Sweden offering Brits the chance to adopt an island

Visit Sweden and the National Property Board are inviting UK travellers to apply to adopt one of five selected Swedish islands for a year; applications run from February 17 to April 17, 2026.

Sweden is inviting UK travellers to apply to adopt one of five selected islands through a campaign called "Your Swedish Island". The islands are offered for adoption rather than sale and winners receive a one-year right to use, a diploma as island custodian, a trip to Sweden and a stewardship contract. The campaign is organised by Visit Sweden in collaboration with the National Property Board, which manages state-owned cultural heritage properties. Applications open on February 17, 2026 and close on April 17, 2026. Key details: - Sweden has more than 267,000 islands, more than any other country in the world. - Five untouched islands have been chosen for the adoption programme; winners gain a one-year right to use an island. - The offer is framed as adoption and stewardship, not a sale or permanent ownership. - Included for successful applicants are a diploma naming them island custodian, a trip to Sweden, and a contract outlining basic stewardship responsibilities. - Each selected island is described as secluded but within reach of a local community for essentials and events. - A jury will select five applicants based on creativity and personal motivation; the application window is Feb 17 to Apr 17, 2026. Summary: The initiative highlights rising interest among British travellers in quiet, nature-focused trips, with a YouGov survey cited as saying seven in 10 Brits would welcome time away from crowds. The next step is the selection process: applications are open until April 17, 2026 and a jury will choose five custodians.