Jukkasjärvi Church dates back to the early 17th century: its oldest parts were built in 1607–1608, and it was enlarged in 1726. It is the oldest wooden church in the province of Lapland. It is best known for its altarpiece by Bror Hjorth. Its red walls and architecture, typical of early Swedish churches, hold a rich Lutheran history, while its decoration draws heavily on Sami culture, that of the region’s Indigenous people.
If you come to Jukkasjärvi, its church is a must-see.
Practical information about Jukkasjärvi Church
To help you prepare for your visit to Jukkasjärvi, here’s all the information you need to know about the Jukkasjärvi church.
Admission prices
Admission to Jukkasjärvi Church is free, as in most religious buildings.
Opening hours
Jukkasjärvi Church is open daily, Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 3 pm. However, visits are not possible during religious services, so please respect local customs and beliefs when visiting the church.
Visit duration
Allow around twenty minutes to visit Jukkasjärvi Church and enjoy the beauty of the building and the surroundings.
How do I get there?
Jukkasjärvi is about 17 km (10.5 miles) east of Kiruna, around 20 minutes by car. If you’re arriving by bus from Kiruna, the church is at the last stop on the Kiruna-Jukkasjärvi line. You can then take a stroll through the village before catching the bus back to Kiruna.
What to see in the church
When you enter Jukkasjärvi church, you can’t help but notice the Sami inspiration behind the decoration. Behind the altar is a very special altarpiece.
This carved teak triptych by Bror Hjorth, unveiled in 1958 and donated by LKAB, depicts a religious movement that is very well known in the region: Laestadianism.
The left-hand panel shows Pastor Læstadius giving a sermon to his followers, who repent before him. One returns the reindeer he stole and another breaks the barrel of alcohol he was about to drink.
The panel on the right shows a Sami woman “touched” by liikutuksia, a kind of religious ecstasy. Next to her, a couple exchange the Laestadian peace greeting. Pastor Læstadius can also be seen kneeling among the flowers, alongside Maria, who inspired him, and his successor Johan Raattamaa.
Finally, in the central panel, Christ’s blood flowing from his forehead is transformed into red flowers.
History of Jukkasjärvi Church
The village of Jukkasjärvi welcomed its first permanent inhabitants in the 17th century. In the early days, as the seat of Jukkasjärvi parish, it was home only to the parish priest, the bell ringer and their families.
From the mid-18th century onwards, several families of Finnish settlers also came to Jukkasjärvi, creating the village we know today. Jukkasjärvi’s history is therefore closely linked to its church and the Lutheran religion.
Lars Levi Læstadius (1800–1861) was a Swedish Lutheran pastor of partly Sami descent. He founded Laestadianism, a revival movement within the Lutheran Church.
He had a major influence in northern Lapland, particularly among the Sami. He changed their way of life and helped them reduce their alcohol consumption.
The Laestadian movement also spread to North America, but was most widespread in Finland. In 1899, Laestadianism split after the death of Johan Raattamaa, Læstadius’s successor.
Bror Hjorth was a Swedish sculptor and painter (1894-1968). He studied sculpture with Antoine Bourdelle in Paris for four years and was awarded the Sergel Prize in 1955.
Jukkasjärvi Church is a unique religious building well worth a visit between outdoor activities for its cultural interest and unique history.
