“Your Swedish Island” invites visitors to become stewards of five Swedish islands for a year.
With the launch of the “Your Swedish Island” program, Visit Sweden and the National Property Board of Sweden are asking tourists from around the world to apply for the chance to take care of one of five carefully chosen islands for a period of 12 months.
“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,” says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden.
Each of the five islands is characterised as remote but reachable, offering privacy, clean air, and healing natural surroundings while being close enough to nearby communities for necessities like grocery and postal services. Experiences that combine cultural connectivity with seclusion, like traditional Midsummer festivals, are still accessible.
The change reflects changing preferences for international travel. In a recent YouGov study, 44% of participants said they would be content to withdraw to their own island in order to avoid the crowds. The results also show that people are becoming more interested in quiet, clean air, and low-impact travel, and they are avoiding crowded places more and more in an effort to lessen their role in over tourism.
Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden Says, “According to Visit Sweden, the program reflects a larger need for sustainable, purposeful vacations. Don’t worry if you don’t receive one of these islands. Everyone can enjoy many more in Sweden. There is room for everyone to slow down, breathe deeply, and find their own version of happiness in our islands, from serene lakes to expansive coastlines.”
Applications are now being taken on visitsweden.com/your-swedish-island for foreign visitors, which launched on February 17, 2026. Five selected applicants will be revealed in June 2026 after a jury reviews submissions based on originality and self-motivation.
What Will Be Given to Selected Candidates:
Use of one of the five chosen islands for a period of one year.
A certificate attesting to the winner’s status as the official caretaker of the island.
An itinerary for a trip to Sweden.
A contract defining the fundamental duties of stewardship.
