Zero-cost luxury: How to get private Swedish island and free round-trip
How to get your own Swedish island for free (photo: visitsweden.com)
Private islands have long been considered a privilege of billionaires. But Sweden has decided to change the game. With a record 267,570 islands, more than any other country in the world, Sweden is launching a campaign that allows anyone to experience true northern luxury: their very own island, to live alone with nature.
Visit Sweden explains how to get your own island for free and why Sweden has become the most desirable destination of the year.
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Why Sweden is the new luxury
In Sweden, “luxury” doesn’t mean gold faucets; it means peace, ecology, and space. The country has a unique “Right of Public Access” (Allemansrätten), which allows anyone to freely walk through forests and swim in lakes.
Sweden also boasts the cleanest air, fresh fish, and cultural hubs set directly in the wilderness.
What we know about the “Island for Everyone” contest
The tourist organization Visit Sweden is holding a unique contest where the prize is an island for a full year.
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Four winners will gain access to four different islands.
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The contest is open to anyone over 18 years old who is not a Swedish resident or citizen.
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Employees of Visit Sweden, their families, agents, suppliers, representatives, and consultants cannot participate.
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Billionaires with net assets over 1 billion Swedish kronor (or equivalent) are also ineligible.
All applications will be reviewed by a jury, which will select four winners. Each winner will receive a certificate and exclusive use of a designated Swedish island for one year. No ownership rights are granted. The prize cannot be exchanged, transferred, or converted to cash.
Each winner will also receive a travel voucher for a round trip to Sweden (for two people), valued at 20,000 Swedish kronor.
Sweden offers 4 islands for free (photo: visitsweden.com)
4 islands waiting for a new owner
Medbodan (Northern Escape)
Shaped by glaciers, this island is perfect for those seeking cozy seclusion among spruces and pines.
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Location: 35 km from the city of Umeå
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Highlights: Taste fresh fish at Kvarken Fisk restaurant or visit the Bildmuseet contemporary art museum
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Nearby accommodation: Hostel in the former priest’s house Holmöns Prästgård
Storberget (Granite Majesty)
Despite its name, “Big Mountain,” this island is a rugged granite outcrop in the open sea.
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Location: 30 km from Nynäshamn
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Highlights: Castle safari (over 400 in the area!) or dinner by the harbor at Kroken restaurant
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Nearby accommodation: Lotstornet pilot tower
Tjuvholmen (Bird Paradise)
An island surrounded by pine forests and birches, where your only neighbors are sea eagles and gulls.
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Location: 25 km from Lidköping
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Highlights: Taste vendace caviar in the fishing village of Spiken
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Nearby accommodation: Victoriahuset nature center near Lecko Castle
Marsten (Between Wilderness and Civilization)
Pale rock and clear waters. Ideal for those seeking solitude but not ready to give up coffee on the beach.
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Location: 9 km from Falkenberg
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Highlights: Visit the Rian Design Museum or enjoy craft pizza at Skrea Matbruk
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Nearby accommodation: Ocean Hotel (balcony view of your future island)
Live on an island for a full year for free (photo: visitsweden.com)
How to become an island owner: step-by-step guide
Sweden is looking for people with a story. To win an island and a round-trip to Sweden, you need to:
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Record a video. Vertical format (9:16), up to 1 minute long.
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Tell your story. Explain why you deserve your own Swedish island. Be honest and creative.
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Submit your application. Upload your video via the official form by April 17, 2026 (23:59 CET).
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Boost your chances. Share your video on social media with the hashtag #YourSwedishIsland and tag @visitsweden.
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