This country is offering five people a private island for a year
Sweden is offering five individuals the chance to live rent-free on private islands for a year as custodians. This initiative, Your Swedish Island, aims to promote nature tourism by highlighting the country's vast number of islands and encouraging...
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
Sweden has launched a programme offering five people the opportunity to live rent-free on private islands for a year, provided they agree to take care of them as custodians.
The initiative, called Your Swedish Island, was announced on February 17 and invites applicants to spend a year on one of five selected islands, according to a report by Travel + Leisure. Participants will stay without paying rent but must follow basic stewardship responsibilities during their stay.
Programme aims to promote nature tourism
The programme is organised by Visit Sweden in collaboration with the National Property Board of Sweden. The selected islands are described as secluded but located close to local communities where residents can access essential services such as groceries or postal facilities.
Susanne Andersson said the initiative aims to highlight the country’s large number of islands and promote nature-based travel experiences.
“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 tranquility of nature on your own island,” she said, as quoted by Travel + Leisure.
A jury will select five winners based on creativity and personal motivation. The organisers will announce the winners in June.
Andersson said that even those who do not win the contest can still explore the country’s islands.
She said, “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 space for everyone to slow down, breathe deeply, and find their own version of happiness in our islands.”
The initiative, called Your Swedish Island, was announced on February 17 and invites applicants to spend a year on one of five selected islands, according to a report by Travel + Leisure. Participants will stay without paying rent but must follow basic stewardship responsibilities during their stay.
Programme aims to promote nature tourism
The programme is organised by Visit Sweden in collaboration with the National Property Board of Sweden. The selected islands are described as secluded but located close to local communities where residents can access essential services such as groceries or postal facilities.Susanne Andersson said the initiative aims to highlight the country’s large number of islands and promote nature-based travel experiences.
“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 tranquility of nature on your own island,” she said, as quoted by Travel + Leisure.
Island travel is set to dominate holiday plans in 2026, with travellers looking for places that offer nature, culture and a slower pace of life. From the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, certain islands are seeing a sharp rise in global interest due to better air connectivity, renewed tourism focus and wider exposure through travel media and popular culture. According to Conde Nast Traveller, these six islands are emerging as top choices for 2026, appealing to travellers seeking beaches, heritage, food and outdoor experiences in one trip.
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Applications open; winners to be announced in June
Applications for the programme are now open on the official Visit Sweden website. Applicants can also submit a public video on Instagram or TikTok using the hashtags #visitsweden and #YourSwedishIsland to improve their chances.A jury will select five winners based on creativity and personal motivation. The organisers will announce the winners in June.
Andersson said that even those who do not win the contest can still explore the country’s islands.
She said, “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 space for everyone to slow down, breathe deeply, and find their own version of happiness in our islands.”
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