How Sweden’s arctic ‘millipede town’ Kiruna is slowly moving

Kiruna, a town in northern Sweden, is on the move. Located in Lapland, within the Arctic Circle, the town and many of its 18,000 residents are being relocated to New Kiruna, two miles (3.2 kilometers) to the east over the next 20 years.

During that period, a new town center, municipal buildings and some 3,000 new homes will be constructed. But not everything in the new town will be box fresh – 21 of the old town’s heritage buildings are being transferred.

Kiruna, Sweden —

At risk of cracks from a nearby mine posing a danger to residents, the Swedish town of Kiruna is relocating some of its population, as well as heritage buildings. The Ingengörsvillan, pictured, was moved intact in August 2017. The highway as closed as it made its voyage.

Kiruna, Sweden —

Ingengörsvillan followed in the footsteps of the historic Bläckhorn residential building, pictured here in preparation for its move. (jonassundberg.se / www.instagram.com/lightnw)

Kiruna, Sweden —

A housing unit for employees at the mine, the Arbetarbostaden B5 was the first of Kiruna's heritage buildings to be relocated.

Kiruna —

An aerial shot of New Kiruna was taken in August 2017, with the relocated houses in view. (jonassundberg.se / www.instagram.com/lightnw)

Kiruna —

Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården, constructed between 1895 and 1909, was moved in September 2017. It was Kiruna's second building to be built.

Kiruna —

Other than the relocation project, Kiruna is chiefly known for its northern lights and proximity to the world-famous Ice Hotel.

Kiruna —

So how did it all happen? Over a decade ago it was discovered that fissures in the ground are edging their way towards Kiruna. Activity in a nearby mine has caused cracks to appear in the ground near where some people live.