Writer: Helena Bergström
The winter this year is still fantastic! I realise that not everyone loves the cold, but if you're going to have cold, it's nice to have sun and snow. In Stockholm, we're used to short episodes of winter saga, but this year it continues, and continues ...
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Houseboating - and replacing the heating cable
Many people wonder if we are cold in our houseboat, but we are not. We have underfloor heating, radiators and an air source heat pump - as well as a stove if we want to heat up. But, the cold still poses some challenges. We sweep the gangway, we salt around the gangway wheels and we chop ice around the boat.
We told you last Friday about the power cut that we had. We realised a little later that we needed to change the heating cable at the inlet, and we therefore needed to bring in a plumber. We then had to turn off the water for the entire dock (about 2o houseboats) for a morning - yes, that's living in a houseboat!
Another interesting thing to know about our houseboat marina is that ducks like it here. They like to swim, and our marina has plenty of open water, thanks to large propellers that keep the water moving.
Winter - with people on the ice
People love to walk on the ice, that's it! We see them all day long, both from the houseboat windows and when we walk. The ice is thick now, absolutely! At the same time, it's a bit scary here in the city centre - there are many sensitive areas with inlets, outlets, drains and gutters where icebreakers drive now and then. And yes, people, walk through the ice from time to time!
We get a little nervous looking at the people on the ice... We just wish: Keep an eye on the status of the ice, have ice studs with you, don't go alone ...!
Inspiration for Kenya
Travelling from the Swedish winter to the warmth of Kenya can feel like a long way, but after all, we only travelled to the Kenyan embassy. Here we listened to the ambassador, and we also met several representatives of different hotels and operators in Kenya. Were we inspired? Definitely!
It's been many years since we visited Kenya, but that's where our fascination for the African continent started. Beautiful nature, amazing wildlife, exciting culture and wonderful people!
This week: Grateful for ...
This week, we are especially grateful that we have sorted out the heating cable at the inlet - extremely important for us! What are you thankful for this week...?
The week ahead
We've been hanging out in Stockholm for a while now, but soon it's time for us to embark on a new journey, to Spain. We will tell you more soon! For now, have a great Friday and weekend!
Did you miss the last Friday Blog? Read it Power cut in the houseboat - and other events this week
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English (UK) 
Svenska
Anna i Portugal says:
So important with the heating cable I understand. I have such a fear of ice breaking that I can't remember ever walking on a frozen lake. I am very grateful that the rain has stopped, and that we will now have a few days with over 20 degrees! Wishing you a great weekend!
20 February 2026 - 9:03
Helena says:
I also have great respect for ice. Here in the city centre, I find it particularly scary because there are many ”sensitive” areas. Then, of course, you should have the right equipment, and not go alone ...
20 February 2026 - 18:14
Eval8 says:
It really has been winter for a long time now. Now I wish it would change and thaw, so that spring can open the door.
I understand that you needed to fix your heating cable, it is needed in the cold.
I am grateful that we had a great time with three of the grandchildren and their grandparents. It is really something to be grateful for, that we enjoy each other and can do things together.
Have a nice weekend!
20 February 2026 - 10:10
Helena says:
Days with the grandchildren and their grandparents sound great! Right now we think winter is nice, but we can look forward to spring too! 🙂
20 February 2026 - 18:16
Marika says:
How nice with the ducks! I'm glad you solved the electricity problem. Not fun when everything just goes dark and unusable. I'm thankful I made it to the pool. Feels like a journey to me.
20 February 2026 - 11:26
Helena says:
We have a lot of ducks and other seabirds here, thanks to the open water. Cosy! Glad you got away to the swimming pool as you wanted! Wish you a nice weekend!
20 February 2026 - 18:17
JoY says:
I understand that you needed to fix the heating cable, especially when you are going away. You don't want anything to freeze while you're away.
We have respect for the ice, ice spikes a must. I think it's an unpleasant sound when the dull jingling sound comes in the ice and you stand out there. We used to go long-distance skating but have become more careful and perhaps above all older and not as agile. Did you walk on the ice over to Hornsberg?
Have a nice weekend
20 February 2026 - 11:49
Helena says:
Yes, that sound ... so special! No, we don't usually walk on the ice here in town. Sometimes the icebreakers drive up a chute and when it has snowed a bit it is difficult to see where the chute is ... A little too unpleasant to walk on the ice here I think!
20 February 2026 - 13:46
Ditte says:
We have certainly had nice, but chilly days in Stockholm. A bit of a pity for everyone who has electric heating in their homes because the price of electricity is now expensive.
Good to have a new cable. Quite important.
Grateful for this week? Nice walks, been to the National Museum with the Promenade Club and seen their fantastic portrait exhibition. One member has four contributions and he guided us. There was also a visit to the Soup Theatre. (Usually go almost every week) Lunch with friends, drink at the Grand Hotel ... Really love to ”own” my time.
Going out on the ice now is quite risky, have seen those who dropped in on Lake Mälaren. I used to do a lot of long-distance skiing so I can now miss that I am not physically able. But then always with ice spikes and proper equipment.
20 February 2026 - 12:36
bmlarsreseblogg says:
What a winter you had! Nice with real winter but it will be nice when spring comes and knocks on the door! Lovely with an event at the Kenyan Embassy with some African vibes in the winter weather! The best part of the week is that it looks like it will be sunny and 18 degrees for a few days ahead!
20 February 2026 - 12:41
Linda says:
I am a retired 69 year old lady living in Montreal, Canada ❤️ 😊 🇨🇦
I love Winter, cold 🥶 weather and snow ❄️
Your photos are beautiful and captivating.
Thank you so much for sharing. I love to see other people enjoying and celebrating Winter.
20 February 2026 - 18:56
BP says:
Thank goodness you got the heating cable sorted. I guess your neighbours didn't even notice that the water was gone, because most of them are at work during the day. At least I hope so;-)
It's nice to have a trip to Spain planned. You wanted to visit your friends who have moved to Spain already for New Year, but you did not. So maybe that trip will happen now. Keep your fingers crossed.
Kenya is probably not a bad country to go to, preferably on a press trip...
20 February 2026 - 21:44
Lena - gott för själen says:
Yes what a lovely winter we are having this year. Love it! If it's supposed to be winter, it can still be cold and snow, I think.
Ice is treacherous. I have great respect for it. Heard about people taking their prams out on the ice in town. It's horrible!
Africa is fascinating. I like what I've seen too.
Hug Lena
23 February 2026 - 14:55