Did you know that the world’s top three countries with the most islands are all in Scandinavia? Sweden has more than any nation, with 267,570 of them, and it’s giving five very lucky people the chance to live in one of them rent-free for a year.
According to Euronews, Susanne Andersson, the CEO at Visit Sweden, said they’d 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.”
The Islands: What to Know
The five private, uninhabited islands that winners will live on include Medbådan, Tjuvholmen, Skötbådan, Storberget, and Marsten. Each one is wonderfully secluded but close enough to a local community where you’ll have access to essentials from groceries to cultural celebrations like the traditional Midsummer events.
Medbådan: Located in the Västerbotten region of northern Sweden, known for its rocky landscape with a small area of pine and spruce trees at its center. It’s popular for swimming, paddling between the nearby skerries, and birdwatching.
Tjuvholmen: A small, peaceful islet in Lake Vänern near Läckö Castle between Kållandsö and Stora Eken that combines spectacular nature with rich history. The small wooded island has many spruce and pine trees, while offering clear blue waters for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Skötbådan: A rocky outcrop about 18 miles southeast of Norrtälje, the nearest town. Once used by the fishing industry to anchor herring nets, today it’s a place to simply breathe in the fresh air and watch for marine life. The neighboring island of Arholma Nord is home to a restaurant popular for its home-smoked fish and has a top-secret defense facility hidden beneath.
Storberget: Known as the “big mountain,” Storberget isn’t a mountainous island, rather covered in granite, with its rugged landscape shaped by the open sea providing uninterrupted views of the water. The neighboring region is known for its castles, with more than 400 of them, while the closest town is Nynäshamn, 20 miles north.
Marsten: An island with only sparse vegetation, the closest town of Falkenberg is less than six miles away, while Skrea strand, popular for its beaches, offers cafes that make it easier to do some socializing should you feel the need for company.
The Catch
Not only do you have to face stiff competition to beat out all the other entrants and become one of the fortunate five, but you’ll need to agree to take care of “your” island, serving as the custodian with basic stewardship responsibilities.
How to Apply
While the announcement was made on February 17, 2026, you still have until April 17 to apply at visitsweden.com. You can increase your odds of winning by posting a publicly available video application on TikTok or Instagram using the hashtags #YourSwedishIsland and #visitsweden. The best five applicants will be chosen based on personal motivation and creativity.
