The town of Kiruna in Sweden is witnessing a remarkable event as its landmark 113-year-old church is being relocated due to subsidence risks from iron ore mining. The brown timber structure, a defining element of the town since 1912, is making a slow 5km journey to a new location over two days, transported on giant rolling platforms. Moving at a speed of 500 meters per hour, this historic mission marks a significant step in the broader strategy to relocate the entire town to safer ground.
Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä, a culture strategist in Kiruna, expressed excitement about the move, stating, "It’s like finally, let’s get it done. We’ve been waiting for so many years." Project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson commented on the extensive preparation that has gone into ensuring the move proceeds without error, affirming, “It’s a historic event, a very big and complex operation and we don’t have a margin of error. But everything is under control.”
Since the mid-2010s, several structures in Kiruna have already been moved or rebuilt due to the ground fissures threatening the old city center’s infrastructure. Notable relocations have included the yellow row of historic houses and the former home of mining manager Hjalmar Lundbohm, which was split into pieces for transport. The clock tower of the old city hall now stands proudly next to the new hall.
The church, towering at 35 meters and weighing 672 tonnes, is being shifted in one piece, indicating the town’s commitment to preserving its historical landmarks. To facilitate the movement, engineers expanded the road to 24 meters wide and removed various obstacles along the route. A critical part of the operation includes safeguarding the church's interior, especially its grand altar painting, created by the royal artist Prince Eugen, which remains glued to the masonry wall.
As the church embarks on its journey, emotional weight surrounds this significant moment. According to Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä, the church holds profound memories for residents, serving as a spiritual center and gathering place for generations. “We’re now moving those memories with us into the future,” she mentioned.
Vicar Lena Tjärnberg expressed bittersweet feelings regarding the church's relocation, recognizing its importance in the mining community and the sorrow of departing from its original site while also being thankful for its new location. Onlookers, including thousands of locals and notable figures like Sweden's King Carl Gustaf, are expected to witness the church’s journey, as the event is being broadcast live, capturing a unique moment where history doesn’t just endure but travels forward.
Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä, a culture strategist in Kiruna, expressed excitement about the move, stating, "It’s like finally, let’s get it done. We’ve been waiting for so many years." Project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson commented on the extensive preparation that has gone into ensuring the move proceeds without error, affirming, “It’s a historic event, a very big and complex operation and we don’t have a margin of error. But everything is under control.”
Since the mid-2010s, several structures in Kiruna have already been moved or rebuilt due to the ground fissures threatening the old city center’s infrastructure. Notable relocations have included the yellow row of historic houses and the former home of mining manager Hjalmar Lundbohm, which was split into pieces for transport. The clock tower of the old city hall now stands proudly next to the new hall.
The church, towering at 35 meters and weighing 672 tonnes, is being shifted in one piece, indicating the town’s commitment to preserving its historical landmarks. To facilitate the movement, engineers expanded the road to 24 meters wide and removed various obstacles along the route. A critical part of the operation includes safeguarding the church's interior, especially its grand altar painting, created by the royal artist Prince Eugen, which remains glued to the masonry wall.
As the church embarks on its journey, emotional weight surrounds this significant moment. According to Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä, the church holds profound memories for residents, serving as a spiritual center and gathering place for generations. “We’re now moving those memories with us into the future,” she mentioned.
Vicar Lena Tjärnberg expressed bittersweet feelings regarding the church's relocation, recognizing its importance in the mining community and the sorrow of departing from its original site while also being thankful for its new location. Onlookers, including thousands of locals and notable figures like Sweden's King Carl Gustaf, are expected to witness the church’s journey, as the event is being broadcast live, capturing a unique moment where history doesn’t just endure but travels forward.
