Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Swedish Church Arrives at New Home After 5km Journey
A very old church in Sweden was moved to a new place because a mine nearby was getting too close.
The church was put on big wheels and slowly moved a few kilometers.
It was a part of a bigger plan to move the whole town.
The move took two days.
Many people watched, and the King of Sweden was there too.
The company that runs the mine is paying for this move, and some people are not happy about it.
Kiruna Church in Sweden was relocated 5 km due to iron ore mining expansion.
The 113-year-old church, weighing 672 tons, was moved on special trailers.
The move took two days, traveling at 500 meters per hour.
The relocation is part of a larger project to move the town of Kiruna.
The move sparked widespread interest with thousands witnessing the event.
- Who
- The Kiruna Church, the town of Kiruna, LKAB mining company, and Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf.
- What
- The Kiruna Church was relocated to a new site.
- When
- The relocation took place over two days, beginning Tuesday.
- Where
- Kiruna, Sweden
- Why
- To accommodate the expansion of the LKAB iron ore mine.
Community Critics
LKAB Mining Company
Community Sentiment
Community Critics
LKAB may not have handled the relocation well.
LKAB Mining Company
LKAB affirmed that the new location was chosen with great care
- Building
- Kiruna Church
- Location
- Kiruna, Sweden
- Reason for Move
- Iron ore mine expansion
- Distance of Move
- 5 kilometers
- Weight
- 672 tons
- Travel Speed
- 500 meters per hour
Sources
113-year-old Swedish church moved 3 miles on wheels. Here's why
113-Year-Old Swedish Church Arrives At New Home After 2-day journey
Sweden’s Historic Kiruna Church Reaches New Home After Two-Day Journey | Watch
How do you move a 113-year-old church? On wheels, slowly
