The five best spots in Sweden to feed your brain for free

1. Sweden's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, Stockholm

Göran Ekström has been one of Sweden's most popular wildlife photographers for years. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

One of more than a dozen museums in Stockholm that recently became free as part of a government initiative last month, The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a hotbed of information about everything from the ice age to to climate change. The must-see exhibition this spring is 'Moments from the Swedish wilderness', featuring photos by Sweden's Wildlife Photographer of the Year. From pictures of nervous fox cubs to owls chilling out in their nests, Göran Ekström will draw you into some incredible Nordic nature.

2. Sami week, Umeå

If you've ever wanted to know more about Sweden's historic indigenous community, head to Umeå in northern Sweden this week. Swedish speakers can sign up for workshops, film screenings, lectures and discussions, while anyone can get under the skin of Sami life through the festival's music events. Many (though not all) activities are free. Our top tip is award-winning singer Maja Helena Fjellheim Mortensson's lunchtime gig at Umeå university, which won't cost you a krona. Click here for the full schedule.

3. The Architecture of Segregation lecture, Stockholm 

Skeppsholmen island, where the institute is located. Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TT

Sweden's Royal Institute of Art, located on Skeppsholmen island, is hosting a free open lecture on Thursday March 10th, focusing on how racism is influenced by urban spaces and housing planning. The talk is titled 'Broken Windows: On Mediapolitics, Race and the Neoliberal City' and is being given by visiting academic Reinhold Martin, Professor of Architecture in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation at Columbia University. He'll be joined by a panel of experts to debate the topical issue afterwards.

4. The Naval Museum, Karlskrona

A submarine arriving at the museum in 2012. Photo: Patric Söderström/SCANPIX/TT

Curious children and boat lovers alike are drawn to this free maritime museum on Sweden's south coast and it's a perfect destination to visit at this time of year, to get you in the mood for summer sailing trips. Voted Sweden's Museum of the Year in 2015, it includes exhibitions on the history of ship building, submarines and the technologies used by seamen in the days before compasses and GPS.

5. The Museum Express, Gothenburg

The Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg is one of the city's most popular. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/SCANPIX/TT

Not only is entry to the Museum of World Culture free since February, you can also get a free guided introduction to what is one of west Sweden's most iconic venues in which to broaden your mind. The express tour, in English, promises visitors the chance to meet the world in just 30 minutes. One of the most fascinating exhibits this spring is 'Together', an interactive experience aimed at both children and adults, which focuses on the challenges and joys of living with others.