Why Is Sweden Moving an Entire City?

Kiruna, in Arctic Sweden, exists because of iron. Now the same iron mine is forcing the town to move. In August 2025, thousands of people watched a 672-ton wooden church roll about five kilometers down the road to a new home. But the church is only the most visible part of a much bigger story: an entire city center is being rebuilt about three kilometers to the east. In Case #007 we investigate how the LKAB iron ore mine under Kiruna makes the ground crack and sink, why the town chose to move instead of closing the mine, what really happens to the buildings (a few are moved, most are demolished and rebuilt), what residents are offered, and why a new forecast in 2025 means about 6,000 more people will have to move. We also look at the 2026 agreement between the town and LKAB, and the rare earth deposit that worries Sami reindeer herders. No, the whole city isn't being put on wheels. The real story is stranger. ⏱ Chapters 0:00 A church on wheels 0:37 Case #007 0:45 Where is Kiruna? 1:07 A town built on iron 1:32 LKAB and the mine 1:55 The ore beneath the town 2:19 How the ground moves 2:52 Stop mining or move the town? 3:17 How do you move a city? 3:37 The new center 3:55 The old center empties 4:18 Moving a 672-ton church 4:41 The church's new home 4:58 What about the people? 5:29 The 2025 forecast 5:58 What's next for Kiruna 📌 Some images in this video are AI-generated illustrations or reconstructions and are labelled on screen. Maps of affected areas are simplified. Sources include LKAB, Kiruna Municipality, Radio Sweden, Euronews, The Local / AFP and Mining Metal News. The Strange File. Real places. Strange stories. One explanation. Subscribe for a new case every week. #Kiruna #Sweden #Documentary