Have you ever fantasized about owning your very own private island? A place where you can retreat from the daily grind, savor the soothing sound of waves caressing the shore, take leisurely walks on sandy beaches at dusk, and revel in the unspoiled beauty of untouched landscapes? Well, your dream could become a reality.
In a unique opportunity, Visit Sweden is offering five of its private islands to UK travelers for an entire year. This means you could have exclusive access to your personal island retreat, away from crowds and popular tourist destinations, for 365 days as a custodian, bearing the official title of ‘Island Custodian’.
Sweden is famous for its vast array of over 267,000 islands, nestled amidst serene surroundings, and one of these could be yours. Five pristine and unspoiled islands are up for grabs in the Scandinavian nation, and all you need to do is submit a video explaining why you believe you deserve to have your own Swedish island.
However, there’s a caveat for those interested in this opportunity, as you will be responsible for maintaining the island during your tenure. So, while you enjoy the breathtaking views and bask in the summer sun, you will also need to ensure the upkeep of this secluded paradise.
Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden, expressed, “Sweden boasts more islands than any other country globally, and we want to offer people the chance to experience perhaps the purest form of luxury: the serenity and tranquility of nature on their very own island.”
This exciting initiative is a collaboration between Visit Sweden and the National Property Board, which oversees state-owned cultural heritage sites. They described the available islands as “incredibly secluded,” yet located near a “local community for essential services,” ensuring you have all you need for this once-in-a-lifetime escape.
Providing details on the islands, Visit Sweden mentioned:
One of the islands on offer is Medbadan, characterized by its formation during the last ice age, where visitors can relish the brackish water, swim, or paddle gently among the skerries. Storberget is another remote island available, shaped by the open sea and known as “The big mountain.”
Additionally, there is the wooded island of Tjuvholmen, adorned with lighter patches of birch and alder near the water, providing a peaceful retreat where you can listen to the calls of gulls and sea eagles. Marsten is perfect for fishing enthusiasts with its clear waters, while the nearby Skrea strand beach offers a livelier atmosphere.
Susanne further mentioned, “If you miss out on these islands, fret not. Sweden has numerous other islands that everyone can enjoy. From tranquil lakes to expansive coastlines, there’s an island paradise awaiting all.”
Applications are currently open, and the deadline for submissions is April 17, 2026. For further details and guidelines on creating your video submission, visit the Visit Sweden website.
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