Ice road in Estonia – a seasonal route for brave drivers

While in our country people are warned against stepping onto frozen bodies of water, in Estonia they are encouraged to travel on ice… by car. A harsh winter has meant that even specially adapted ferries are struggling with the frozen Baltic Sea. The ice road designated between the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa offers a unique opportunity to drive on ice in controlled conditions: with road signs, monitoring, and even a bridge.

Ice road – an alternative to uncertain ferry connections

Estonia is well prepared to maintain public transport during severe winters. As reported by the local portal ERR, ice-class ferries operate between the islands, with reinforced hulls that allow navigation through the freezing Baltic Sea.

This year, however, ferries operating between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa cannot be fully relied upon. Persistent frost has made the ice cover thicker than usual, and even vessels that normally serve this route are unable to break through it.

Initially, the Estonian Transport Administration did not plan to open a new route. The ice road is a response to grassroots actions by drivers. Many people, at their own risk, shortened their journey between the islands by driving across the frozen Baltic Sea.

As emphasized by Hannes Vaidla, Director of the Western Region Road Management Department at the Estonian Transport Administration, such actions were very dangerous. Those traveling across the ice were extremely fortunate to reach land.

When we began to examine the situation more closely, it turned out that along long sections the thickness of the ice cover was less than 20 centimeters, says Hannes Vaidla.

The official ice road between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa was carefully prepared by Estonian road workers. Two teams were responsible for marking it out, starting work simultaneously from the shores of both islands in order to meet at a designated point. The route is not provisional – it features road signs and even monitoring. In the event of cracks appearing, specialists will build bridges, one has already been constructed. Transport authorities stress, however, that the solution is temporary.

It is obvious that the ice road cannot be maintained in perfect condition at all times; it will wear out and crack, Hannes Vaidla told ERR.

By car across the Baltic Sea – only for the cautious

Special safety rules apply on the 17-kilometer ice road between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. There is no question of accelerating to high speeds or showing off while driving. It is recommended to travel at speeds of up to 25 km/h or within the range of 40–70 km/h. These unusual rules result from the fact that driving at 25–40 km/h may cause vibrations and cracking of the ice.

The ice road is available only to vehicles weighing less than 2.5 tonnes. Drivers must keep a distance of 250 meters between vehicles. If visibility drops below 300 meters, the road will be closed. Overtaking is prohibited, as is leaving the designated route. Seat belts should not be fastened, and doors should remain unlocked.

The route connecting Saaremaa and Hiiumaa is open only during daylight hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as driving after dark creates additional hazards.

More ice roads coming soon

Not only the two largest Estonian islands have been connected by an ice road. The ERR portal reports that such a route will soon be opened between the islands of Kihnu and Vormsi in the west. Here as well, similarly to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, drivers have been independently crossing the frozen Baltic Sea by car. The official ice road is intended to provide them with safe conditions for such journeys.