Sweden is offering travellers the chance to spend a full year on their own private island through a campaign called “Your Swedish Island”, organised by Visit Sweden. Five winners will be chosen to act as guardians of a Swedish island for twelve months, and the prize also includes a round-trip to Sweden for two people. The competition is open to international applicants aged 18 and over, but billionaires are not allowed to enter. The idea is to make the experience accessible to people who value nature, creativity, and responsibility over material wealth.
Winners will not receive ownership of the islands. Instead, they are granted a one-year right-of-use agreement and the title “Official Guardian of the Island”. This allows them to camp, swim, relax with friends, and enjoy the island’s natural surroundings. Guardians must also respect wildlife, leave no trace, and follow Swedish law. The campaign emphasizes stewardship rather than ownership, teaching participants to care for nature rather than treat it as private property.
The billionaire ban is part of the campaign’s larger message. Visit Sweden aims to redefine luxury as silence, simplicity, and closeness to nature. With more than 267,000 islands, the country has a vast archipelago to explore. The campaign promotes the idea that some experiences cannot be bought. Instead, it values mindset, creativity, and a genuine appreciation for the environment.
Sweden’s Right of Public Access, or Allemansrätten, allows everyone to move freely through nature, even on private land. That means guardians will not have exclusive access to their islands. Visitors may pass through or camp briefly, reinforcing the idea that nature is shared and should be respected by all. This rule helps ensure guardians understand their responsibility while enjoying their temporary retreat.
Each of the five islands offer a different kind of escape. Tjuvholmen near Lidköping is surrounded by pine forest and overlooks Lake Vänern, while Medbådan, shaped by the last Ice Age, combines small woodland areas with calm waters ideal for swimming or paddling. Skötbådan and Storberget offer a more rugged setting, with rocky shores and open sea views shaped by wind and waves. On the west coast, Marsten stands out for its pale stone landscape and clear waters popular for fishing. All islands must be reached by kayak, paddleboard, or boat, making the journey part of the experience.
Each location has its own atmosphere, from forested calm to exposed coastal scenery. Some are closer to small towns with restaurants and museums, while others feel more remote and wild. More detailed information about each island and nearby attractions is available on Visit Sweden’s official website.
Entering the contest is simple but creative. Applicants must submit a video, no longer than one minute, explaining why they deserve to become an island guardian. Entries must be submitted through this official form by 17 April 2026 at 11:59 pm. Sharing the video on social media with the hashtag #YourSwedishIsland can increase chances but is optional. A jury made up of Visit Sweden representatives and partner organisations will select the five most compelling applications, focusing on creativity, enthusiasm for nature, and understanding of guardianship responsibilities. Winners will be announced in May 2026.
The prize also includes a travel voucher worth up to SEK 20,000 (€18,000) for a round-trip to Sweden for two people, valid between June 2026 and May 2027. However, participants should not be camera-shy, as guardians are expected to take part in promotional activities and allow Visit Sweden to use their name, image, and comments for publicity.
Through this campaign, Sweden presents a fresh view of luxury. It is not defined by yachts, private jets, or designer resorts. Instead, it is silence, simplicity, and responsibility in nature. For one year, five people will experience what it means to care for a small part of Sweden’s vast archipelago, balancing solitude, adventure, and stewardship.
