Your Swedish Island

The competition closed on 17 April 2026 at 11.59pm CEST. The winners will be notified by Visit Sweden in May 2026 using the contact details provided. Once the process is complete, updates will be shared here.

Sweden has the most islands in the world, and a special relationship with nature. It’s where access, responsibility and simplicity go hand in hand. By inviting people to become island custodians, we wanted to show that true luxury isn't about excess, but rather about time, space and balance. It was a way to inspire curiosity, rethink what people value when they travel, and share a very Swedish perspective on freedom and responsibility in nature.

Out of Sweden’s many islands, Visit Sweden – together with the National Property Board – has hand-picked five that were made available to one international traveller each over a twelve‑month period. Applicants were asked to explain why they deserved to become an island custodian. The most creative submissions, selected by a jury and to be announced in May 2026, will earn the right of use for a full year. Each winner will receive a diploma, a formal contract outlining their rights and responsibilities, and a round trip to Sweden.

For more information, see Terms and Conditions.

Each winner is granted the privilege of being custodian of one island for a full year, along with a diploma and a formal contract outlining rights and responsibilities. The prize also includes a travel voucher worth 20,000 SEK, covering a return trip to Sweden for two people.

This initiative is a collaboration between Visit Sweden and SFV (the National Property Board/Statens fastighetsverk), the government agency that manages and protects Sweden’s state-owned heritage properties, including 200 historical sites and one seventh of Sweden’s surface area, such as parks and islands.

Read more about SFV.

As an island custodian, you are free to enjoy the island in your own way, as long as you follow the Right of Public Access and respect Swedish law. You may swim, camp, set up a tent, invite guests and spend time in nature, provided you show consideration for wildlife, the environment and other visitors.

The island’s official name cannot be changed.

Not exactly. Winners will have the right of use for twelve months. The Right of Public Access still applies, which means others may visit or pass through, as they can elsewhere in Sweden. Each custodian will receive clear guidance to ensure their stay respects local communities and environmental laws.

The prize does not involve permanent residence, and there is no accommodation on the islands. As a custodian of the island, you may visit it as often as you wish, just bear in mind that the Right of Public Access applies.

You are responsible for ensuring you meet all requirements to use the prize, including valid travel documents. For information on visa requirements and permitted length of stay, please consult Passport and visa information for travelling to Sweden or contact Sweden’s diplomatic representation in your country.

The competition was open to all international travellers (except billionaires) aged 18 and above. The initiative targets Visit Sweden’s primary audience of international travellers and was not open to Swedish citizens.

This initiative is rooted in the insight that true happiness isn’t tied to financial wealth. Visit Sweden seeks to redefine luxury as simplicity, silence, and freedom in nature – not material excess. Applicants were asked to confirm they aren't billionaires, but no additional verification was made.