Church in Kiruna reaches its new location: Swedish temple journeys 5 kilometers to avoid impending catastrophe

In the chilly northern reaches of Sweden, a unique event unfolded on Wednesday, as King Carl XVI Gustaf attended the relocation of Kiruna Kyrka, the town's iconic church. The 1.200-ton convoy that transported the church moved smoothly, navigating through narrow passages and 90-degree turns, despite the challenges.

The church, originally built in 1912, was moved five kilometers to its new location between the cemetery and the new city center. The specific person who took over the remote control of the trailers during the relocation remains unidentified. However, King Carl XVI Gustaf had the opportunity to exchange a few words with Argentine driver Sebastián Druker, who controlled the trailers remotely.

The decision to move the church was made to save it from collapse, as the entire city center of Kiruna is being relocated due to a giant iron mine. The church move, completed at 14:30 local time, marks a significant milestone in the city's urban transformation, whose new center was inaugurated in 2022.

The building was turned 180 degrees during the move, symbolizing the church's opening towards the city and its residents. The new orientation of the church means that the altar now faces west. Lutheran vicar Lena Tjarnberg held a religious service for the authorities near the new location of the church, in a tent similar to a 'laavu', a traditional tent of the indigenous Sami people.

The Kiruna Kyrka is the largest building to be moved as part of the city's relocation, which began almost two decades ago and is expected to continue for several more years. King Carl XVI Gustaf participated in the festivities, marking a historic day for the city and its residents. The church move, a testament to modern engineering and tradition, will undoubtedly remain a significant event in the history of Kiruna.

Church in Kiruna reaches its new location: Swedish temple journeys 5 kilometers to avoid impending catastrophe