In a world-first, the iconic Kiruna Church will embark on a two-day journey to its new home on a hill near Kiruna’s new city center. The move will take place on August 19–20, promising a spectacular and unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.

Kiruna's historic urban transformation is one of the most unique urban projects of our time. In order to secure the city's future while preserving its rich cultural heritage, a gigantic relocation of entire city districts is now underway - a project that has been planned for over 20 years. And on August 19-20, it is time for the historic move when Kiruna Church is moved to its new location. 

The church, which was once voted as Sweden's most beautiful building built before 1950, is a church cultural monument and is protected by the Cultural Environment Act. It was inaugurated in 1912 and is shaped like a Sami hut (lavvú), with a wide base and a narrow top. The light comes in from above because the windows in the lower walls are made of stained glass and only the upper windows are clear. It has been called the ”shrine of the wanderers” and was built specifically to be a gathering place for the entire population of the new city. 

The move
The church will be moved as a complete structure, including the bell tower, altarpiece, organ and supporting structure. The church, which is 40 metres wide and 34 metres high and weighs around 600 tonnes – with an additional 100 tonnes for the bell tower – has been loaded onto a specially built trailer for hydraulic movement. It will now be transported around five kilometres along a specially constructed, 24 metre wide road. Preparations for the route have been ongoing for a year and the transport is expected to take place at a speed of around 0.5-1 km/h. The church’s new location will be between the cemetery and the new Kiruna city centre, which is being built around three kilometres east of the current one.

A Festival of Farewell and Future
The move, which will be a historic event and is called The great church pilgrimage will be broadcast live to viewers around the world. Over three days, starting on August 17, a packed program awaits with everything from entertainment and interesting features to community and experiences.

According to a press release.