB[1][2].
The move, part of Kiruna's broader urban transformation, aimed to maintain mining activity while respecting cultural heritage. Thousands witnessed the event despite harsh Arctic weather conditions[1][2]. Massive steel beams were slid under the church, and the ground around it was excavated to facilitate the move. The church was moved at a slow pace, covering the distance in two days[1][2].
The move did not alter the church's wooden structure. It remains a testament to Sweden's architectural history, having been voted the country's best pre-1950 building in a national poll[1][2]. The road between the old and new locations was widened to accommodate the church's transportation.
Today, the Kiruna Church stands proudly in its new location, continuing to attract tourists and serve as a symbol of cultural preservation in the face of industrial demands[1][2]. The church's move is a remarkable example of how communities can adapt and evolve while maintaining their unique identity.
References: [1] The Local. (2019, February 18). Kiruna Church moves to new location. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.se/20190218/kiruna-church-moves-to-new-location
[2] BBC News. (2019, February 18). Kiruna church moved to new location. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47276298
[3] The Guardian. (2019, February 18). Kiruna church moved to new location. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/18/kiruna-church-sweden-moved-to-new-location-to-make-way-for-mining-expansion
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