Historic Swedish church begins slow move to escape demolition

Workers on Tuesday started a two-day operation to relocate the Kiruna Church from its current location in the northernmost city in Sweden to the new city center about three miles down the road. Dubbed “The Great Church Walk”, the event has drawn thousands of spectators from around the world to watch the century-old wooden structure maneuver down the Arctic road. Consecrated in 1912, the church is painted red and has long been considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Sweden. Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and musical groups were scheduled to make appearances at the televised event. The church is part of the Swedish Lutheran church and was designed to reflect the architectural style of the indigenous Sami people. It is currently closed to visitors but will reopen at the end of 2026.

Why is the church moving? The project is part of a larger operation to move the entire city of Kiruna out of the way of the world's largest underground iron ore mine. The mine opened in 1910, and a government-owned mining company called LKAB now manages the operation. So far, roads and railroads have been redirected, buildings have been demolished, and new structures have been built in the relocated city center. The mining company widened the road for the church move and prepared the land at its new site. 

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report about a historic Minnesota church that burned to the ground.