Published on
February 19, 2026
Image generated with Ai
The Sweden campaign offering private islands for a year as a luxury experience has captured the global imagination by redefining what true opulence entails in the modern era. Through the innovative Island for Everyone contest, international travelers are invited to trade material excess for the profound tranquility of the Nordic wilderness. This initiative, officially titled Your Swedish Island, highlights the nation’s status as the most island-rich country on Earth, boasting a staggering 267,570 individual landmasses. By participating in this unique opportunity, winners are granted the chance to become official custodians of pristine environments, immersing themselves in the restorative power of nature while enjoying a version of northern luxury that focuses on silence, space, and simplicity.
A Revolutionary Concept of Luxury Without the Price Tag
The traditional definition of luxury is being challenged by Visit Sweden in collaboration with the National Property Board. While private islands are typically associated with billionaire retreats and exclusive resorts, this campaign is specifically designed to democratize the experience of solitude. It is posited that the greatest contemporary luxury is not found in high-end amenities, but in the luxury of time and the freedom to breathe clean, crisp air far from urban congestion.
By inviting non-Swedish residents to apply for this experience, the campaign seeks to foster a deeper connection between humanity and the environment. The role of the custodian is not merely one of leisure; it is a position of stewardship. For a full twelve-month cycle, successful applicants are expected to live in harmony with the local ecosystem, respecting the Swedish principle of Allemansrätten, or the Right of Public Access, while maintaining the untouched beauty of their temporary home.
Discovering the Four Pristine Sanctuaries Up for Grabs
The selection of islands for this contest was meticulously curated to provide a diverse range of Swedish landscapes, each offering a distinct atmosphere for the winners. These locations are secluded enough to ensure absolute privacy, yet strategically positioned within reach of local communities for essential needs like groceries or mail.
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- Medbådan: Located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the northern town of Umeå, this island was sculpted by the last Ice Age. It offers a rugged, geological beauty that serves as a testament to the raw power of nature.
- Storberget: Ironically nicknamed the big mountain despite its modest elevation, this granite outcrop in Södermanland provides a wild, back-to-basics experience where the full force of the Baltic Sea can be felt and admired.
- Tjuvholmen: Nestled roughly 25 kilometers north of Lidköping, this island is characterized by its lush pine-lined shores, offering a classic Swedish forest-meets-water aesthetic that is synonymous with peace. Visit the fishing village of Spiken to experience Vendace caviar.
- Marsten: Located in Falkenberg. Travellers will get to see clear waves and pale rock. Perfect for people who want to be alone but aren’t prepared to give up coffee on the beach. Also, they can enjoy handcrafted pizza at Skrea Matbruk or visit the Rian Design Museum. Additionally, travellers don’t have to worry about accommodations as Ocean Hotel is there with balcony view of your future island.
The Immersive Journey into the Heart of the North
To be chosen for this life-altering experience, candidates are required to demonstrate a genuine passion for nature through a creative video submission. The focus of the selection process is not on social status or financial means—in fact, billionaires are famously excluded from applying—but on the applicant’s motivation to embrace a simpler way of life. For the four selected individuals, the year-long stay is more than a holiday; it is a total immersion into the rhythms of the northern seasons.
The winners will experience the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun during the summer months, followed by the dramatic transition into the dark, cozy months of winter where the Northern Lights may dance across the sky. Throughout the year, the custodians will have the opportunity to participate in traditional Swedish celebrations, such as the Midsummer festival, ensuring that their solitude is balanced by meaningful cultural exchanges with nearby villagers. This blend of isolation and community integration is designed to provide a holistic understanding of what it means to live as a local in the Swedish archipelago.
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Stewardship and the Responsibility of Freedom
The legal framework of the contest is established through a contract that outlines the basic stewardship responsibilities of each winner. As official island custodians, the participants are granted a diploma certifying their status and a one-year right to use the land. This includes the freedom to camp, swim, and explore, provided that no permanent damage is done to the flora or fauna.
The initiative is supported by research indicating that a significant portion of the global population is currently seeking an escape from digital overload and crowded tourist destinations. By offering these islands to the world, Sweden is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable, high-value tourism. It is anticipated that the stories shared by the winners during their year of residence will inspire a global audience to reconsider their own relationship with nature and the true meaning of a luxurious life.
The campaign serves as a reminder that the most profound experiences are often the most fundamental ones: watching a sunset over an empty horizon, feeling the texture of ancient granite underfoot, and finding contentment in the quietude of a private Nordic sanctuary.

