Estonia, Transport

While by land, the distance between Haapsalu and Pürksi, the centre of the Noarootsi peninsula, takes around 40 minutes to cover, the ice road enables to cover the distance in 10 minutes.

The weight restriction of vehicle sis 2.5 tonnes as this winter the ice is stronger that it has been in five years.

Highways Board Western region director Enn Raadik said last week that the ice roads between mainland and Hiiumaa and mainland and Saaremaa islands are not very likely currently. In Pärnu Bay, fishermen walk to the distance of 3 km from the shore already but the Munalaid islet-Kihnu island ice road cannot be opened yet.

"It is unlikely that this year will be a happy year like last year when all six state-maintained ice roads were simultaneously open," said Raadik.