Kiruna Church Relocated to Clear Ground for Underground Mine

A historic church in Kiruna is being moved five kilometres from its centuries-old riverside site to clear ground for Europe’s largest underground iron ore mine, a high-profile operation that underscores a decades-long plan to relocate a northern Swedish town. The 672-tonne Kiruna Kyrka, built in 1912, will travel on a purpose-built trailer system over two days, watched by thousands and broadcast live by national television as authorities emphasize the careful preservation of the building’s artistic and cultural assets during the move.

The relocation is a centerpiece of a far-reaching, 30-year project that aims to shift Kiruna’s town centre and thousands of homes away from subsidence risks associated with deepening mining. The church’s journey follows months of preparations, including widening roads from nine to 24 metres and removing nearby infrastructure to accommodate the convoy. The nave and belfry will travel intact on a beam-supported platform, with the bell tower slated to be moved next week. The enterprise is financed by LKAB, the state-owned mining company that operates the Kiruna mine and has invested about 500 million kronor in relocating the church alone.