OREANDA-NEWS. January 25, 2013. While ice roads between the mainland and Estonia's two largest islands have yet to reach the required thickness of 20-25 centimeters, those crossing lakes and connecting to smaller islands are now open.

The connection from Haapsalu across the bay to nearby Noarootsi opened on Monday, reported ERR radio, while ice roads on lakes straddling the border with Russia - Peipsi, Pihkva and Lammijarv - opened on Wednesday.

The latter are open to cars, SUVs and tractors, according to the Police and Border Guard's South Prefecture. Drivers planning to venturing out on the lakes must first register at the nearest border guard station.

The ice roads are open only during daytime.

Officials expect that cold temperatures predicted for the coming days will speed up the opening of the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa ice roads.