Summary
Overview of Kiruna’s Relocation
Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, has long been recognized for its mining heritage. Established in the late 1800s, the community has been situated above one of the world’s largest underground iron ore mines, leading to ground destabilization. Consequently, in 2018, the state-owned mining company LKAB invested 22.3 billion Swedish krona (approximately $2 billion) to relocate the entire town, including homes, businesses, and landmarks, to preserve its heritage and stability.
Temporary Town Center Unveiled
In September, officials inaugurated Kiruna’s temporary new town center, located approximately three kilometers from its original site. This project is a temporary solution until the final city center is developed, scheduled for completion around 2035. At that point, it is anticipated that around 6,000 residents will have moved into 3,000 newly constructed homes.
Historical Buildings in Transition
A number of significant buildings are already in the process of being relocated, including the iconic Kiruna clock tower, which was moved in 2018. The Kiruna Church, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and one of Sweden’s largest wooden buildings, is projected to be relocated by 2025. In total, 20 historic buildings are expected to be transferred within the next decade.
As Annika Fredriksson, CEO of the Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, remarked, “People are really affected, both positively and negatively. It’s hard to get a grip on it. But it’s a vibrant time and a vibrant moment.”
Other Relocations in Swedish Lapland
Kирuna is not the only town undergoing significant changes in Swedish Lapland. The town of Malmberget is merging with nearby Gällivare, resulting in the relocation of 3,200 residents and the construction of 2,000 new homes by 2032. Additionally, the maritime settlement of Luleå once moved approximately six miles closer to the shoreline due to shallow harbor waters from glacial rebound, highlighting the area’s ongoing transformation.
Where to Stay in Kiruna
Located amidst the natural beauty of Swedish Lapland, the new Scandic Kiruna shares a courtyard with the new town hall, Kristallen, a community space dedicated to public performances and housing multiple floors of art exhibitions. The hotel offers 231 rooms, along with amenities such as a well-appointed lobby lounge, bar, and a sauna with breathtaking views that include the mesmerizing northern lights during optimal weather conditions. Close by, the original Icehotel offers a unique, frosty lodging experience for adventurous travelers.
For a more rustic experience, visitors can enjoy a stay at Brändön Lodge, located near Luleå. The lodge features 15 cabins along the Bothnian Bay, with activities ranging from forest foraging to exhilarating dog sledding rides. Guests may also consider dining at the lodge’s Aurora Hideaway Cabin, where a fireside, chef-prepared meal is served under the enchanting northern lights in a remote wilderness setting.
