1. Soak up the sounds of Gothenburg

 

West Sweden boasts a surprising number of national and international stars, from indie folk songwriter Jose Gonzalez to rock groups The Knife and Spotnicks. Friday 14th January is your last chance to see the praised exhibition at the City Museum of Gothenburg, focusing on the artists and people working behind the scenes who have influenced the region's music scene. Entry is 40 kronor.

 

Come along on a historic journey through the popular music of Gothenburg. Photo: Göran Assner/imagebank.sweden.se

 

2. Watch The Swedish Theory of Love

 

Sweden's individualistic approach to romance is sparking global debates at the moment, following the release of the Swedish Theory of Love last week, which asks whether residents have gone so far in their quest for independence that they have ended up lonelier than ever. The movie is on in cinemas nationwide. It's narrated in English, with some interviews done in Swedish. Click here for screening times at the main SF movie theatre chain and don't miss The Local's interview with its director Erik Gandini.

 

The Swedish Theory of Love questions if Swedes are too independent. Photo: Fasad

 

3. Swelter in the country's most amazing sauna

 

Wherever you are in Sweden, you're never too far from a sauna (or bastu as the Swedes say) – the perfect place to warm up! One of the most spectacular saunas is in the Frihamnen area of Gothenburg. It offers incredible water views and is made almost entirely from recycled materials. Grab one of the last spots for this weekend by booking online or fix a visit later in the month. It's free!

 

Go and warm up in the probably most spectacular sauna in Sweden (Gothenburg). Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

 

4. Get an education on Lapland's northern lights 

 

The world's first ever multi-day Aurora Borealis festival is happening in Bjorkliden in Swedish Lapland from 15th – 17th January, giving visitors the chance to learn about the Northern Lights without having to step foot outdoors. Experts who study, photograph and teach about the rare phenomena will hold small workshops and lectures, with only 30 spots available for each event. The festival is free but visitors are asked to sign up in advance and give a donation of 350 kronor, which will go to the Swedish Mountain Rescue Service.

 

Photo: Magnus Hjalmarson Neideman/SVD/TT

 

5. Shop the sales at the Mall of Scandinavia

 

The sales (known as 'rea' in Swedish) are in full force across Sweden, so if you are struggling with the cold weather, now is the time to head inside a toasty shopping centre to hunt for a discounted jacket, gloves or even some snow boots. This is the first winter that Stockholm's brand new giant Mall of Scandinavia in Solna is open for business, after welcoming its debut customers just before Christmas. Click here for a full list of its stores, cafes and restaurants. There's a cosy cinema inside too

 

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The mall in Solna, north of Stockholm. Photo: Henrik Holmberg/TT

 

 

Check out our interactive calendar below for more things to do in Sweden