In Estonia, a remarkable winter phenomenon emerges: Europe’s longest ice road, stretching approximately 27 kilometres (16.7 miles) from the mainland port of Rohuküla to the island of Hiiumaa.
This natural highway forms when the Baltic Sea freezes sufficiently, typically between late January and March, allowing vehicles to traverse the solid ice.
Driving this icy route is both exhilarating and strictly regulated to ensure safety – but perhaps not in the way you might think.
Notably, wearing seatbelts is prohibited to facilitate quick exits in emergencies.
Similarly, speed limits are enforced to prevent vibrations that could compromise the ice’s integrity, and maintaining adequate distance between vehicles is mandatory.
Travel is restricted to daylight hours to reduce navigational risks.
The ice road is usually open from late January to late March.
During this time, all-day patrols keep watch to ensure drivers’ safety and that the rules are being followed.
They also record the time and distance cars are travelling as they are required not to move along the ice at a rate of more than three-minute intervals.
Anything faster than this has the potential to put too much strain on the fragile surface.
Speeds under 16mph or between 25mph and 43mph are commended due to the danger of creating “resonance in the ice layer”, or a wave beneath the surface which could break the ice.
The road isn’t just open to trucks. Cars are also regularly seen on the roads, including vehicles such as Fiat 500s and Ford Escorts.