Is Sweden giving away islands? The real rules of the Visit Sweden contest
No, Sweden is not giving away islands as private property. This is Visit Sweden’s “Your Swedish Island” promotional campaign, where you can win the right to use one of five islands for one year, without receiving an ownership deed. If you see headlines like “Sweden is giving away islands”, here is the concrete version: what you can really win, who can apply and where the most common exaggerations appear.
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In brief (60 seconds): the key facts about the contest
- the prize is 12 months of island use, not ownership
- the campaign is for people from outside Sweden, aged 18+
- the rules exclude billionaires, defined as people with net worth above SEK 1 billion
- there is also a travel voucher: return flights for two people, valid in 2026/27
- this is not a fully arranged move with your furniture: the rest of the logistics is up to you
- the island is not fully “closed”: Sweden’s right of public access to nature still applies
- application: a video of up to 60 seconds, vertical 9:16 format
What was announced on February 17, 2026, and why did the story go viral?
The “Your Swedish Island” campaign launched on February 17, 2026. International media picked it up the same day, followed soon after by Polish outlets. The viral effect did its job: the simple line “Sweden is giving away islands” sounds sensational, but the official materials make it clear that this is about temporary use and about showing Sweden’s approach to freedom in nature combined with responsibility.
Timeline: how the story developed in Sweden and Poland
- February 17, 2026: launch of Visit Sweden’s “Your Swedish Island” campaign
- February 17, 2026: international media coverage, for example Euronews and TimeOut
- February 18, 2026: the first major reports in Polish media, for example Onet
- February 18–19, 2026: more Polish outlets add details such as the island list, exclusions and deadline
- February 22, 2026: headlines suggesting a search for new residents appear, which is already an overinterpretation
What exactly is the prize, and what does the win not include?
Officially, you win the right to use one of five islands for one year and a commemorative diploma. A travel voucher for return flights for two people is also included, valid in 2026/27. This detail matters because some Polish reports simplify it as “moving costs are covered”, while in practice it refers to travel, not transporting your belongings.
You organise the rest of the logistics yourself, such as reaching the specific island, local transport, equipment and supplies, in line with the rules and with respect for nature.
Island list: five places, five different stories and one naming trap
The official materials list the islands Storberget, Skötbådan, Marsten, Medbådan and Tjuvholmen. In international and Polish coverage you may also see the name Flisan. It is a local name used interchangeably for one of the islands, which explains the differences between articles.
Who can apply, and why are billionaires excluded?
The entry conditions are simple: you must be 18+, live outside Sweden and meet the rules. The loudest clause is the exclusion of billionaires, defined as people with net worth above SEK 1 billion. That detail attracts attention, but it fits the campaign’s logic: this is meant to be a story about access to nature, not a contest for the richest.
How to apply step by step, and what is assessed in the application?
- go to the official campaign page and check the requirements
- record a video of up to 60 seconds, vertical 9:16, showing your idea for a year on the island
- submit your application through the campaign form
- read the terms and conditions, where all exceptions and obligations are described
It is worth noting that the campaign description mentions a jury made up of representatives of Visit Sweden, a communications agency and the state property authority. In other words, this is not a blind lottery, but a selection of applications that match the idea of the campaign.
Why the island will not be 100% private: Allemansrätten in practice
Sweden has the principle of public access to nature, known as Allemansrätten. In simple terms, nature is shared and people can use it if they do so respectfully and without damaging the environment. That is why even while “taking care” of an island, you do not have a monopoly on the land: others may appear, without fences or entry bans like on a typical private property.
Truth versus sensation: where media coverage most often exaggerates
| Headline claim | What follows from the rules and sources |
|---|---|
| “Sweden is giving away islands” | It is the right to use an island for one year, without transfer of ownership. |
| “They are looking for new residents” | It is a promotional campaign for tourism and nature, not a settlement programme. |
| “They cover moving costs” | In practice, this means a travel voucher; the rest of the logistics is the winner’s responsibility. |
| “The island will be only for you” | The right of public access to nature applies, so there is no full privacy. |
What to read next if this topic caught your attention
If this news story was interesting to you, the next question is usually: “OK, where in Europe can you realistically get something more than a viral headline?” I collected three directions to think about, each with a separate article.
Financial model: Trentino and mountain towns offering support
Not promises, but conditions. See who can benefit, what the restrictions are and why “€100,000” in headlines can be an oversimplification.
Housing model: northern Norway and “a free year” in practice
It sounds simple, but details matter: cost of living, work, logistics and winter realities. This article is for people who like to calculate everything before deciding.
If you simply want to discover similar topics without clicking through categories, here is a quick entry point:
Where to check everything in official sources, without shortcuts
- Visit Sweden: “Your Swedish Island” campaign page
- Visit Sweden – regulamin (Terms & Conditions)
- SFV: information about making five islands available in the campaign
- Visit Sweden press release: campaign and participation rules
If you are interested in a “new life in Europe”, these stories are more practical
The Swedish island is a great lifestyle story, but if you are seriously thinking about changing where you live, it is worth comparing different models: symbolic in Sweden, financial in Italy and housing-social in northern Norway.
€100,000 to move to the Trentino region
There is no headline magic here: there are conditions, thresholds and obligations. Check who can benefit, what the catches are and why the phrase “€100,000” can be an oversimplification.
A year in northern Norway with no rent costs
It sounds like a fairy tale, but the details matter: who can apply, what the real cost of living is, what about work, logistics and the winter season.
How to travel around Iceland and what to see
Discover Iceland with OndaTravel.pl: a complete guide to the Land of Fire and Ice, with beautiful waterfalls, spectacular routes such as the Golden Circle and Ring Road, glaciers, black beaches and tested 4–7 day travel plans. Practical tips, first-hand experience and ready-made inspiration will help you plan an unforgettable trip without stress and with the best use of your time on the island.
Is Sweden really giving away islands as private property?
No. The Visit Sweden campaign gives the right to use an island for one year, without transferring ownership. Details are on the official website and in the Terms u0026 Conditions.
Who can take part in the “Your Swedish Island” contest?
People aged 18+ from outside Sweden. The exact exclusions, including the billionaire clause, and the application format are described in the rules.
What exactly does the prize include, and is it a “move”?
The prize is the right to use an island for one year and a travel voucher for two people. It does not mean organising a move or transporting your belongings.
Is the island completely private only for the winner?
Full privacy is not guaranteed. Sweden has the right of public access to nature, so other people may have the right to briefly access natural areas.
Why does the name Flisan appear in some media, while other sources say Skötbådan?
Some reports use local names interchangeably, which explains the differences between articles. The official materials list the five campaign islands.
Where is the fastest place to check the rules in an official source?
On the Visit Sweden campaign page and in the Terms u0026 Conditions. SFV also publishes information about making five islands available for the initiative.
Read also / next
- Latest travel inspiration on OndaTravel
- €100,000 to move to the Trentino region: conditions and catches
- A year in northern Norway with no rent costs: how it works
- More Norway inspiration
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