The Saaremaa–Hiiumaa ice road: the long-awaited opening and the excitement on the islands
8 February 2026 A significant event took place for the people of Estonia – the first ice road of the year, connecting the country’s largest islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, was officially opened. The 17-kilometre route, laid across the frozen Baltic Sea, proved to be a real lifeline for islanders facing serious disruptions to ferry services due to an exceptionally harsh winter and thick ice.
The opening of the ice road between Tärkma (Hiiumaa) and Triigi (Saaremaa) caused unprecedented excitement. From early morning, long queues of cars formed at the entrances to the route on both sides. According to ERR correspondents, by noon about 60 cars were waiting their turn in Saaremaa and around twenty in Hiiumaa, which meant a wait of an hour and a half. Drivers sought not only to shorten their journey but also to enjoy the unique opportunity to drive across the frozen sea, which is a rare and exciting experience.
“This is an exceptional but necessary solution for mitigating risks in the current situation and ensuring mobility options for Hiiumaa residents and visitors,” emphasised Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis.
The ice road has become not only a convenient alternative but also a vital link, connecting the islands with the mainland. Priit Sauk, Director General of the Transport Administration, noted that the agency had sought to open the road as quickly as possible to provide drivers with a reliable route.
## Safety rules on ice
Driving on the ice road requires strict compliance with the rules developed by the Transport Administration to ensure maximum safety. The route is open only during daylight hours, at 8.30–17.00, and the last car is allowed onto the ice at 16.30. If visibility falls below 300 metres, traffic is stopped immediately.
Parameter
Restriction
Permitted weight
up to 2,5 tonnes
Recommended speed
up to 25 km/h or 40-70 km/h
Dangerous speed
25-40 km/h (risk of resonance)
Distance
at least 250 m
Departure interval
at least 2 minutes
Particular attention is paid to safety precautions in the car: seat belts must be unfastened and doors must be easy to open. Stopping, overtaking and driving in poor visibility are strictly prohibited. An ice bridge has been built to cross a crack in the ice at the 2,8 kilometre mark of the route.
## Context and future prospects
The current ice road is the first official crossing of this kind since 2019. Despite the demand for it, the Minister of Infrastructure announced that no other ice roads are planned to open this season. The authorities also strongly warn against using unofficial and unmonitored ice roads, which may be life-threatening.
The condition of the ice road is continuously monitored by Verston Eesti OÜ, and it may be closed quickly if ice conditions change. Drivers are advised to check the TarkTee portal for up-to-date information about the route’s operation.
The opening of the Saaremaa-Hiiumaa ice road was a remarkable event that demonstrated both the harshness of winter on the Baltic Sea and the ability of the Estonian authorities and residents to adapt to difficult conditions by finding effective and extraordinary solutions.
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