Ready to live the island dream? With the initiative “Your Swedish Island,” Sweden is looking for travelers willing to live on and steward an island for a year. Anyone can apply—except billionaires.
My own island”: three words that remain a dream for most people—unless they are billionaires or characters from children’s novels. Sweden, home to more than 267,000 islands and one of the most island-rich countries in the world, is now opening five of them to the public for one year and is searching for responsible island stewards. Selected participants may live on the island free of charge. Anyone can apply—except the super-rich.
“Visit Sweden,” in collaboration with the government agency Statens fastighetsverk, is offering temporary use of the islands—including an official appointment as the island’s “owner” and the responsibility to care for its natural environment.
Having your own island promises exclusivity, seclusion, nature and uninterrupted quiet.
The selected islands can be used for twelve months. Camping, swimming and even inviting friends are allowed. The best part: there are no costs involved. Renaming the islands is not permitted. At the same time, Sweden’s Allemansrätten—the Right of Public Access—applies, granting everyone free access to nature as long as animals, plants and people are respected.
Applicants can choose from Medbådan, Storberget, Tjuvholmen, Sklötbådan or Marsten. Each island has its own story and distinctive landscape. Medbådan, for example, was formed during the last Ice Age. The islands are peacefully secluded yet still accessible, offering a balance between remoteness and reachability.
The only requirement: billionaires are excluded. With this rule, Visit Sweden wants to highlight that luxury is not defined by wealth but by simplicity, tranquility and the experience of nature.
Applications are open now. Anyone aged 18 or older can submit a short video explaining their motivation. Travel to Sweden for two people will be covered; the final stretch to the island must be made independently by boat or kayak. The application deadline is April 17, 2026, and the winners will be announced in May.
