The city of Kiruna, located high above the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, is witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event — the relocation of its iconic Kiruna Church, one of the largest wooden buildings in Sweden and a cultural treasure dating back to 1912. This extraordinary engineering feat is not just about preserving a landmark; it symbolises the resilience of a community adapting to change, as the town itself undergoes a massive relocation due to mining expansion.
For those wanting to witness history unfold, the move is being covered extensively through a dedicated broadcast. You can follow the event here: Watch the live broadcast of the Kiruna Church relocation on SVT Play.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the background of the church, the reason behind the relocation, the engineering marvels involved, and the cultural significance of this project for Sweden and beyond.
A Church Built from Timber and Tradition
Kiruna Church (Kiruna kyrka) was designed by architect Gustaf Wickman and completed in 1912. Constructed almost entirely from wood, the church has long been celebrated as one of Sweden’s finest examples of National Romantic style architecture.
The design was inspired by both Norwegian stave churches and Sami culture, blending Gothic revival details with a deep respect for Lapland traditions. The roof structure, the red-painted timber façade, and the ornate interior all reflect the craftsmanship of early 20th-century Scandinavian design.
When it was first unveiled, the church immediately became a point of pride for the community — not only a religious centre but also a symbol of Kiruna’s pioneering spirit during its early mining boom.
In 2001, Kiruna Church was voted “Sweden’s most beautiful public building”, a recognition that cemented its place as a beloved cultural and architectural treasure.
Why Move an Entire Church?
The relocation of the Kiruna Church is not a matter of choice but of necessity. The city of Kiruna sits above one of the world’s largest iron ore deposits, mined for over a century by LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag).
As mining operations expanded underground, the land beneath the old city centre began to destabilise. Cracks appeared, and geologists warned of inevitable subsidence. To protect both the people and the heritage of Kiruna, an ambitious decision was made: the entire city would gradually move 3 km east.
This unprecedented relocation project includes homes, schools, public buildings, and cultural landmarks — and at its heart lies the church.
Because of its cultural and spiritual significance, officials decided the church would not be demolished but carefully dismantled, transported, and rebuilt in the new city centre.
The Engineering Challenge
Moving a building as large and fragile as Kiruna Church is an extraordinary challenge. The church measures over 40 metres long, 13 metres wide, and is constructed of wood that is now more than a century old.
Here’s how the process works:
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Structural Reinforcement – Before the move, engineers strengthened the wooden frame, ensuring it could withstand vibration and movement.
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Separation from Foundation – The church was carefully detached from its original foundation, a painstaking process designed to preserve every detail.
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Placement on Hydraulic Trailers – The entire structure was lifted and placed onto a series of specialised hydraulic transporters capable of carrying thousands of tonnes.
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The Slow Journey – Over two days, the church is transported approximately 5 km to its new site. The journey is slow, steady, and meticulously monitored, with dozens of cameras capturing every angle.
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Re-establishment – Once at the new location, the church will be carefully placed onto a prepared foundation, after which restoration and landscaping will make it appear as though it has always stood there.
The relocation is not only a feat of logistics but also a broadcast event — what Swedish media are calling “The Great Church Walk.”
The Great Church Walk: A Broadcast for the World
Recognising the importance of the moment, SVT (Sveriges Television) has organised an extensive live broadcast of the relocation. This is more than a simple news feed; it is being presented in the tradition of “slow TV”, where viewers can watch every moment in real time, from start to finish.
The coverage includes:
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30 fixed cameras along the route, providing multiple perspectives.
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Live commentary from historians, engineers, and local residents.
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A multi-day broadcast running from 7:55 to 17:00 each day, allowing audiences to follow the move as it happens.
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Streaming access via SVT2 and SVT Play, making it available not just in Sweden but worldwide.
You can watch the stream here: Kiruna Church Relocation Live Stream on SVT Play.
For many, this is a chance to witness living history — a spectacle combining heritage preservation, cutting-edge engineering, and cultural storytelling.
The Human Side: Community and Identity
While the technical challenge is staggering, the emotional impact of the relocation is equally profound. Kiruna Church has been the site of weddings, funerals, christenings, and community gatherings for more than a century.
For many residents, the church is more than just a building — it is a keeper of memories. Watching it move, even with the promise of preservation, is both bittersweet and symbolic of the larger transformation of the city itself.
Residents have described the move as a “funeral march” for the old town, but also a “rebirth” in the new location. This duality reflects the resilience of Kiruna’s people, who have long adapted to life in one of the harshest climates on Earth.
A Model for the World
The relocation of Kiruna Church and the broader city move has drawn international attention. Urban planners, environmentalists, and cultural heritage experts are all studying the project as a model for climate adaptation and sustainable development.
With cities worldwide facing threats from climate change, rising sea levels, and industrial impacts, Kiruna’s relocation offers a potential roadmap. By prioritising both community needs and cultural preservation, Sweden has demonstrated that it is possible to balance economic growth with respect for history.
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Looking Ahead
Once the move is completed, the church will undergo careful restoration, ensuring that its stained glass, timber beams, and interior details remain intact for future generations.
The new location, part of Kiruna’s reimagined city centre, will allow the church to continue serving as a beacon of community life — just as it has for more than a century.
Conclusion
The relocation of Kiruna Church is more than a logistical project — it is a story of heritage, resilience, and adaptation. As the entire city of Kiruna shifts to secure its future, the church’s careful journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of industrial necessity, culture and tradition can be preserved.
For those who want to be part of this extraordinary moment in real time, you can tune in here: Watch the live broadcast of the Kiruna Church relocation on SVT Play.