After eight years of planning and at an estimated cost of 500 million kronor (£39 million), a church in northern Sweden began a slow, 5-kilometre journey on Tuesday to make way for the expansion of Europe’s largest underground mine. The move follows an early morning blessing.
The 672-tonne Kiruna Kyrka, a Swedish Lutheran church that opened in 1912, is being rolled to its new location over two days at a speed of half a kilometre per hour.
The relocation is part of a massive, decades-long effort to move the entire Arctic town, as the iron ore mine run by state-owned company LKAB is causing the ground to weaken, threatening to swallow the community.
More than 10,000 people, including Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, are expected to line the specially widened streets to watch the red wooden building make its journey. A successful test run was carried out over a 30-metre stretch during the weekend.
Dozens of cameras have been set up along the route, allowing people across Sweden and around the world to watch what broadcaster SVT is calling “Den stora kyrkflytten” (the big church move)—a new kind of “slow TV.”
Designed by Gustaf Wickman, the church is one of Sweden’s most cherished historic buildings, known for its architecture that resembles a Sámi lávvu (a traditional hut).
On Wednesday, a church service and coffee gathering will be held in an attempt to break the world record for the largest church coffee event. There will also be musical performances, including a concert by singer Carola.
The church is expected to reopen at its new site by the end of next year, though the full relocation of the town is not due to be finished until 2035.
The church is one of 23 cultural buildings being moved in what LKAB has called “a unique event in world history.” The mining company offered residents the choice of financial compensation or the rebuilding of homes and structures affected by the relocation.
The expansion has faced criticism, including from some Sámi people who worry that land fragmentation will make reindeer herding more difficult.
“When it came to the church, we decided it was best to move it in one piece. We saw the value in that,” LKAB project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson told AFP. “We’ve approached this project with great reverence. This isn’t just any building—it’s a church.”
The altarpiece, a pastel landscape by the late Swedish Prince Eugen, and the more than 20,000-pipe organ were carefully wrapped for the journey. The ground around the church’s original location was excavated so that beams could be placed underneath.
“The church is resting on a beam system, and then two rows of trailers were slid under the beams,” explained Holmblad Johansson.
The bell tower, which stands separately, will be moved next week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about a historic Swedish church being moved designed to be clear and helpful for a wide range of readers
General Beginner Questions
Q Why are they moving an entire church
A The church is located in an area that is sinking due to extensive mining To save it from potential damage or collapse its being moved to a new stable location
Q Which church is it
A It is the 19thcentury white wooden church in the village of Kiruna often called the Kiruna Church or Kiruna kyrka
Q How do you move a building that big
A The church is being slowly pushed along a temporary track system using hydraulic jacks Its placed on a strong custombuilt steel frame with wheels for the journey
Q How far and how fast is it moving
A Its moving approximately 31 miles The move is very slow progressing at a speed of about 10 feet per hour to ensure safety and stability
Q Is this the first time something like this has happened
A While moving large buildings is a known engineering feat moving a historic beloved structure of this size and cultural importance is a rare and monumental event
Advanced Technical Questions
Q What are the biggest engineering challenges in a move like this
A The main challenges are ensuring the buildings structural integrity isnt compromised navigating changes in elevation and terrain and protecting the delicate interior from vibrations
Q How much does a project like this cost and who is paying for it
A The entire town relocation project which includes the church and many other buildings costs billions of Swedish kronor It is primarily funded by the stateowned mining company LKAB which is responsible for the ground subsidence
Q What happens to the churchs original foundation and cemetery
A The building is being separated from its original foundation The adjacent cemetery will remain in its original consecrated ground as a memorial site while new burial grounds are established at the new town location
Q Will the church be exactly the same after the move
A The goal is to preserve its historical character and appearance exactly However the move provides an opportunity to discreet
