Galleries showcase the relocation of Sweden's colossal 713-ton Kiruna Church, as it navigates a 5-kilometer route to avoid subsidence issues.
The Great Church Walk: Kiruna Church's Extraordinary Relocation
In the heart of Swedish Lapland, a historic event unfolded on August 19th and 20th, 2025. The Kiruna Church, one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings and a national architectural treasure, embarked on a five-kilometer journey to a new home. This move, known locally as 'the great church walk,' was an extraordinary feat of engineering and cultural preservation.
Built in the early 1900s, the Kiruna Church weighs a hefty 713 tonnes. To protect the delicate wooden frame, engineers elevated it by 1.3 meters onto steel beams before loading it onto self-propelled modular transporters. A custom system ensured that the tilt of the church never exceeded 7.5 centimeters during its relocation.
The move was meticulously planned to accommodate Arctic conditions, with continuous daylight providing a stable window for transport. Thousands of townspeople lined the route, joined by King Carl XVI Gustaf, who witnessed the spectacle.
The Kiruna Church's move was part of the town's urban transformation due to the expansion of the world's largest iron ore mine. As part of a plan to relocate entire neighborhoods and civic landmarks to a safer, newly planned center, the church's relocation symbolized resilience in the face of upheaval, proving that adaptation need not come at the cost of identity.
Once at its new destination, the church was carefully lowered onto freshly constructed concrete foundations to ensure long-term stability. The successful relocation highlights how engineering innovation can protect cultural heritage under existential threats.
The move of the Kiruna Church was a symbolic moment in the town's ongoing migration. In the coming days, its 90-tonne detached belfry will also be moved to secure the integrity of the church. The Kiruna Church, once crowned Sweden's most beautiful building, continues to stand as a testament to the spirit of the town and its people.
Heavy-lift specialist Mammoet, working with Veidekke and Swedish timber experts, executed the move over two days in August 2025. This move serves as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage in the face of change.
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