Add organization

    Is there an ice road to Hailuoto?

    What the ice road was and what replaces it.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    The North Finland regional authority announced on 13 February 2026 that the official Hailuoto ice road was open, and that it was its last season because a fixed link to Hailuoto would be taken into use at the end of 2026. During that season vehicles could weigh at most 3.5 tonnes, and the road could close temporarily because of dangerous cracks, water on the ice or snowstorms. Before 2026, the previous official ice road had been open in 2022.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. The regional authority's release of 13 February 2026 confirms the last ice road season.
    2. The release set a 3.5 tonne weight limit.
    3. An official ice road is a road where the Road Traffic Act applies.

    Details

    Unofficial ice tracks are not maintained and can be dangerous. Only use roads that the authorities have opened.

    Tip

    Check the current Hailuoto connection before you travel, as the fixed link changes the old ferry and ice road arrangements.

    What may differ

    Opening dates of the fixed link can change. Check the regional authority and Fintraffic.

    Common misconception

    You can drive onto any frozen sea in Finland as if it were a road.

    What actually happens

    Only official ice roads are maintained and checked. Driving elsewhere on ice is risky.

    People also ask

    • Are road ferries free in Finland?
    • When do lakes freeze in Finland?
    • How to check road conditions in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    • Do foreign cars need a country sticker in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.

      Checked at:

    • What colour are motorway and main road signs in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.

      Checked at:

    • Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?

      VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland tested six used E10-compatible cars from model years 1999–2010 in laboratory conditions in 2011.

      Checked at:

    • Which petrol should you use in Finland, 95E10 or 98E5?

      Finnish pumps sell two main petrol grades: 95E10, with an octane rating of at least 95 and up to 10% ethanol, and 98E5, with at least 98 octane and up to 5% ethanol.

      Checked at:
    Help