A city in Lapland moves location

An old Swedish city, the buildings and its people, is moving. Kiruna is in Lapland, Sweden, and it's changing its address.

Around 100 years ago, Kiruna developed after iron ore was found there. Iron ore was the reason for Kiruna's birth and its death, but now its buildings are in danger. They could fall down because they're situated above the iron mine. So, in 2007, the decision was made to move the city.

The modern city will be kinder to the environment. But the church will again be at its heart. It's 113 years old and is one of Sweden's largest and most beautiful wooden buildings. So, the move attracted both locals and tourists.

Stig Wiik: "We were walking ar, ar, beside the, the church, yes. And I think it's very special, special - spectular! It's very spectular to, to move a church with so much high - weight. 672 tonnes, I heard."

The journey was only 5 kilometres, but it was difficult as the church was heavy, at 672 tonnes. First, engineers had to remove things, like traffic lights on the road. The building moved along with the help of 224 wheels. However, it travelled at just half a kilometre an hour.

When it finally arrived, the project manager was very happy indeed.

Stefan Holmblad Johansson: "I'm, I'm so glad. It's feel fantastic that we had the church on its new spot. And it had gone so well - exactly how we have planned. So, I've been calm during those days, but now I feel so happy and relieved, anyway."

Now, concrete will be put in the ground under the church. Then, the building will be carefully placed in its new position. View Less