The historic Kiruna church, known for its striking red design and cherished by locals, faces relocation due to ground subsidence caused by extensive iron ore mining in the area. As mining activities have jeopardized the old city center, a grand plan has been set in motion to preserve this beloved landmark by moving it 5 kilometers (3 miles) to a new site in the city.
Beginning early on Tuesday, the church is being transported on giant rolling platforms at a speed of 500 meters per hour, with the journey anticipated to span two days. Steered by project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson, this elaborate operation is the culmination of years of meticulous preparation, as previous buildings in Kiruna had already been relocated or reconstructed amid safety concerns.
"It’s an emotional event for us," says culture strategist Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä. "The church holds memories for so many generations, and now we carry them into the future with us." The church has been at its original site since 1912, making this week's move not just a practical endeavor but a deeply significant moment for the community.
Given the scale of the operation – the church stands 35m (115ft) high, weighs 672 tonnes, and is adorned with an intricate altar painting – engineers took special precautions. Instead of disassembling the structure, it’s being moved intact, supported by metal beams and lightweight modular transporters. The road leading to the new site was specially widened to accommodate the church's size, and several obstacles like traffic lights were removed along the way.
The relocation is a landmark event that reflects not just structural change but emotional shifts within the community. Residents, including the Vicar Lena Tjärnberg, express a mix of gratitude and sorrow, acknowledging the importance of the church in their history, while also feeling a sense of inevitability in moving it for the sake of safety and continuity.
With thousands expected to witness the journey, including prominent figures like King Carl Gustaf, Swedish television will broadcast the event live, offering a unique chance to see history on the move – a depiction of resilience and adaptation in the face of change.
Beginning early on Tuesday, the church is being transported on giant rolling platforms at a speed of 500 meters per hour, with the journey anticipated to span two days. Steered by project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson, this elaborate operation is the culmination of years of meticulous preparation, as previous buildings in Kiruna had already been relocated or reconstructed amid safety concerns.
"It’s an emotional event for us," says culture strategist Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä. "The church holds memories for so many generations, and now we carry them into the future with us." The church has been at its original site since 1912, making this week's move not just a practical endeavor but a deeply significant moment for the community.
Given the scale of the operation – the church stands 35m (115ft) high, weighs 672 tonnes, and is adorned with an intricate altar painting – engineers took special precautions. Instead of disassembling the structure, it’s being moved intact, supported by metal beams and lightweight modular transporters. The road leading to the new site was specially widened to accommodate the church's size, and several obstacles like traffic lights were removed along the way.
The relocation is a landmark event that reflects not just structural change but emotional shifts within the community. Residents, including the Vicar Lena Tjärnberg, express a mix of gratitude and sorrow, acknowledging the importance of the church in their history, while also feeling a sense of inevitability in moving it for the sake of safety and continuity.
With thousands expected to witness the journey, including prominent figures like King Carl Gustaf, Swedish television will broadcast the event live, offering a unique chance to see history on the move – a depiction of resilience and adaptation in the face of change.
