The iconic red timber building of Kiruna Church has been relocated to a new home after 113 years, marking the end of a major relocation project in the Swedish city. The church’s move is part of a larger effort to relocate buildings from an area at risk from ground fissures due to over a century of iron ore mining.
The relocation process was spearheaded by project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson and his team, who removed traffic lights, lamp posts, and even a bridge to widen the roads along the 5km route. The journey began with a blessing from the church’s vicar and Bishop Åsa Nyström of the Diocese of Luleå.
The move was completed ahead of schedule, with the church reaching its new concrete foundation just before 15:00 local time. The project has been estimated to cost over 10 billion Swedish krona ($1 billion) and is being covered by Kiruna’s development company.
The relocation process has had an emotional impact on the community, with many watching in awe as the church slowly rolled forward its final few meters. The move marks a new chapter for the church, which will now serve as a meeting place for the community despite having moved to safer ground.
Restoration work is set to begin after the trailers carrying the building are removed and steel beams are taken out. The church is expected to reopen in late 2026.
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-f59e6f5d-1dd0-4893-a52f-162b60a695d9