Temperatures in northern Europe have been so low that residents of Estonia can now drive throughout a 12 1/2-mile stretch of frozen sea linking the nation’s two essential islands. The so-called “ice highway” connecting the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, positioned in western Estonia between the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, was formally opened on Sunday with a line of vehicles ready to make use of it that afternoon, per the AP. Authorities determined to open the ice highway after locals had spontaneously began driving throughout the frozen sea, exposing themselves to critical dangers. Ferries had struggled to maintain up common service within the frozen sea following weeks of temperatures dropping to as little as 14 levels Fahrenheit.
Folks dwelling on the smaller island of Hiiumaa journey to Saaremaa for purchasing, a cup of espresso, or to drop off youngsters in school. Attending to the bigger island additionally ensures connection to mainland Estonia. Whereas opening the ice highway got here out of necessity, Hergo Tasuja, the mayor of Hiiumaa, says it is also “a part of our tradition.” “For generations and generations, native individuals who dwell right here, particularly those that dwell close to the ocean, swim and use boats within the summertime,” Tasuja says. “And in winter, it is of their blood to go to the ocean” and step out on the ice, he mentioned.
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