It perhaps doesn’t feel that way, but according to Sweden’s state forecaster SMHI, spring has reached southern and western Sweden. That means that in the coming weeks you’ll encounter some of the classic signs of the changing seasons. These are some of the things to look out for: 

• Eight signs spring has arrived in Sweden

It’s the mid-term Sportlov holiday next week for schools in Stockholm, which will see many famillies jumping in their cars for trips to the mountains, or otherwise out into nature. Check out this article to make sure you don’t fall foul of any of Sweden’s often mind-boggling parking laws: 

• How to avoid getting too many parking fines in Sweden

Inflation in Sweden rose in Sweden for the first time in two years, a warning perhaps that the challenging economic times are not behind us. But what happens in a real financial crisis? Read this article to find out how well-protected your money is in a Swedish account:  

• How safe is your money in a Swedish bank account?

Newcomers to Sweden will often spread their knäckebröd with butter only to find they’ve committed one of the cardinal sins of Swedish table etiquette, holding on to the shared butter knife. Here’s a breakdown of why butter knives are so important to Swedes:   

• Why do Swedes care so much about butter knives? 

Over the next few weeks, orange envelopes will be sent out to people across Sweden with important information about their pension. But having a tax-shielded pension account isn’t the only way to save for your old age. This article will help you tell your AFs from your ISKs:  

• Everything you need to know about investing in Sweden

Last but not least, the end of this particularly rainy winter will mean the return of country walks. You can struggle in Sweden to find a cosy country pub or restaurant in which you can reward yourself at the end of your outing. Read this article to understand some of the historical and geographical reasons why this is so: 

• Why doesn’t Sweden have any decent village pubs?