The tourism organization Visit Sweden has announced an unusual contest, the winners of which will be able to enjoy authentic Swedish islands free of charge for an entire year. Travelers from all over the world can participate — all they need to do is record a short video. Learn more about the contest rules, available islands, and the rights of their future guardians

Sweden has launched an unusual tourism campaign, in which four people from anywhere in the world will be able to have real islands at their disposal for 12 months. The initiative is organized by the official tourism organization Visit Sweden and aims to showcase the Swedish approach to interacting with nature.

Who can apply, what are the conditions for participation, and what exactly will the winners receive — we will tell you more in this article.

Are you planning a trip to Sweden or another European country?

The Visit World portal offers quick and convenient medical insurance for travelers with coverage anywhere in the world.

Why Sweden is giving away islands: the essence of the Visit Sweden campaign

Sweden holds the record for the number of islands among all countries in the world — there are over 267,000 of them. This fact was the starting point for a campaign called “Your Swedish Island.” The tourism organization Visit Sweden decided to use the country's natural wealth to attract the attention of international travelers to the Swedish way of life.

The organizers emphasize that the goal of the campaign is to rethink the concept of luxury. In their view, true luxury lies in silence, space, and balance with nature, rather than material wealth. Visit Sweden CEO Susanne Andersson noted that Sweden wants to invite people to experience peace and freedom on their own island, as this is the most authentic form of relaxation in the Swedish sense.

Which islands can you get for free in Sweden?

Four islands are up for grabs in the contest, each with its own unique features and character.

Medbadan is an island formed during the last ice age. It is located about 35 kilometers southwest of the city of Umeå and is considered a great place for swimming and fishing.

Storberg is a compact granite island located 30 kilometers north of Nynäs. Despite its name, which ironically translates as “big mountain,” the island is quite modest in size.

Tjuvholmen is located about 25 kilometers north of Lidköping and is covered with pine forests, making it attractive for those who enjoy forest walks. Marsten is a rocky island 9 kilometers from Falkenberg, which is particularly suitable for those who enjoy fishing. All four islands have one thing in common: they are located in relatively isolated locations, so winners will need to arrange their own transportation — by kayak, boat, or surfboard.

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Visit Sweden's contest rules: who can participate and how to apply?

The contest is open to citizens of any country in the world except Sweden. The minimum age for participants is 18. An interesting detail is that the organizers explicitly state that applications from billionaires will not be considered.

In this way, Visit Sweden wants to emphasize that the campaign is aimed at people who appreciate simplicity, not those who already have access to private islands.

To participate, you need to record a vertical video up to one minute long in which the participant explains why they deserve to receive a Swedish island. The video must be uploaded via a special form on the campaign website. The deadline for applications is April 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET. Participants can also increase their chances by sharing their video on social media with the hashtag #YourSwedishIsland. The jury will select the winners from among the most creative entries, and the results will be announced in May-June 2026.

What will the winners of the Visit Sweden competition receive: rights and restrictions of island guardians

The winners of the competition will receive official status as island guardians, confirmed by a special diploma. This status gives them the right to use the island for 12 months. During this time, the guardian can pitch tents, swim, invite friends, and spend time in nature. The prize also includes a trip to Sweden for two people.

It is worth noting that the winners become guardians, not owners, of the islands. This means that it will not be possible to rename the island or use it for commercial purposes. In addition, Sweden has a legally established right of public access to natural areas, so other people retain the ability to visit or pass through the island throughout the entire period of guardianship. The main requirement for guardians is to treat the local flora, fauna, and environment with care.

Traveling to Sweden, as to any other country, requires responsible preparation. One of the key elements of planning is obtaining medical insurance, which will protect you from unexpected expenses in case of health problems abroad. The Visit World portal offers a convenient service for obtaining medical insurance for travelers with coverage in various countries around the world.

Whether you are planning to participate in the competition for a Swedish island or simply dreaming of traveling to Scandinavia, take care of your health in advance.

Get medical insurance on the Visit World portal — it's fast, reliable, and affordable!

Reminder! In 2025, Sweden introduced digital passport verification for foreigners applying for study or work.

Illustrative photo: Freepik

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