Kiruna Church
Norrbottens län
Kiruna Church, located in Kiruna, Sweden, is a remarkable wooden church built between 1909 and 1912, designed by architect Gustaf Wickman. It stands as one of the largest wooden buildings in Sweden, distinguished by its neo-Gothic exterior and an interior influenced by national romanticism and Sami culture. The altar features an Art Nouveau altarpiece called "The Holy Grove," painted by Prince Eugen, depicting a vast, limitless landscape. The church's design draws inspiration from Norwegian stave churches and Sami huts, with continuous wooden shingle cladding and a roof that nearly reaches the ground, adorned with twelve gilded bronze figures symbolizing different emotional states. The bell tower, constructed earlier in 1906–1907, shares the church's materials and color and reflects northern Swedish architectural influence. In August 2025, Kiruna Church was carefully relocated about 5 kilometers east to accommodate the expanding Kiruna mine, a feat that drew international attention and was broadcast live. The church is a cultural symbol, often called "the Shrine of the Nomadic people," and has been voted Sweden's most popular pre-1950 building. It remains an active parish church welcoming all, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and cultural heritage.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider timing their visit during the summer months to enjoy the natural light through the church's large gable windows. Due to its active parish status, checking the church's schedule on the official website is recommended for service times and special events. Tickets are not typically required as it is a functioning church, but guided tours may be available. The church's recent relocation has become a point of interest, so exploring the new site adjacent to the cemetery is advised. No specific ticket discounts apply, but visitors are encouraged to respect the sacred space and local customs.
Faits intéressants
- •Kiruna Church is one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings.
- •The church's design is inspired by Sami huts and Norwegian stave churches.
- •The altarpiece "The Holy Grove" was created by Prince Eugen, Duke of Närke.
- •In 2001, it was voted the most popular pre-1950 building in Sweden.
- •The church was moved 5 kilometers east in 2025 due to mining subsidence, an event broadcast live on Swedish television.
- •Twelve gilded bronze figures on the roof represent twelve different emotional states.
Histoire
Kiruna Church was constructed from 1909 to 1912, commissioned by Hjalmar Lundbohm, manager of LKAB mining company, and designed by Gustaf Wickman, who had moved to Kiruna in 1899.
The church was consecrated on 8 December 1912 by Bishop Olof Bergqvist and became part of the Jukkasjärvi parish in 1913.
Originally located near Kiruna's old center, the church's design was influenced by Sami huts and Norwegian stave churches, reflecting local cultural elements.
The bell tower was built slightly earlier, in 1906–1907.
Over the years, Kiruna Church became a cultural landmark, recognized in 2001 as Sweden's most popular pre-1950 building.
Due to ground subsidence caused by the Kiruna mine, the entire church was relocated in August 2025, a significant engineering achievement preserving the historic structure.
Guide du lieu
Main Nave and Side Naves1909-1912
The church interior features a spacious main nave and two side naves with elaborately designed dormers. Large gable windows provide abundant natural light, while colored panes in the side aisles create a more shaded atmosphere. Sami ornamentation influences the intricate woodwork and carved latticework of the choir area, enhancing the cultural significance of the space.
The Holy Grove Altarpiece1912
A large Art Nouveau altarpiece painted by Prince Eugen, depicting a vast and limitless landscape, serving as the focal point of the church's interior and symbolizing spiritual openness.
Bell Tower1906-1907
Constructed in 1906–1907, the bell tower predates the church building and stands about twenty meters west of the main structure. It reflects architectural styles common to northern Sweden and shares the same materials and color as the church, maintaining visual harmony.
Exterior Wooden Shingle Cladding1909-1912
The church exterior is covered with continuous wooden shingles, giving the walls and roof a unified appearance. The roof stretches almost to the ground and is adorned with twelve gilded, cast bronze figures representing twelve different emotional states, created by sculptor Christian Eriksson.
Contact
Téléphone: 0980-678 00
