King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden adds royal touch as Kiruna church is moved to new home

King Carl Gustaf of Sweden has taken part in one of the biggest social media events of 2025 and it involves the actual relocation of a whole church.

Kiruna Church was built in the early 20th century. Sitting in the northern-most city of Sweden, Kiruna, the church is one of the largest wooden structures in the country. 

The beloved church was in great danger in its original home in the city centre. A massive iron-ore mine has irreversibly altered the ground structure and the 113 year old church was at risk of being swallowed by the mine. And that’s how it became a social media moment.

Chocolate muffins and churches

Summer 2024 had the chocolate muffin man at the Paris Olympics (aka Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen), but summer 2025 has ‘The Great Church Move’. 

With the building in danger,, the town decided to roll the church five kilometres away to a new, safer home. 

The red-timber building was moved on a specifically-built trolley that moved at a maximum pace of 500 metres an hour. 

The town decided to live stream the event dubbed “The Great Church Move”, with thousands watching online and many people traveling to witness the one-of-a-kind event in person. 

Kiruna Church, located in Sweden’s northernmost town, is one of the country’s largest wooden buildings and a celebrated example of National Romantic architecture. Completed in 1912 and designed by architect Gustaf Wickman, it was inspired by traditional Scandinavian stave churches and the natural surroundings of Lapland.

The church was a gift from the mining company LKAB to the town, reflecting the close ties between industry and community. Its striking red timber exterior and ornate wooden interior, decorated with Sami cultural influences, make it a cultural landmark. In 2001, Kiruna Church was voted Sweden’s most beautiful building.

Kiruna welcomes thousands of visitors every year with the church one of the most popular attractions.

Royal approval for the church move

King Carl Gustaf was on hand to see the church leave for its new home, as well as its arrival. 

He also kicked off a new world record with a simple cup of coffee in a tent. He took the first cup of coffee out of 3,000 breaking the previous world record for cups of church coffee served. 

Although he may be one of the oldest monarchs in Europe, King Carl Gustaf is keeping up with social media just fine. 

A long reigning king with a modern touch

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who ascended the throne in 1973, holds the distinction of being Europe’s longest-reigning current monarch. His long tenure has coincided with a decisive transformation of the Swedish monarchy into a purely ceremonial institution.

In 1974, just a year after his accession, Sweden adopted a new Instrument of Government, which stripped the king of his formal political powers. Unlike many of his European counterparts, Carl XVI Gustaf does not appoint governments, sign laws, or act as commander-in-chief. Instead, his constitutional role is to serve as the symbolic head of state, representing the nation at home and abroad.

He presides over the opening of the parliament (Riksdag) each year, chairs special meetings of the government when a new prime minister is appointed, and receives ambassadors. His duties are defined not by executive authority but by his ability to embody national unity and continuity.

Despite these limits, Carl XVI Gustaf has shaped the monarchy through public engagement, environmental advocacy, and his promotion of Sweden’s international image. His record-breaking reign illustrates how modern monarchies can adapt to democratic systems, remaining relevant not through political power but through symbolic leadership and tradition.