Bravida Contributes to the Historic Relocation of Kiruna Church
The relocation of Kiruna Church to its new site is not only an impressive technical achievement but also a historic moment for the entire city. The more than 100-year-old wooden church, one of Sweden’s most cherished buildings, has now been given new life a few kilometers to the east. Bravida has played a central role in the project, responsible for dismantling, preserving, and preparing the technical infrastructure ahead of the reinstallation scheduled to begin in 2026.
The relocation of the church is part of Kiruna’s extensive urban transformation, where large parts of the city are being relocated to enable continued mining operations. The church, inaugurated in 1912, has long been a symbol for Kiruna and its residents, and the relocation evokes both pride and strong emotions.
“Working with Kiruna Church is something truly special. It’s something I believe everyone will carry with them throughout their careers and beyond,” says Joel Törmä, Branch Manager for Electrical, Kiruna.
During spring and summer, Bravida carefully dismantled all existing technology in the church, from electrical installations to ventilation systems. Every step was meticulously documented before the move, and the work was carried out in close collaboration with Historiska Hus, Veidekke, and LKAB.
Now that the church stands in its new location, preparations for the next phase have already begun. In 2026, Bravida will start installing new technology, including a modern fire alarm system, access control, security systems, lighting, and heating solutions. Technical spaces will be integrated into the new basement level, where installations for electricity, HVAC, and ventilation will be centralized to ensure modern functionality while preserving the building’s cultural heritage.
The project has demanded both technical expertise and sensitivity. As a cultural heritage building, the church requires careful handling, thorough documentation, and close dialogue with conservation experts.
“Working in the church is very special. Everything must be photo-documented—positions, cable dismantling, and so on. We cannot remove anything without approval from the regional conservation officer. It’s fun and a bit different,” says William Lindmark, Lead Fitter.
A large portion of the original materials from the church has been reused, both for sustainability reasons and to preserve as much of the original character as possible. Several fixtures and pipes have been retained, as well as heating elements integrated into the pews.
Working on the relocation of Kiruna Church has been truly unique for Bravida, which has previously participated in moving cultural buildings, including Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården. But no prior experience is quite compared to this. For the employees, the project has become a source of pride and a memory for life.
“Our goal is, of course, to deliver a building for the people of Kiruna that is incredibly special to virtually the entire population,” Joel Törmä concludes.
With the church now in its new location, work continues to complete the technical installations ahead of its reopening. The relocation of Kiruna Church is not just an engineering feat—it is a story of collaboration, craftsmanship, and confidence in the future. The reopening of the church is expected in 2026/2027.
FACTS:
Client: LKAB
Bravida’s assignment: Dismantling of lighting, ventilation systems, piping, and other technical installations. New installations of security systems, HVAC, ventilation, and electrical systems are planned for February 2026.