
Where’s Hailuoto Ice Road?
Finland, europe
8.4 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Picture this: you're cruising across the frozen Baltic Sea on the Hailuoto Ice Road, a 9 km (5.5 miles) stretch of ice that connects the Finnish mainland to Hailuoto Island. This icy highway, part of Road 816, is usually open for a few weeks each winter, a thrilling alternative to the year-round ferry.
Keep an eye on your speedometer because the limit is 50 km/h, and remember to keep 50 meters between you and the next vehicle. The weight limit is somewhere between 2000-3000 kg, so check before you go! The road is one-way in each direction.
The ice needs to be at least 70 cm thick to open, but ideally 120 cm for heavier timber trucks.
While you're driving, take in the surreal beauty of the frozen landscape. The road used to be open 4-5 months a year, but now it's only open for 4-5 weeks. This road is equipped with all the necessary warning and road signs, so pay attention and enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Finland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.4 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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