Moving a historic Swedish church involves complex logistics
The Swedish Lutheran church, Kiruna Kyrka, built in 1912, is undergoing a unique journey as it is being moved five kilometers to the new town centre of Kiruna. This historic event, costing 500 million kronor ($52 million), is being paid for by LKAB, the Swedish mining company.
The town centre of Kiruna is being moved due to a giant iron ore mine. LKAB, in an effort to compensate those affected by the town's relocation, offered financial compensation or rebuilding options. However, they decided to move the church in one piece, a decision that is not typical for such moves.
The church's move kicked off with a blessing by Bishop Asa Nystrom and Vicar Lena Tjarnberg. Workers are constantly measuring and testing the structure during the move to ensure everything proceeds as planned. The church is being moved on remote-controlled flatbed trailers at a pace of half a kilometer an hour.
The start of the church's move was considered the trickiest part due to the need to make a turn and roll down a slight incline. The roads on the church's route have been widened from nine to 24 meters and leveled for a smooth ride.
Stefan Holmblad Johansson, the project manager for the relocation of Kiruna Church at LKAB, stated that the church move is being handled with great reverence. He expressed that this is not just any building; it is a church.
Elisabeth Turq, a 66-year-old French tourist, expressed awe at the church's move. Sami author Ann-Helen Laestadius, a Kiruna native, had mixed feelings about the church's move. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the church and found it difficult to see her town disappear.
The church, designed by Gustaf Wickman, includes designs inspired by the region's Indigenous Sami people on the pews. The church's belltower, which stands separately, will be moved next week.
The church's move stopped for the day around 3:50 pm, more than an hour ahead of schedule. LKAB referred to the church's relocation as a "unique event in world history". The church is expected to arrive at its final destination in the afternoon on Wednesday.
As the church moves through the small town, it serves as a poignant reminder of the town's history and the changes that are taking place. The move is a testament to the resilience of the community and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of progress.
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