Sweden Relocates Historic Kiruna Church Amid Land Subsidence Risks

Sweden Relocates Historic Kiruna Church Amid Land Subsidence Risks
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In northern Sweden, engineers have begun the unprecedented task of relocating the historic Kiruna Church, a 113-year-old wooden structure, nearly five kilometers to a safer site. The move comes after extensive ground fractures caused by over a century of iron ore mining placed the landmark at risk.

Built in 1912 and once voted Sweden’s most beautiful building, the church stands 35 meters tall, 40 meters wide, and weighs 672 tons. It has been lifted onto giant rotating platforms for a two-day journey to the new city center.

Project leader Stefan Holmblad Johansson described the effort as “historic, enormous, and highly complex,” noting that years of planning were required to clear a 24-meter-wide path, including the removal of infrastructure such as lighting poles and even a bridge.

The state-owned mining company LKAB is funding the billion-dollar relocation plan, which also involves moving other historic sites. Thousands of residents and King Carl Gustaf are expected to witness the event, broadcast live on Swedish television.