In an extraordinary feat of engineering, Sweden's iconic Kiruna Church is being painstakingly moved to safety as the ground beneath it threatens to collapse due to nearby mining operations.
The Great Migration of a Swedish Landmark
The early 20th-century wooden church, considered one of Sweden's most beautiful buildings, is being transported 3km from its original location in the Arctic town of Kiruna. This dramatic move comes as the massive state-owned LKAB iron ore mine expands, causing dangerous ground subsidence in the area.
A Race Against Time
Engineers have carefully cut the church into sections and placed them on specially designed sledges. The structure is being moved at a snail's pace of about 10 metres per hour along a purpose-built track to its new home in the eastern part of town.
Why Move an Entire Church?
The relocation is part of a larger urban transformation project that has seen about 6,000 residents and numerous buildings moved since 2004. The mine, which provides crucial employment for the region, has made these drastic measures necessary.
The church holds special significance as:
- A protected cultural heritage site
- One of Sweden's largest wooden buildings
- A popular wedding destination
- An important community hub
Engineering Marvel
The relocation team has employed cutting-edge technology to ensure the church's survival. Specialists have reinforced the structure with steel frames and installed sensors to monitor every movement during the delicate operation.
This isn't the first time Kiruna has moved its buildings, but the church represents the most complex relocation project to date. The operation is expected to take several weeks to complete, with the church scheduled to reopen at its new location later this year.
