According to the Estonian online newspaper Saarte Hääl, improved weather conditions allow the Estonian Transport Administration, in cooperation with partners, to open the second official ice road this year in the direction of Kihnu. The route for vehicles weighing up to 2.5 tons will be available from 12:00. Additionally, the Hiiumaa–Saaremaa route will reopen later, no later than 15:00.
The ice road to Kihnu is 12 km long and, like the Hiiumaa–Saaremaa route, is open to traffic only during daylight hours from 8:30 to 17:00. To keep the road safe, drivers must strictly follow the posted traffic and ice-road regulations. The road is maintained by Verston Eesti OÜ.
Depending on weather conditions, the ice road may be closed unexpectedly. Current conditions can be checked on the TarkTee portal.
In addition to these routes, the Transport Administration plans to open the ice road to Vormsi on February 15 at 9:00, with a total length of 10 km. For the last drivers who wish to enter the Kihnu and Vormsi routes without planning to return, access is allowed from 16:00, ensuring other travelers can return before the road closes.
Ice road rules include:
- Open only during daylight, closed if visibility is under 300 m;
- Recommended speed 25–40 km/h to avoid damaging the ice;
- Drive only on marked sections, with at least a 2-minute interval between vehicles;
- Maintain a distance of at least 250 m;
- Overtaking and two-way traffic on the same lane are prohibited;
- Seat belts must be worn loosely to allow rapid exit;
- Do not stop, speed, or drive in blizzard, fog, or darkness.
Local authorities emphasize that the ice road is important not only for tourism — it is used to travel to work, school, and shops between islands. Moreover, the route has cultural significance and is part of the local tradition. For the past eight years, it could not be opened due to mild winters.
