Named among Sweden‘s most beautiful buildings, Kiruna Church in the country’s northernmost city is well worth a visit should you find yourself in Lapland. Erected in 1912, the church has influences from three distinct architectural styles: Norwegian stave churches, Sámi tents and the National Romantism movement.

 

But if you’re planning to swing by, you might want to double (and triple) check the address before setting off, as Kiruna Church is being moved next month.

 

Part of a city transformation project that began more than two decades ago, a new city centre is currently being constructed around three kilometres east of the current one, with major cultural buildings being moved as the development progresses. The current city centre is sinking into the ground after years of iron ore mining nearby.

 

So far, 23 cultural buildings have been relocated, with Kiruna Church set to be the largest.

 

Its new home will be between the new Kiruna city centre and the cemetery. The church will also be rotated so that the entrance faces the community in line with traditional folk church designs. Hjalmar Lundbohm’s grave, the founder of Kiruna, will also be moved.

 

Rather than dismantling the building, it will be transported as a whole, complete with bell tower, altar piece and organ. Weighing 600 tonnes, the church will be loaded onto a specialised trailer and will move approximately five kilometres, at a pace of around 0.5 to 1 kilometre per hour.

 

If you’re thinking ‘wow, even I could move faster than that’, you’re in luck as you can put that to the test on 17 August, when there will be church race (Kyrkloppet) covering the same route.

 

The festivities will continue until the church is actually moved, which is set to happen between 19 and 20 August.

 

Throughout the two travel days, there will be live music at Stadshustorget (City Hall Square), with performances from a Sámi choir, the Kiruna Kickers, Vox Arctica, Fredrik Hangasjärvi + Emma Kiviniemi, and a gospel choir.

 

Swedish Eurovision act KAJ will perform on the evening of 19 August, followed by Carola on the evening of 20 August.

 

“The church has been a crucial gathering place for generations, holding a special place in many hearts,” says Stefan Holmblad Johansson, project manager for the church move at LKAB. “We want the move to be a beautiful memory and create new opportunities for people to come together.”

 

More information: kirunalapland.se