Sweden
Kiruna
A city being moved two miles east because the iron mine beneath refuses to stop.
Kiruna is a city in motion — literally. The iron ore mine beneath it has grown so large that the ground is subsiding, and the entire city centre is being relocated three kilometres east, building by building. The wooden Kiruna Church, voted Sweden's finest pre-1950 building, was moved first. The mine beneath continues regardless.
Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost city, 145 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, built around the LKAB iron ore mine that has operated since 1890. The mine is the world's largest underground iron mine — visitor tours descend to 540 metres. The city relocation, begun in 2014, is one of the largest urban moves in history, driven by the mine's continued expansion. The Kiruna Church, completed in 1912 and designed to resemble a Sami tent, was relocated in its entirety. Northern lights season runs from September to March, with displays visible directly overhead thanks to the Arctic latitude. Camp Ripan offers Sami-inspired dining and accommodation on the edge of town.
Solo
The mine tour, the relocating city centre, and the northern lights create a sequence of experiences that reward curious, self-directed exploration.
Friends
Dog sledding, mine tours, and northern lights hunts — Kiruna gives groups a concentration of Arctic activities within reach of a functioning city.
- The entire city centre is being relocated three kilometres east because the iron mine beneath it won't stop expanding.
- The LKAB iron ore mine offers underground tours at 540 metres — the world's largest underground iron mine.
- The wooden Kiruna Church, shaped like a Sami tent, was voted Sweden's finest pre-1950 building by public ballot.
- Northern lights season runs from September to March — the Arctic latitude means displays directly overhead.
Sami cuisine at Camp Ripan — reindeer tartare and cloudberry desserts under the northern lights.
Iron-ore-black bread baked in the mining tradition, served at the relocated town centre.
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