Landmark Kiruna Church in Sweden moved 5 km by Mammoet in rare feat
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The relocation of Kiruna Church stands as one of the most significant engineering projects in recent Scandinavian history. The effort combined detailed planning, heavy transport expertise, and cultural stewardship to preserve one of Sweden’s most iconic wooden landmarks. Built in the early 20th century and once voted the nation’s most beautiful building, the church was moved in its entirety to protect it from the advancing expansion of the Kiruna iron ore mine.
Why the Kiruna Church had to move
Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town, has long been defined by the state-owned mining company LKAB. As the mine expanded underground, ground movement threatened the stability of buildings in the old town center. To safeguard cultural landmarks, LKAB committed to relocating more than 20 heritage buildings to a new city hub located five kilometers away.
Among these structures, Kiruna Church carried special importance. Consecrated in 1912 and designed by architect Gustaf Wickman, the church blends Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau elements. Its wooden construction, measuring roughly 40 by 40 meters and standing 37 meters tall, made it both a treasured heritage site and a formidable engineering challenge. While many residents welcomed efforts to protect the church, some Sami representatives raised concerns about how urban relocation could disrupt reindeer migration routes and cultural traditions.
Planning and preparation behind the move
The relocation demanded an extraordinary level of foresight. More than 1,000 hours of engineering studies and modeling were conducted to understand how the building would respond to lifting and transport. Mammoet worked with Veidekke, the civil engineering firm leading the project, along with Swedish wood construction specialists.
To prepare the route, crews carried out temporary road widening and soil compaction. Engineers conducted trial runs using counterweights on Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) to simulate axle loads. This preparation ensured that the wooden structure could withstand the stresses of relocation without damage.
The engineering mechanics of relocation
The execution required precision in every step. The church was first raised 1.3 meters and placed on a steel beam framework. Two parallel trains of 28-axle SPMTs supported the 713-tonne structure, with a monitoring system continuously measuring tilt and stability. The system limited tilt to just 7.5 centimeters, ensuring structural integrity throughout the move.
The transport, called “The Great Church Walk,” advanced at about half a kilometer per hour. Conducted in daylight on August 19 and 20, 2025, the church completed its five-kilometer journey without incident. Upon arrival, the structure was lowered onto new concrete foundations, preserving it for future generations.
A cultural event witnessed by thousands
The relocation was more than a technical achievement. It became a national event, drawing thousands of spectators along the route. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden joined the crowds, underscoring the cultural importance of the operation. Music, community gatherings, and livestream broadcasts turned the engineering effort into a shared moment of heritage preservation. International coverage amplified its significance.
For residents of Kiruna, the move provided assurance that while the town adapts to industrial pressures, its cultural identity remains protected. The relocation became a story of engineering mastery and civic pride.
The journey of Kiruna Church is not finished. Mammoet will soon relocate the 90-tonne belfry using a different SPMT configuration. This effort is part of the broader urban transformation, as the town continues to balance mining activity with the preservation of cultural assets.
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