Name: Estonia’s 17km ice road offers a vital winter route for islanders and fishermen | Focus on Europe
Uploaded: 2026-03-16T17:15:54.000Z
Duration: 3 min 21 s
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Adverbs of degree

It happens rarely and doesn't last for long.

But when the Baltic Sea freezes over like it did this February, it creates new transport routes in western Estonia.

Adverbs of manner

The longest one, approximately 17 km, connects the two largest islands, Saarema and Hiuma.

For locals, it's a chance to run a quick errand.

It's faster, depending on how fast you drive.

I need to buy clothes for the kids and things like that.

Estonian authorities declare the route safe.

Then it's treated as public road under traffic law.

Special speed limits exist to reduce dangerous vibrations in the ice, which can put drivers at risk.

Every morning, people from Saarema come here and I go there.

We inspect the ice, check for cracks, and make sure everything's under control.

The Baltic Sea is vital for islanders, with fishing and fish processing among the key pillars of Hima's economy.

This profession is also the lifelong calling of Imre Kivi, a generational fisherman who lives and works on the island.

For him, the ice road to Saarema is more than a winter shortcut.

It is a connection to mainland stone, a route that keeps his fish business thriving all year round.

It's been many, many years since the ice has been good enough to drive on.

So after such a long time, it's pretty great.

Apart from me, no one else is out here anymore.

I was born into this my whole life, ever since I was a child.

I went along when my parents were fishing and working out here.

By the next morning, the ketch is already being processed on the island.

From here, smoked sprats and other local specialties are transported to markets on the mainland.

Imre sets out before dawn to deliver the fresh shipment himself.

This year's ice road was open for just three weeks.

After that, it was no longer safe for cars and trucks.

Now the ferry is back in operation, carrying people and goods across the Baltic Sea.

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Estonia’s 17km ice road offers a vital winter route for islanders and fishermen | Focus on Europe

process

vital

thrive

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