Kiruna’s church, known locally as Kiruna kyrka, was built in the early 20th century to designs by architect Gustaf Wickman. It is considered one of Sweden’s most beautiful churches, and one of the country’s largest wooden buildings. In addition to its unusual architecture, inspired by traditional Sami huts, it contains unique works by leading Swedish artists. It also has the distinction of having a bell tower on the outside, just a few meters from the main building. Moved with its bell tower to the new town center on August 19–20, 2025, the church is closed to visitors until it reopens, scheduled for 2027.
Even if you’re not visiting Kiruna for its church, you won’t be disappointed by this remarkable building steeped in history.
Practical information about Kiruna Church
To help you prepare for your visit, here’s what you need to know about Kiruna Church. Please note: since its relocation in August 2025, the church has been closed to the public while its foundations are completed and its interior is restored. It is scheduled to reopen in 2027.
Admission prices
Like most religious buildings, Kiruna Church was free to enter before it closed, and admission should remain free when it reopens. If you wish to make a donation, you can place any amount in the red donation box at the entrance.
You can also buy a postcard for a few Swedish kronor (SEK).
Opening hours
Before it closed, Kiruna Church was open daily, Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Opening hours after the reopening, scheduled for 2027, are still to be confirmed with the tourist office. When you visit, be careful not to disturb the religious practices of worshippers, who may be gathered for a service or ceremony.
Visit duration
Allow around 30 minutes in Kiruna Church to admire the architecture and stroll around the surrounding area.
How do I get there?
Since August 2025, the church has stood in Kiruna’s new town center, next to the cemetery: it was moved about 5 km (3 miles) to the east from its hill near the old town center.
The old bus directions (stop Kiruna Kyrkan) no longer apply since the church was moved. Access details for the new site will be announced when it reopens: check with the Kiruna Tourist Center.
The same goes if you’re traveling by car: the free parking lot at the old site no longer applies, and parking at the new site will be confirmed when the church reopens.
What to see in the church
Kiruna’s church is a religious building dating from the early 20th century, with two distinct sections. Inside, you’ll discover works by talented Swedish artists.
From the outside, Kiruna Church stands out thanks to its red-painted wooden shingles, known as “kyrkspån” (church shingles). Once perched on a hilltop, surrounded by a nature park of birch and rowan trees, it now stands in the new town center. You’ll appreciate its blend of architecture typical of Swedish churches and Sami huts.
From its former site, you could see the Kiirunavaara iron mine on the other side of the valley, west of town.
Once in front of the building’s main entrance, you’ll see a religious relief carved from wood, topped by twelve gilded bronze statues representing human emotions. These works were created by the artist Christian Eriksson.
When you enter Kiruna Church, you can’t help but notice the painting at the back, behind the altar. This altarpiece, entitled “The Holy Grove”, was painted by Prince Eugen of Sweden in 1912. You can also admire works by two other famous Swedish artists: Albert Engström and Ossian Elgström. You may also hear the church organ, located just above the entrance.
Finally, when you leave the church, don’t forget to take a look at the bell tower, located just outside the main building. The grave of Hjalmar Lundbohm, the first director of LKAB and one of Kiruna’s founders, was in the church park at the old site; it is due to be moved to the new site as well.
History of Kiruna Church
Gustaf Wickman (1858-1916) was a Swedish architect. He arrived in Kiruna in 1899 and built many public buildings, including the church between 1909 and 1912. It was commissioned by Hjalmar Lundbohm (1855-1926), the first director of the LKAB iron ore mine and founder of the town of Kiruna.
Lundbohm played a major role in the development of the mining town. He died in 1926 and was buried in the church park, where LKAB erected a memorial stone on his grave in 1929. His grave is due to be moved to the church’s new site.
Christian Eriksson (1858-1935) was a Swedish sculptor. He created the twelve Virtues sculptures on the eaves of Kiruna church, as well as the relief above the church portal. He was also involved in the creation of the statue of Hjalmar Lundbohm, made in 1924.
As part of the relocation of the town due to ground subsidence caused by mining, the church was moved in one piece, with its bell tower, about 5 km east to the new town center on August 19–20, 2025. It remains closed to the public until it reopens, scheduled for 2027, while its foundations are completed and its interior is restored.
Even if you don’t come to Kiruna especially for its church, it’s still an exceptional place: once it reopens in 2027, take time between outdoor activities to enjoy its architecture, artworks and distinctive woody fragrance.
