BITCOIN ISLAND

LILLA ESSINGEN

SWEDEN:
FROM THE BIRTHPLACE OF CENTRAL BANKING TO THE FUTURE OF MONEY

Sweden laid the foundation for modern finance.

In 1668, the Swedish Riksbank became the world’s first central bank — a model later adopted across the globe. Centuries later, Sweden was also among the first nations to pilot a central bank digital currency (CBDC) with the e-krona.

But history doesn’t have to stop there.

What could be more symbolic than launching a Bitcoin Island in Sweden — the country that invented central banking?

If bitcoin is the money of the future, shouldn’t Sweden remain first and lead the way once again?

WHY LILLA ESSINGEN?

Lilla Essingen is the smallest inner-city island to live on, with about 5,000 residents and roughly 37 local businesses.

 

The mix of housing, restaurants, cafés, and small shops makes it ideal for studying how bitcoin works in everyday payment flows.

 

Facts: 23 hectares, high population density – close customer flow.

 

37 merchants: shops, restaurants, salons, pharmacies, and services.

WHY ACCEPTING BITCOIN?

Accepting Bitcoin is an easy way to invest in your future. For instance, a hairdresser who accepted 2,000 SEK in Bitcoin for a haircut in 2013 now has an investment worth around 500,000 SEK.​

  • ATTRACT NEW CUSTOMERS
    Bitcoin users actively seek businesses that accept Bitcoin.
  • FUTURE INVESTMENT
    Bitcoin’s value continues to grow. Accepting Bitcoin allows your business to benefit from its appreciation.
  • STRENGTHEN YOUR BRANDS
    Signal innovation and forward-thinking by accepting Bitcoin.
  • AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...
    Tell your grandkids that you were first.

IIT'S ALREADY HAPPENING

Check when we set up bitcoin payments in Södermalm:

POS TERMINAL

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FAQ

Common Questions About Our Bitcoin Terminal

How do I receive Bitcoin payments with the terminal?

The terminal uses the Lightning Network, a second-layer solution built on top of Bitcoin that enables almost instant Bitcoin Payments with virtually no fees. Customers pay with a Bitcoin wallet that supports Lightning. This makes Bitcoin payments smooth and efficient for both merchants and customers.

Not at all. We pre-configure everything. Just plug in and start accepting Bitcoin. Promise you - it's easier than your regular payments.

Our POS terminal works with any Bitcoin wallet that supports the Lightning Network. So really, the question is — what isn’t compatible? Popular compatible wallets include BlueWallet, Phoenix, Wallet of Satoshi, Breez, Muun, and many more. Customers can pay easily using their mobile Lightning wallets or NFC-enabled cards linked to Lightning wallets.

Can I accept Bitcoin and convert to cash or regular money?

Yes! While our POS terminal lets you accept Bitcoin payments directly, you can use various third-party services and exchanges to convert Bitcoin into your local currency whenever you want. This way, you get the benefits of accepting Bitcoin without having to hold it if you prefer traditional money. But why should you? Everyone who has chosen not to sell their Bitcoin has benefited from holding onto it over time.

We don’t charge any fees — what you receive is what you keep. The only fee involved is a tiny network fee charged by the Bitcoin Lightning Network itself. This fee helps keep the network secure and fast. To give you an idea: On a $10 (roughly 100 SEK) payment, the fee is often less than 0.1 cent — that’s under 0.1%. Much lower than traditional card fees, which can range from 1% to 3% or more.

Yes — you report the sale just like you would with any other payment method, such as cash or card. You book the transaction in SEK and pay VAT (moms) as usual. We recommend holding the Bitcoin you receive, as each sale could also be seen as a small investment. However, if the value increases and you later sell your Bitcoin at a profit, you may be liable to pay capital gains tax. Tax laws are evolving, and Bitcoin regulation is slowly changing around the world — so we're hoping to see a change in this soon.