Temperatures in northern Europe have been so low that citizens of Estonia can  drive across a 20-kilometer stretch of frozen sea linking the country’s two main islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

The so-called “ice road” that is connecting the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, located in western Estonia was officially opened on Sunday with a line of cars waiting to use it. Authorities decided to open the ice road after locals had spontaneously begun driving across the frozen sea, exposing themselves to serious risks. Ferries had struggled to keep up regular service in the frozen sea following weeks of temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees Celsius.

Citizens of Estonia  living on the smaller island of Hiiumaa, with a population of 9,000, travel to Saaremaa, with a population of 31,000, for shopping, a cup of coffee, or to drop off kids at school. Getting to the larger island also ensures connection to mainland Estonia which makes transportation much easier for citizens of Estonia.