Kiruna history

The history of Kiruna is unique in that the city did not grow organically from an ancient settlement, but was purposefully created at the beginning of the 20th century. Originally, these rugged lands above the Arctic Circle were the territory of the indigenous Sámi people, who called the area Giron, which translates to "white ptarmigan".

The official founding date is considered to be 1900, when Hjalmar Lundbohm, a manager at the mining company, approved the settlement's development plan. However, the first studies of the rich iron ore deposits in this area were conducted as early as the 17th–18th centuries, though the lack of technology and transport at that time made extraction impossible.

The transformation of this remote area into an industrial centre was made possible by a combination of geographical and technological factors:

• Underground Riches: The Kirunavaara and Luossavaara mountains concealed some of the world's largest reserves of high-quality iron ore.
• Transport Revolution: A decisive moment was the completion of the Malmbanan (Iron Ore Line) railway in 1902. It connected the mines with the ice-free port of Narvik in Norway and the Swedish port of Luleå, opening the way for exports.
• Strategic Planning: The LKAB company (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag) did not merely extract resources but also invested in creating comprehensive urban infrastructure.

Unlike many mining towns of that era, Kiruna was conceived as a "model city". Architects and planners took the extreme climate into account: the street network was designed to be non-linear to break the gusts of icy Arctic wind and retain heat.

From its earliest days, the city's economy was based entirely on the mining industry. High demand for labour and decent working conditions attracted people from southern Sweden and abroad, forming a special, close-knit community accustomed to living and working in the conditions of the polar night.

Chronology of the City's Development

• 1696: The first documented information about rich iron ore deposits in the Kirunavaara and Luossavaara mountains appears, obtained from local Sámi people.
• 1890: The mining company LKAB is founded, becoming the main engine of the region's development.
• 1900: Hjalmar Lundbohm approves the first development plan for the settlement, which is officially considered the founding date of Kiruna.
• 1902: Construction of the Malmbanan railway section is completed, connecting the mines to the ice-free port of Narvik.
• 1912: Kiruna Church is consecrated — a unique wooden structure with architecture inspired by the shape of a Sámi hut.
• 1948: Kiruna receives official city status and becomes, at the time, the largest city in the world by area.
• 1957: A geophysical observatory opens in the city, marking the beginning of space research development in the region.
• 1969: The historic LKAB miners' strike begins, having a significant impact on labour relations throughout Sweden.
• 1993: The Sámi Parliament of Sweden (Sametinget) is solemnly opened in Kiruna.
• 2004: LKAB officially announces that the expansion of the mine requires moving a significant part of the city due to the risk of ground subsidence.
• 2018: The old clock tower of the City Hall is moved to a new location, symbolizing the start of the physical relocation of the city centre.
• 2022: The King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, officially opens the new city centre and the new City Hall, "Kristallen".

Key Development Milestones and Their Significance

The evolution of Kiruna is inextricably linked with industry, science, and unique urban planning solutions. Below are the key stages that have shaped the modern appearance and status of the city:

• Launch of the Malmbanan Railway (Early 20th Century)

  The construction of the northernmost electrified railway in the world became the economic foundation of the city. This allowed for the year-round export of ore through the ice-free Norwegian port of Narvik, turning a local deposit into a player in the global steel market.

• Implementation of the "Model City" Concept

  LKAB's first manager, Hjalmar Lundbohm, introduced the idea that to retain workers in the Arctic, more than just barracks were needed; a high culture of living was required. The construction of aesthetically valuable buildings, including the famous Kiruna Church (voted Sweden's most beautiful building in 2001), created a unique urban environment and a cohesive community.

• Creation of a Space Research Centre (1960s)

  The opening of the Esrange rocket range and the Institute of Space Physics diversified the city's economy. Kiruna ceased to be solely a mining settlement, gaining status as a European hub for space science and satellite communications.

• Establishment of the Sámi Parliament (1993)

  The opening of the Sametinget cemented Kiruna's status as the cultural and political capital of the Sámi people in Sweden. This event highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous traditions amidst industrial land development and enhanced the region's tourism appeal.

• Urban Transformation Project (From 2004 to Present)

  An urban planning project unprecedented in world practice involves moving an entire city 3 kilometres to the east. This decision allowed mining to continue (which would otherwise have swallowed up residential districts) and provided a chance to build an ultra-modern, energy-efficient centre designed to meet the requirements of the 21st century.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Kiruna represents a unique experiment in creating a comfortable urban environment in extreme Arctic conditions. The city did not develop spontaneously but was carefully designed with the climate in mind: the historical street network has an irregular, curved shape to break gusts of icy wind and retain heat within the residential quarters.

Today, Kiruna is undergoing an unprecedented stage of transformation, where entire architectural ensembles are physically moving to a new location, standing alongside ultra-modern developments.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

• National Romanticism and Art Nouveau Elements (1900–1920s)

  The period of the "model city's" foundation. Wooden architecture dominates, inspired by Swedish traditions and the forms of indigenous dwellings. Buildings are painted in warm, bright colours (red, ochre) to stand out against the snow.

• Scandinavian Functionalism and Brutalism (1950–1970s)

  An era of modernization and concrete construction. During this period, the famous architect Ralph Erskine worked in the city, formulating the principles of "Arctic architecture" by creating building-screens and protected internal spaces.

• Modern Scandinavian Style (From the 2010s)

  Associated with the relocation of the city centre. The new development is characterized by energy efficiency, concise forms, and the extensive use of glass to capture maximum natural light.

Iconic Buildings Shaping the City's Look

• Kiruna Church (Kiruna kyrka)

  A masterpiece of National Romanticism (1912, architect Gustaf Wickman). The building is unique for its shape, resembling a giant Sámi hut (kota), and is one of Sweden's largest wooden structures. It was recognized as the country's most beautiful building (2001).

• New City Hall "Kristallen" (The Crystal)

  A symbol of the city's rebirth in a new location. Designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects, its angular, shimmering form is inspired by the geometry of iron ore crystals. The historical clock tower from the old City Hall is integrated inside, symbolizing the continuity of generations.

• Ralph Erskine's Residential Complex (Kvarteret Ortdrivaren)

  A striking example of adapting functionalism to the North. The famous residential blocks (often called "The Berlin Wall" or "The Sniper") are designed so that tall buildings on the northern side protect the courtyards and lower structures from piercing winds.

Notable People of Kiruna

The history of Kiruna is inextricably linked with the names of industrialists, creators, and athletes whose achievements have brought fame to this northern city far beyond Sweden's borders.

• Hjalmar Lundbohm (1855–1926)

  Geologist, industrialist, first manager of LKAB.
  Considered the "founding father" of Kiruna. It was he who not only organized large-scale ore mining but also insisted on building a comfortable, aesthetically attractive city for workers, attracting the best architects of his time.

• Gustaf Wickman (1858–1916)

  Architect.
  The author of early Kiruna's architectural appearance. He designed numerous buildings, including the famous wooden Kiruna Church, which became the symbol of the city. His style defined the unique character of the early 20th-century development.

• Borg Mesch (1869–1956)

  Documentary photographer.
  Known as the "photographer of the mountains". His works are a crucial visual chronicle of the region: he captured the city's construction process, the hard labour of miners, and the traditional way of life of the indigenous Sámi people.

• Börje Salming (1951–2022)

  Ice hockey player, defenceman.
  A legend of world hockey, born in the vicinity of Kiruna and starting his career at the local club. He became one of the first Europeans to achieve star status in the NHL and an idol for generations of Swedish athletes.

• Åsa Larsson (born 1966)

  Writer.
  Author of internationally renowned detective novels, she grew up in Kiruna. The action of her books takes place on the city streets and in its surroundings, creating a distinct literary image of the region for millions of readers.

• Hanna Öberg (born 1995)

  Biathlete.
  A native of Kiruna, Olympic champion, and World champion. She represents the city's modern generation and is one of Sweden's most successful winter athletes of the 21st century.