With over 267,000 islands, Sweden has more islands than any other country on Earth – islands that are defined by calm, rest, clean air and restorative nature, large or small, set in the sea or emerging from a lake. With a rethinking of what luxury means, Sweden is now offering five of them for free to use and care for during a year.
The initiative “Your Swedish Island” initiative is designed to redefine what many associate with luxury. In place of exclusivity or excess, it offers simplicity, solitude, and space – quality of life experiences that are increasingly resonating with travellers around the world.
“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,” says Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden.
Launched by Visit Sweden in collaboration with the National Property Board, the initiative invites travellers to apply for the chance to become custodians of one of five carefully selected islands. Each location is wonderfully secluded, yet close enough to a local community for essentials, whether it’s picking up groceries, posting a letter, or joining a traditional Midsummer celebration.
For many, the idea of escaping to a private island has long symbolized the ultimate dream – not just as a luxury, but as a way to disconnect and breathe, says Visit Sweden, citing a recent global YouGov survey aligns with a shift in values: 44% of respondents say they would be happy to escape the crowds by going to their own island.
The same survey found that people are increasingly drawn to silence, fresh air, and free access to nature, with global travellers increasingly actively avoiding overcrowded destinations – not only for their own comfort, but to reduce their contribution to overtourism.
Instead, they’re seeking quiet, low-impact places: coastal or lakeside sanctuaries where they can truly unplug – something Sweden has in abundance.
“If you don’t get one of these islands, don’t worry. Sweden has many more that everyone can enjoy,” says Susanne Andersson. “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.”
What’s included:
- A one-year right to use one of the five selected islands
- A diploma certifying the winner as official island custodian
- A travel voucher for a trip to Sweden
- A contract outlining basic stewardship responsibilities
A jury will select five successful applicants based on creativity and personal motivation. The application deadline is April 26 and successful candidates will be announced in June. For more information and apply at https://visitsweden.com/your-swedish-island/ .
And watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaTnvqgBkt4 .
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