Sweden's Unprecedented Island Giveaway to UK Travellers
In an extraordinary and rare opportunity, Visit Sweden is offering five private islands for a full year to UK travellers, providing a peaceful oasis amidst breathtaking natural scenery. This custodianship program allows winners to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoying the gentle lapping of waves, sandy beaches at sunset, and untouched landscapes with undeniable freedom.
The Custodianship Opportunity
Selected winners will receive full access to their very own island for 365 days, away from crowds and typical holiday hotspots. They will be granted the official title of 'Island Custodian', a unique honour in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sweden, renowned for having more than 267,000 islands—the most of any country in the world—is making this offer to share its natural treasures.
Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden, explained: "Sweden has more islands than any other country in the world, and we would like to invite people to enjoy what may be the most genuine form of luxury: the peace and tranquillity of nature on your own island."
The Islands Up for Grabs
The five islands available are described as "wonderfully secluded" yet conveniently located near local communities for essentials. Each island offers distinct features:
- Medbådan: Shaped by the last ice age, this island features brackish water ideal for swimming or gentle paddling among the skerries.
- Storberget: Known as "The big mountain", this remote island has been shaped by the open sea.
- Tjuvholmen: A woodland island with lighter patches of birch and alder near the water, offering tranquil sounds of gulls and sea eagles.
- Marsten: Perfect for fishing enthusiasts with its clear waters.
- Skrea strand: A nearby beach providing a more lively atmosphere.
What's Included and Responsibilities
Winners will receive:
- A one-year right to use one of the five selected islands.
- A diploma certifying them as the official island custodian.
- A trip to Sweden.
- A contract outlining basic stewardship responsibilities.
However, there is a catch: custodians must responsibly look after their island oasis, balancing enjoyment with care for the environment.
How to Apply
To enter, applicants must share a video explaining why they deserve their own Swedish island. The competition, launched in partnership with the National Property Board—which manages state-owned cultural heritage properties—is open until April 17, 2026. For more details on submission requirements, visit the Visit Sweden website.
Andersson added: "If you don’t get one of these islands, don’t worry. Sweden has many more that everyone can enjoy. From quiet lakes to open coastlines, there's an island paradise waiting for one and all."
