Kiruna Church has successfully completed its historic relocation to the new city center, drawing large crowds and international media attention. The move, which was faster than anticipated, was marked by a royal visit from King Carl Gustaf. Celebrations continue with a world record attempt for the largest church coffee gathering.
Historic Move: Kiruna Church Reaches New Home Amid Celebrations
Historic Move: Kiruna Church Reaches New Home Amid Celebrations
Kiruna Church has found its new home. After two days on the road, it is now settled at its new address in the city's new center.
On Tuesday morning, the church began its historic journey through Kiruna. Now, just over a day later, it has finally arrived at its new home in the city's new center.
The past few days have been a grand celebration, with numerous spectators following the unique journey.
The church concluded its journey on Wednesday afternoon with two turns before rolling up a small hill, finally reaching its destination in the new Kiruna center. Before it can fully rest, the church must now be fitted onto the platform where it will stand.
Royal Visit
Kiruna received a royal visit when King Carl Gustaf joined the church's journey on Wednesday morning, along with Norrbotten's governor Lotta Finstorp.
"It's great that you can move the church that means so much," the king said to Stefan Holmblad Johansson, project manager at LKAB, reports TT.
Driver Sebastian Druker from Argentina also showed the king how to steer the enormous load.
"It was okay!" Druker said about the royal meeting, according to TT.
"It was my first meeting with a king, during my first move of a church."
Faster Than Planned
The church's move was planned down to the smallest detail. It was initially believed that it could travel 500 meters per hour. However, on a straight stretch, the convoy managed to increase its speed to 800 meters per hour, which was much faster than expected.
The unique move has not only attracted attention in Sweden but has also garnered significant international media interest. Thousands of people have gathered along the roads, and 40 Swedish and international media outlets have been present.
Now the celebration continues. On Wednesday afternoon, an attempt will be made to break the world record for church coffee, with 3,000 cups to be consumed. According to TT, the king will be the first to partake. Later, Carola will perform to celebrate the church's successful arrival.