5 May 2026
Following the fire that destroyed the Hietamiemi wooden church in the autumn of 2023, the site has been the subject of extensive archaeological investigations. These have provided a unique insight into church construction and burial rituals in the Tornedalen region during the 1600th and 1700th centuries.
As Övertorneå parish has plans to build a new church on the same site as the burned-down one, archaeologists at the State Historical Museums have conducted archaeological investigations at the site in collaboration with archaeologists from Norrbotten Museum during the summer and autumn of 2025.
The investigations have resulted in extensive and multifaceted material that, through continued analysis, will contribute to increased knowledge of the history of the Tornedalen valley during the 1600th and 1700th centuries. The results include documentation of approximately 20 burial chambers, approximately 30 intact graves, and a significant number of disturbed graves.
The project is run by the Archaeologists at the State Historical Museums and is still ongoing. As time goes on, we will provide information about the project in various ways.
Media coverage of the project
Article in NSD: Reburial of remains from Hietaniemi Church
Sveriges Radio: The graves in Hietaniemi provide a unique insight into history
Sveriges Radio: 100 skeletons found under burned-down Hietaniemi church
SVT: Unique discovery – mummified children have been X-rayed in Norrbotten
SVT: Hundreds of people buried found under burned-down church in Tornedalen