There are many ways to be rich in this life. You could be rich in love, surrounded by friends and family. You could be rich in time, to spend how you wish, whether that be meditating in the forest, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or going for a swim.
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Or you could just be stinkin’, own-a-private-island, rich.
Now Visit Sweden is giving you the chance to experience a bit of both as the tourism board is giving away five private islands in a bid to “share a very Swedish perspective on freedom and responsibility in nature”.
“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 at Visit Sweden.
‘Your Swedish Island’ – or is it?
Before you start planning on turning your private island into a resort or start some other money-making scheme, there are some caveats.
While it would be “Your Swedish Island”, as the name of the campaign implies, you won’t actually own it, and you won’t be able to rename the island in your honour. Instead, you will be the official island custodian (with a diploma to prove it) with a one-year right to use the island.
During that time, you'll be able to camp, swim, invite your friends over, and spend time in nature, provided you show consideration for the local wildlife and environment.
As Sweden has the Right of Public Access enshrined in law, other people may visit or pass through your island during that time, too.
How to win a private island
Five private islands are up for grabs – Medbådan, Flisan, Storberget, Tjuvholmen and Marsten – and the prize also includes a round-trip to Sweden for two people.
Unfortunately, that prize does not include a round-trip to the “wonderfully secluded” islands you could own, so winners should be prepared to rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or boat on their travels.
To enter the competition, you’ll need to submit a video explaining why you deserve an island in under a minute. You can increase your chances by sharing the clip on social media with the hashtag #YourSwedishIsland.
Entries need to be submitted before 17 April 2026, and a jury will select the most creative submissions and announce the winners in May this year.
The competition is open to all international travellers aged 18 and above, except billionaires. This is because Visit Sweden “seeks to redefine luxury as simplicity, silence, and freedom in nature – not material excess”.