Historic Swedish church on the move in logistical feat
Kiruna's entire town centre is being moved because of the giant LKAB iron ore mine that dominates the region, whose ever deeper burrowing over the years has weakened the ground, increasing the risk of collapse in some parts.
Kiruna Kyrka, an imposing 672-tonne Swedish Lutheran church from 1912, is being moved five kilometres on remote-controlled flatbed trailers, inching along at a pace of half a kilometre an hour over two days to the new Kiruna town.
The complex and costly logistical operation kicked off after a blessing by Bishop Asa Nystrom and Vicar Lena Tjarnberg, with the trailers' 220 wheels slowly pulling out under sunny blue skies.
One of the trickiest parts of the meticulously choreographed journey was the start, officials said, with the 1,200-tonne convoy required to make a turn and roll down a slight incline to reach the main road it was to travel on.
Throughout its journey on Tuesday, workers in yellow vests and helmets scrambled around the structure, taking measurements and conducting tests to ensure everything proceeded as planned.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Sign Up
Sign Up
After a smooth ride, a brief lunch break and frequent technical checks inside the church, the transport stopped for the day around 3:50 pm (1350 GMT), more than an hour ahead of schedule.
It was to resume on Wednesday morning and scheduled to arrive at its final destination in the afternoon.
'Hopefully tomorrow will be a walk in the park again,' LKAB chief executive Jan Mostrom said, admitting he had been 'a little worried about this'.
'Unique event'
The move has generated widespread interest, with large crowds thronging the streets of the town of 18,000 people.
King Carl XVI Gustaf was due to take part in the festivities in Kiruna. And Swedish television was broadcasting the entire journey live – a new iteration of the 'slow TV' trend.
The town's relocation process began almost two decades ago and is expected to continue for years to come. The new town centre was officially inaugurated in September 2022.
The relocation of the church alone is expected to cost 500 million kronor (S$67 million) and is being paid for by LKAB.
Designed by Swedish architect Gustaf Wickman, the church, which measures 40 metres tall, is a mix of influences and includes designs inspired by the region's Indigenous Sami people on the pews.
The neo-Gothic exterior features slanting roofs and windows on each side, while its dark interior has elements of national romanticism as well as an Art Nouveau altarpiece.
LKAB has called the relocation 'a unique event in world history'.
Other larger, heavier objects have been moved before, but usually in ports or industrial areas – not through small towns.
The roads on the route have been widened, from nine to 24 metres, and levelled to provide a smooth ride.
'Not just any building'
Elisabeth Turq, a 66-year-old French tourist who travelled to Kiruna to follow the move, was awestruck.
'It's quite remarkable to be able to move such a building,' she said.
Sami author Ann-Helen Laestadius, a Kiruna native best known for her novel Stolen, which was made into a Netflix drama last year, said she had mixed feelings.
'I'm glad the church is being moved... anything else would have been a scandal,' she told SVT. 'It's such a big part of Kiruna's soul.
'I was baptised, confirmed and married in this church,' she said.
'But it is extremely difficult to see your town disappear,' she added, lamenting the loss of other landmarks razed in the town's move.
LKAB offered to financially compensate those affected by the town's relocation, or rebuild their homes or buildings.
'But when it came to the church, we decided it was best to move it in one piece,' LKAB project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson said, adding the move was being handled 'with great reverence'.
'This is not just any building, it's a church.'
Particular attention was paid to protect both the church's large organ, with its more than 2,000 pipes, and the altarpiece, a pastel landscape painted by Sweden's Prince Eugen (1865-1947).
The bell tower, which stood separately next to the church, will be moved next week. AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
16 hours ago
- Business Times
Historic Swedish church on the move in logistical feat
[KIRUNA] With great fanfare, a historic red wooden church considered one of Sweden's most beautiful buildings began its slow move from its home in the Arctic town of Kiruna on Tuesday (Aug 19) to allow the expansion of Europe's biggest underground mine. Kiruna's entire town centre is being moved because of the giant LKAB iron ore mine that dominates the region, whose ever deeper burrowing over the years has weakened the ground, increasing the risk of collapse in some parts. Kiruna Kyrka, an imposing 672-tonne Swedish Lutheran church from 1912, is being moved five kilometres on remote-controlled flatbed trailers, inching along at a pace of half a kilometre an hour over two days to the new Kiruna town. The complex and costly logistical operation kicked off after a blessing by Bishop Asa Nystrom and Vicar Lena Tjarnberg, with the trailers' 220 wheels slowly pulling out under sunny blue skies. One of the trickiest parts of the meticulously choreographed journey was the start, officials said, with the 1,200-tonne convoy required to make a turn and roll down a slight incline to reach the main road it was to travel on. Throughout its journey on Tuesday, workers in yellow vests and helmets scrambled around the structure, taking measurements and conducting tests to ensure everything proceeded as planned. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up After a smooth ride, a brief lunch break and frequent technical checks inside the church, the transport stopped for the day around 3:50 pm (1350 GMT), more than an hour ahead of schedule. It was to resume on Wednesday morning and scheduled to arrive at its final destination in the afternoon. 'Hopefully tomorrow will be a walk in the park again,' LKAB chief executive Jan Mostrom said, admitting he had been 'a little worried about this'. 'Unique event' The move has generated widespread interest, with large crowds thronging the streets of the town of 18,000 people. King Carl XVI Gustaf was due to take part in the festivities in Kiruna. And Swedish television was broadcasting the entire journey live – a new iteration of the 'slow TV' trend. The town's relocation process began almost two decades ago and is expected to continue for years to come. The new town centre was officially inaugurated in September 2022. The relocation of the church alone is expected to cost 500 million kronor (S$67 million) and is being paid for by LKAB. Designed by Swedish architect Gustaf Wickman, the church, which measures 40 metres tall, is a mix of influences and includes designs inspired by the region's Indigenous Sami people on the pews. The neo-Gothic exterior features slanting roofs and windows on each side, while its dark interior has elements of national romanticism as well as an Art Nouveau altarpiece. LKAB has called the relocation 'a unique event in world history'. Other larger, heavier objects have been moved before, but usually in ports or industrial areas – not through small towns. The roads on the route have been widened, from nine to 24 metres, and levelled to provide a smooth ride. 'Not just any building' Elisabeth Turq, a 66-year-old French tourist who travelled to Kiruna to follow the move, was awestruck. 'It's quite remarkable to be able to move such a building,' she said. Sami author Ann-Helen Laestadius, a Kiruna native best known for her novel Stolen, which was made into a Netflix drama last year, said she had mixed feelings. 'I'm glad the church is being moved... anything else would have been a scandal,' she told SVT. 'It's such a big part of Kiruna's soul. 'I was baptised, confirmed and married in this church,' she said. 'But it is extremely difficult to see your town disappear,' she added, lamenting the loss of other landmarks razed in the town's move. LKAB offered to financially compensate those affected by the town's relocation, or rebuild their homes or buildings. 'But when it came to the church, we decided it was best to move it in one piece,' LKAB project manager Stefan Holmblad Johansson said, adding the move was being handled 'with great reverence'. 'This is not just any building, it's a church.' Particular attention was paid to protect both the church's large organ, with its more than 2,000 pipes, and the altarpiece, a pastel landscape painted by Sweden's Prince Eugen (1865-1947). The bell tower, which stood separately next to the church, will be moved next week. AFP
CNA
10-08-2025
- CNA
Exploring Reykjavik, Iceland: Where to eat, what to see, where to stay
Reykjavik is a quirky, colourful and surprisingly cosmopolitan outpost on the edge of the Arctic that offers much more than a launchpad to Iceland's volcanic landscapes. Lauded by UNESCO as a 'City of Literature,' Reykjavik takes great pride in its creative culture and the last decade has seen its restaurant scene finally blossom. Even a short trip can prove why this cold place is still a hot spot in 2025. Peppered throughout Reykjavik's charming streets and stunning natural surroundings, you'll find public pools and elegant spas offering a unique bathing culture; a new exhibition of ancient texts that shows off Iceland's living literary history; and cuisine ranging from traditional fermented shark to modern Michelin excellence. Whether you pass through Reykjavik for a long stopover between North America and Europe or make it the starting point of a journey around the Ring Road circling the island country, the buzzing town's walkable size means that most of its treasures are well within arm's reach. FRIDAY 3pm | dive into Icelandic pool culture Start your weekend off like many Icelanders do: Head to the pool for a soak. Pool culture is so important to Iceland that it's currently awaiting approval on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Although nearly every neighbourhood in Reykjavik has its own municipal watering hole, Laugardalslaug, east of downtown, offers a genuine experience and plenty of space. Hygiene is taken very seriously in Iceland, so prepare to strip down and suds up completely naked in the shared showers. Outside you'll find a cold plunge pool, a sauna and an Olympic lap pool heated just enough to make it comfortable year round. The main attractions, however, are the hot tubs of all shapes, sizes and temperatures. Known to the locals as hot pots, this is where they meet to catch up and relax together. (Single entry 1,400 ISK, or US$11, approximately S$14.) It's a 15-minute bus ride from downtown on the No 14 bus or a quick zip down the seaside path on a rental scooter. 6pm | Sip cocktails in a portrait gallery View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hotel Holt - The Art Hotel (@hotelholt) The glowing red sign of Hotel Holt hovers above Reykjavik's jumble of old, multi-coloured houses and can be seen from across the city. Although it only celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, the hotel holds an honoured status in Iceland. Its otherwise unassuming exterior hides a magnificent art collection as well as dim, plush interiors that look ripped from a David Lynch film. The fire crackles all year long at the bar in the portrait gallery, which is hung with a series of sketches by Johannes Kjarval, Iceland's most prized painter. The works on display once formed the largest private collection in the country, but now belong to the National Gallery of Iceland. Order from a list of well-made, classic cocktails (2,000 ISK at happy hour) and wander through the gallery, lobby and library to feast your eyes. 7pm | Try traditional Icelandic food – or not Styled with taxidermy and Grandma's lacy curtains, Thrir Frakkar may be the last bastion of the old school in Reykjavik. This country-style restaurant, around the corner from Hotel Holt, serves a variety of local meat and game, including the more controversial ones typical to traditional Icelandic cuisine. Try Iceland's famous lamb served unpretentiously with buttery potatoes and a creamy pepper sauce, exactly as it has been served in every Icelandic home for the last century (7,500 ISK). Reservations aren't strictly necessary but still recommended in the summer months. Alternatively, you could opt to taste the future of Reykjavik's culinary scene. Generations of Polish immigration are bearing their fruit as Polish restaurants are finally popping up in the city. Kemuri is a tiny, eclectic corner cafe that does one thing and does it damn well: Plant-based pierogis. Plated with vegan sour cream or traditional Icelandic skyr and a pile of pickled veggies, their rotating flavours include options like daal, chile sin carne and smoked tofu (3,200 ISK for 10). 9pm | Walk it off at Grotta Take advantage of Iceland's long days at Grotta, the westernmost point of the capital region. It's an hour's walk from downtown but it's also an architectural journey. Rustic, timber-frame houses clad in painted iron give way to the pebble-studded functionalist (lovingly known as funkistil, or funky-style) buildings and large, dystopian apartment blocks. Once there, you can soak your feet at Kvika, a tiny hot pot installed by the artist Olof Nordal, as you admire the Grotta Lighthouse, the swarms of migratory birds, and maybe even a seal or two. A clear sky reveals spectacular views of the city, the mountains and even the glacier on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Although the summer sun sets in the middle of the night, it never really grows dark. In fall and winter, the area is perfect for viewing the northern lights. If you'd prefer not to walk, you can also arrive by electric scooter or catch the No 11 bus from downtown. It leaves every 30 minutes and drops you off about a 10-minute walk from the lighthouse, so make sure to check times online or with the bus app Klappid. WHERE TO STAY In the very center of the city, the Iceland Parliament Hotel shares the plaza with Althingi, the Icelandic Parliament Building. The labyrinthine complex connects revamped historic buildings (the National Telephone Building and the old Girls' Grammar School) with hodge-podge contemporary additions to form a labyrinthine complex with more than 160 rooms, a restaurant, a spa and a ballroom. (From 75,000 ISK, or US$620, per night in summer and 48,000 ISK, or US$395, in the off-season). Guesthouse Galtafell is housed in the castle-inspired former residence of the Icelandic painter Muggur. On a quiet street of stately homes just steps from the picturesque pond in the heart of the city, it offers minimal but cosy rooms and whole apartments at fair rates even in peak season. (Rooms from 35,000 ISK per night, apartments from 44,000 ISK). Loft Hostel occupies the upper floors of a simple building on the main street, Laugavegur. The no-frills accommodations are kept spic and span, but it's the lively bar and cavernous social space that give this place life. Whenever the sun shines, even locals flock to its rooftop terrace. (Hostel beds from 8,500 ISK per night.) Reykjavik has struggled to rein in vacation rentals like Airbnb and as a result, it's regularly considered one of the worst rental markets in the world. Wherever possible, opt for one of many legally registered apartments that can be easily found on sites like and Expedia. Anywhere downtown is ideal, but the Vesturbaer and Austurbaer neighbourhoods are within walking distance as well. Wake up with a specialty coffee from Kaffi O-le (900 ISK), a chic little cafe that sources their beans from a nearby microroastery, and pop into Braud og Co around the corner for a pastry (820 ISK). Here the typical cinnamon roll is upgraded with a variety of flavours, including a caramel-muesli option that flies off the shelves. For something savoury, try the bakery's ostaslaufa, a twist of bread with creamy cheese and a kick of spice. Weather permitting, take your treats across Parliament Square and along Tjornin, the pond. The park is alive with blossoms in spring and summer, changing leaves in autumn, and ice skaters on the frozen water in winter. The statues of poets on the benches have QR codes, allowing you to hear the local language in all its strange beauty – even if you don't understand a single word. 10am | Travel back in time Grass-roofed turf houses were the backbone of Icelandic architecture for thousands of years. Because they were never built to last, Iceland doesn't boast any ancient buildings and that's why the country's medieval manuscripts are lovingly known as the Cathedrals of Iceland. In 2024, the Arni Magnusson Institute for Icelandic Studies opened World of Words, an exhibition to display them to the public for the first time since 2013 (admission 2,500 ISK). These include the Eddas, the books that contain essentially all that is known today about Norse mythology, along with Icelandic sagas and other cornerstones of the culture. The exhibit is state-of-the-art and mesmerisingly immersive, walking visitors through medieval life with style and even a sense of humour. History buffs may also appreciate the beautifully curated collection of artifacts at the National Museum of Iceland across the street (3,000 ISK). 12pm | Head toward the harbour for lunch Iceland's most famous – or infamous – food is hakarl, a species of shark so naturally high in ammonia that it must be fermented to be edible. Consumed as a necessity in times of scarcity, it's now traditionally eaten at the midwinter festival in February. If you're feeling adventurous enough to try it, head to the harbour. Saegreifinn serves it with a chaser of brennivin (1,500 ISK), a caraway-seed-scented liquor. What was once a simple fishmonger's shop within a cluster of fisherman's huts has evolved into a popular canteen but hasn't lost its rustic charm. Best known for the creamy langoustine soup (2,500 ISK), an Icelandic classic, it also offers fish skewers (2,500 ISK) for those who want to taste the local catches in their purest form. 1.30pm | Return to the present in Grandi View this post on Instagram A post shared by Omnom Chocolate (@omnomchocolate) On the other side of the harbour, about a 15-minute walk from Saegreifinn, the Grandi district is an industrial zone breaking out with creative spots. Stop by Marshallhusid, a strangely elegant former herring factory that houses some of the country's longest-running contemporary art spaces, such as the artist-collective-run Nylistasafnid and i8 Gallery 's satellite location. Afterward, it's time for ice cream. Nothing can come between Icelanders and their ice cream, meaning that you'll find folks lining up at the creamery, rain or shine (or even in a blizzard). You can get a classic scoop anywhere in town, but for something a little more innovative, check out the designer chocolate company Omnom. Its sundaes (1,100 ISK) feature toppings shaped to turn each one into an animal, or you can mix and match to create a monster. For the authentically Icelandic experience, order something – or everything – with liquorice. 3pm | Browse books and shop local Turbulent weather has given Iceland a deep appreciation for indoorsy interests like books and music. Its bookstores and record shops, however, are losing ground to the explosion of souvenir shops selling puffin-themed tchotchkes made in China, known as the puffinisation of Reykjavik. Support local culture in some of the city's best shops instead. Skalda, about a 20-minute walk downtown from Grandi, is everyone's new favourite bookstore with well-curated English titles, including translations of Icelandic authors. Bokin is piled high with dusty, musty curiosities, and Salka offers English bestsellers with beer and wine to sip while you browse. For records, check out the graffiti-laden Lucky Records, the shop-by-day-bar-by-night 12 Tonar, and Smekkleysa, the label and shop associated with Bjork and the Sugarcubes. Fischersund, an artsy shop and perfumery run by Sigur Ros' Jonsi and his family, is also worth a whiff. Pass by the bookstores first, as they all close at 4pm, while the record stores are all open until 5pm or later. 5.30pm | Follow the Rainbow Road Because of its difficult-to-pronounce name, Skolavordustigur is occasionally better known to visitors as the Rainbow Road. The path is painted in rainbow colours year round and leads up to Reykjavik's most prominent landmark, Hallgrimskirkja. You will certainly have already noticed this church lording over the city from atop its highest hill but it deserves a moment of attention. You can pay 1,400 ISK to ascend the tower and look out over the capital but the church itself is most interesting on the outside. Begun in 1945 and completed in 1986, its exterior is modelled after studlaberg, the hexagonal basalt columns that form cliffs and waterfalls all over the country. Across the plaza to the west of the church sits the Einar Jonsson Museum, dedicated to Iceland's most famous sculptor. Behind the museum is a free-entry sculpture garden showcasing his monumental and surreal works from the early 20th century, some of which are credited with inspiring the design of Hallgrimskirkja. You won't miss the resemblance. 7pm | Splurge on fine dining With a name that means 'cheers' in Icelandic, Skal! is fittingly worthy of a toast. The chef Gisli Mattias Audunsson's menu rises far above the gastropub and lands near perfection with its list of natural wines. The menu is delightfully omnivorous but deserves note for its plant-forward offerings that refuse to be relegated to side dishes, such as the eggplant with fermented tomato and buckwheat. That said, their signature cod wings with smoked buttermilk, a clever twist on bar grub and overlooked cuts of fish, are undeniably the star. (Dinner and drinks for two start at 20,000 ISK and reservations are recommended.) To go all-out, however, reserve a seat at OX. The chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson's 20-course phenomenon with pairings curated by the master sommelier Manuel Schembri may cost more than your plane ticket here, but even Michelin junkies agree that it could easily be the best meal of your entire life (66,000 ISK per person, and be warned, reservations are required for the only seating, at 6.15 pm). 9.30pm | Jam late into the night Known as djammid, or the jam, the nightlife in Reykjavik is surprisingly vibrant. Icelanders tend to splash out after payday, meaning that the first weekend of every month gets especially rowdy. A stroll down Laugavegur offers something for every type of night owl. Vinstukan is favoured for natural wines and stylish, bougie bites, while the cosy brewpub Aegir hosts the local folk jam sessions. In the heart of downtown, Jungle is the go-to spot for ritzy cocktails, and across the street sits grungy Lemmy with its 50-plus taps, huge covered patio and regular concerts. For dancing, Paloma has a world-class sound system hidden in a wood-beamed attic. When the munchies strike, a hot dog is obligatory (800 ISK). Some swear Baejarins Beztu's are special, but you can get the exact same dog at every convenience store in town, so feel free to skip the line. If you jammed too hard last night, you may need to recover amid the wood panelling and diner booths of Prikid. With raucous hip hop and punk shows at night followed by piles of pancakes in the morning, this bar is as likely to have caused your hangover as it is to cure it. They even used to offer breakfast with a genuine painkiller for this very reason. You may have to supply your own ibuprofen now, but their hearty, American-inspired brunch is sure to revive you nonetheless. Try the Truck, their house specialty, piled high with the usual suspects: Eggs, bacon, pancakes and potatoes — plus skyr and unlimited coffee, of course (3,700 ISK). 11.30am | Soak in a fjord-side spa Building on the local pool culture, recent years have seen a wave of high-end, spa-like 'lagoons' springing up around the country. The newcomer Hvammsvik is the current forerunner, combining proximity to the capital city with stunning views. If you haven't rented a car, you can catch the 10.30am shuttle from the bus station and watch the topography closing around you as you enter Hvalfjordur. Built on the site of a natural hot spring, Hvammsvik's network of wooden paths between rocky pools leads down into the fjord. The tide rises and falls around them, only steps away for those brave enough for a natural cold plunge in between the sauna and the hot pots. The on-site bistro offers simple Nordic fare like seafood soup and open-faced sandwiches (3,150 to 3,750 ISK) for before or after your swim. While inside, you can order at the swim-up bar to sip something as you soak in Iceland's dreamy landscape. (Entrance from 8,000 ISK; 16,000 ISK with transfer.) By Grayson del Faro © The New York Times.
Business Times
31-07-2025
- Business Times
Over 120 flights disrupted by UK tech glitch
[LONDON] Scores of flights to and from UK airports were cancelled on Wednesday due to a technical glitch, according to the air traffic control service, prompting anger from airline chiefs. The number of aircraft in London's air space was limited by the service, known as NATS, as a result of a technical issue which was quickly resolved. Airports including London's Heathrow and Gatwick and Edinburgh were affected. Heathrow is Europe's busiest air hub. There were 67 departures and 55 arrivals cancelled as of 7.30 pm (1830 GMT) while a number of flights were also diverted, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. In 2023, NATS suffered the country's worst systems failure in almost 10 years, stranding thousands of passengers. Airline chiefs reacted angrily to the cancellations which came at the peak of the UK summer holiday travel season. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Ryanair COO Neal McMahon called for NATS's chief executive Martin Rolfe to resign over the failure. 'It is outrageous that passengers are once again being hit with delays and disruption,' said McMahon. 'It is clear that no lessons have been learnt since the August 2023 NATS system outage.' EasyJet COO David Morgan said it was 'extremely disappointing' to again see a failure 'causing disruption to our customers at this busy and important time of year for travel'. 'While our priority today is supporting our customers, we will want to understand from NATS what steps they are taking to ensure issues don't continue,' he added. A Department for Transport spokesperson said it was 'working closely' with NATS to understand the cause of the glitch and the 'implications for the resilience systems in place'. The 'technical issue' responsible for the disruption was at the service's control centre in Swanwick in south-west England, it said. It first announced problems at around 4.00 pm (1500 GMT) and in an update an hour later said systems were fully operational and that departures had resumed at all airports. AFP
