Kiruna Church has found a new home – a historic move completed as planned
Over the course of two intense days, Kiruna Church was moved to its new location between the cemetery and the new City center. The relocation, which is part of the extensive urban transformation in Kiruna, was carried out as planned and without complications.
The church, which weighs 672.4 tons and measures 40 meters in width, was transported in its entirety over two days, from August 19–20, along a specially adapted five-kilometer-long route. This move is a unique event that has garnered significant attention both nationally and internationally. Thousands of visitors gathered along the route and at the Town square, where LKAB offered music, interviews, and reflections on the church’s significance.
“I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has worked on the project and to the people of Kiruna who have shown both patience and commitment. The fact that so many followed this historic move has turned it into a shared experience and a memory for life,” says Stefan Holmblad Johansson, project manager for the church relocation at LKAB.
The church’s new location, between the cemetery and the new city center, was chosen with great care to preserve its character and connection to the surroundings. The building has been rotated 180 degrees, meaning that the altar now faces west – a symbolic choice that opens the church towards the city and its residents. The goal is to create a cohesive whole, with more buildings, such as the parish hall and other cultural buildings, set to be moved.
”It has been an incredible journey, with a beautiful farewell and an encouraging beginning to something new. The church has finally found its new home, and it’s touching to see all the warmth and sense of community that has been shown over these days. Now, we look forward to the day when we can open the church doors and gather with the congregation again to start the next chapter of our history”, says Lena Tjärnberg, vicar of the Kiruna parish.
Kiruna Church has been named Sweden’s most beautiful building and holds great cultural and historical value. The move is the result of many years of planning, and LKAB has carried out the project in close collaboration with the municipality of Kiruna, the County Administrative Board, and the Church of Sweden.
”We’ve been planning for the move for several years by working on an overall design for the church and the surrounding block. It’s a whole cultural environment that is being moved to a new location. It’s been demanding, but with good cooperation, we’ve managed to create something truly special. It’s been amazing to see the church move, and it’s very positive for the city”, says Mats Taaveniku, Chairman of the Municipal Council in Kiruna.
The church is the largest building to be moved as part of the urban transformation that began planning over 20 years ago. The reason for the move is the mining activities at LKAB’s iron ore mine, which are affecting the area that is now considered the old city center, where the church was previously situated.
”The move is an important milestone that symbolizes our development and the city’s overall progress. It’s been a process marked by respect, collaboration, and consideration. Kiruna Church holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and the fact that we’ve now managed to preserve it and give it a new home is significant – both for our cultural heritage and for the future of Kiruna”, says Stefan Holmblad Johansson.
Read more about the relocation of Kiruna Church and the ongoing urban transformation: The moving of Kiruna Church – LKAB
For more information, please contact:
Ulrika Huhtaniska, press officer, LKAB
phone: +46 70 268 39 92 , mail: ulrika.huhtaniska@lkab.com
LKAB is an international mining and minerals group that offers iron ore, minerals and special products. We are committed to developing carbon-free processes by 2045, leading the transformation of the iron and steel industry. Since 1890 we have developed through unique innovations and technological solutions and are driven forward by more than 5,000 employees in 12 countries. In 2024, the LKAB group had sales of about SEK 33 billion. lkab.com
