Century-old Kiruna church to make massive two-day journey

Kiruna’s iconic church will be moved on August 19th and 20th in the largest building relocation yet due to mining activities transforming the Arctic town.

The 600-ton, 40-meter-wide church structure will be loaded onto a trailer and transported along a 5-kilometer, 24-meter-wide haul road to its new home. The complex two-day move will be livestreamed.

“The church has been an important gathering place close to many hearts for generations. We want the relocation to create a cherished memory and new opportunities to come together,” said Stefan Holmblad Johansson, LKAB’s project manager for the church move.

Contractor Veidekke, which began preparations in 2023, is coordinating the intricate relocation alongside infrastructure work to receive the church at its new site.

“It’s very inspiring to handle these beloved buildings. Exciting that the actual move days are approaching,” said Mathias Rönnholm, Veidekke’s regional manager.

The relocation dates could shift depending on weather. But the mammoth journey resurrects the centuries-old church in Kiruna’s urban transformation driven by mining activities.