Check out the city transformation

Mining is the base in Kiruna’s business and therefore Kiruna Municipality is prepared to move parts of the city. In order for LKAB to continue mining the iron ore, until the year 2035, everything above the mine must be moved to safety. Everything. The city transformation is a major and complex process that will last for many years. Below are tips on how to learn more and experience the city transformation.

Mine city park

No-one should need to live next door to an industrial mining area. The Mine City Parks are a collaboration between LKAB and Kiruna municipality and represent a gentle transition between mine and city. The transformation from residential area to park area and finally industrial mining area will take place gradually. In the park there are some historical photos from Kiruna that are interesting to see. In the park you also have a playground, outdoor gym and a small ice-skating area in the winter. In addition, there are benches, barbecue area and wood storage. In summer you can also meet the sheep and buy Swedish fika. To the right of the mine city park a new park area has been established after the demolition of the old City Hall called “Igloo”. Visit the park with memorial monuments and feel the wings of history.

Kiruna church

Kiruna Church is perhaps the town’s most characteristic building; it was completed in 1912 as a gift from LKAB to the parish. Regarding the church the question was never if it should be moved but rather how it should be moved. It will be relocated to a place next to the cemetary in connection with the new city center. The move is estimated to take place 2026 and the church will be moved as one piece. The church park is a part of the enviroment around the church where the first manager of LKAB and the founder of Kiruna, Hjalmar Lundbohm, is buried.

Kiruna city hall/new city center

The new city center in Kiruna is being built about three kilometers east of the current one. The new city hall called ”Kristallen” (the Crystal) was the first building in the new city center and Norrbotten County Art Museum is also located here. Aurora Kultur & Congress and Scandic Kiruna have since been added. Make a visit at Scandic Kiruna where you can have lunch in their restaurant on the ground floor or visit the Sweden’s northernmost sky bar. Here you look out over the beautiful nature through large panoramic windows. On September 1, 2022, the three malls, was inaugurated; Seven, Eight and Nine. Construction of the rest of the center is underway for full mugs. Local buses run between the New and the Old centrum.

Luossavaara mountain

Visit the local city mountain where you get an amazing view over the city, the mountains and the ongoing city transformation. Se the new road E-10 being built, where the new city center is located and the new cultural area thats is at the foot of the mountatin to where several buildings have been moved. One of the buildings which was relocated to this new area is the home of Kirunas founder Hjalmar Lundbohm. Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården was relocated in 2017, here you can find a café, museum and shop.

Cultural walk

Take a stroll through the city center and have a look at some of Kirunas unique buildings and artwork. Everything you see will be affected by the city transformation. Most building on this walk will be demolished so take this opportunity to check them out before they are gone. You will also visit locations with a special connection to the city transformation. The walk contains 18 places to visit and is about 2.5 km and you walk it at your very own pace. You can do this at any time during the year. Due to the ongoing urban transformation, buildings and streets have begun to be blocked off in Kiruna’s old center and demolition work is in full swing. Therefore, not all points can be visited. Just don’t forget to charge your phone beforehand and download an app that can scan QR codes.