Hitchwiki - User contributions [en]

Tromsø

2007-04-18T18:10:57Z

Abstorz:

To get south/east out of Tromsø on the E8 cross the bridge and walk on to the roundabout. check www.liftershalte.info for axact location.

Narvik

2007-04-18T18:01:26Z

Abstorz:

From Narvik on north and on the Lofoten people are very nice to hitchhikers and you generally don't have to wait very long.

To get north out of Narvik, it is best to walk a bit on the E6. You'll find a good spot, maybe opposite the campground, or still a bit further in the city.

Narvik

2007-04-18T17:58:08Z

Abstorz:

To get north out of Narvik, it is best to walk a bit on the E6. You'll find a good spot, maybe opposite the campground, or still a bit further in the city.

User:Abstorz

2007-04-18T17:49:48Z

Abstorz:

Hey! I just joined this network. I hitched occasionally in Germany, Bulgaria, Greece, and lately a lot in Norway. I love hitchhiking, simply because it's the best way to get to know the people who live in the country, and it leaves some uncertainness and room for surprising experiences.

I have only little experience with long distance hitchhiking, mostly used it to overcome small distances (in my teenage years i lived in a village with 5 busses a day on weekends to the "big" city). Nevertheless, in Norway i hitched in April 2007 about 2800km from Trondheim to Oslo and back to Tromsø and the Lofoten. My longest ride in a single car was 1823km from Sikiá in Greece to Bad Tölz in Germany, not included the ferry from Greece to Brindisi in Italy. I hope I still get the chance to hitchhike a bit in Sweden before I move back to Germany.

From next summer on i might give you a ride myself, since we just bought a small van!

Hitchhiking a boat

2007-04-17T13:35:30Z

Abstorz:

'''Hitchhiking a boat''' is a bit like [[hitchhiking a plane]]. There are not so many boats...

Your best chances are to become part of the crew.

In the Caribean it's not too hard to find sail boats that need an extra hand on deck.

If you want to hitch on a boat, you will find a way if you try hard enough, but it will take you a lot of time. You can try hanging out at the harbor for a week, talking to almost anyone, possibly finding a pub where sailors tend to drink their beer.

'''Hitchhiking a ferry''' is easy. Simply ask truck drivers if you can enter the ferry in their truck, they usually only have to pay for the vehicle.

==Weblinks with information==
* [http://www.cruiser.co.za Cruiser Log], has some [http://www.cruiser.co.za/crewfinder.asp very useful info], [http://www.cruiser.co.za/crewfinder1.asp some specific for hitchhikers], including a rough guide of movements of cruising yachts
*[http://www.7knots.com 7knots] has a practical way of finding boats
*[http://www.boatingoz.com.au/default.asp?Page=17927&MenuID=Classifieds%2F13099%2F0%2CCrew%5F%2D%5Funpaid%2F13104%2F0 Boating OZ], mostly in Australia, some Pacific



These sites might prove useful:
* [http://www.cruisenews.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=13 Cruising Sailor - Crew Positions]
* [http://www.sailnet.com SailNet.com]
*[http://www.worldcruising.com World Cruising Club]
*[http://www.ships-for-sale.com Ships-for-sale.com]
* http://www.windowsoncyprus.com/crew_list.htm
* http://www.sailingalternatives.org/crew.htm
* http://www.floatplan.com
* http://www.crewfile.com
*http://www.dockwalk.com
*http://www.reliance-yachts.com
*http://www.partnersandcrews.com
*http://www.findacrew.net

[[Category:General info]]

Hitchhiker's safety

2007-04-17T12:50:55Z

Abstorz:

'''Hitchhiking is usually very safe'''. The most encountered feelings of unsafety are probably concerning the driver's driving style.

==Road Safety==
The #1 danger to a hitchhiker is not violence; it is traffic accidents. As a result, hitchhikers should make sure they are standing along a safe portion of road, as far back from the traveled portion of the road as possible (on the unimproved portion of the road shoulder). Make sure that you are visible to drivers from a good distance (100 meters or more) to allow them time to safely pull to the side of the road. Wear visible clothes, also while walking on the road!

Sometimes, especially but not exclusively at night, drivers will pick up a hitchhiker because they are tired and sleepy, but must get to their destination on time. Make sure you never fall asleep in someones car if you are suspecting this might be the case. Even if you can't find a conversation topic, stay alert.

==Awareness==
Awareness on the part of a hitchhiker will keep him or her from accepting dangerous rides- for example, a driver traveling under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Examine the driver and vehicle. If there are signs of intoxication (slurred or erratic speech, no eye contact, open alcohol containers) do NOT get in the vehicle. Refuse the ride.

Talk to the driver before getting in his car! This way you make sure the ride offered is one that you would like to take, and that it will end at a safe spot to stop. Ask the driver before getting in his/her car: Where are you going? Can you drop me off at a service area or other safe place near your destination? A rhetoric question like "Are you going north" and the drivers reaction can give you some information about him or her. '''Trust your instincts!''' If you do not feel comfortable accepting the ride, thank the driver and say no. Walk away.

==Women hitchhiking==
For women, hitchhiking seems to be more risky. Most reported cases of murder or rape of hitchhikers involve women hitchhiking alone. Here are some tips to consider:
* It is a good idea to get yourself some [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_spray pepper spray], just in case.
* You can also check if the doors open from the inside by pretending not to have closed the door properly.
* It might be useful to send the license plate of your driver to a friend in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_message_service SMS].
* If there are other houses or people in sight, you can wave to them or pretend to say goodbye to a friend. The driver will think that somebody has seen you getting into their car.

Apart from being more dangerous, hitchhiking as a woman can be easier. Often, women stop for other women or girls. Even families (or other usually not hitch-hiker-friendly car owners) stop to "save" women from a situation in which they think she could be in danger.

==Top tips for safety==
* Wear well visible clothes, stand in a safe spot, be careful while walking on the road.
* If you doubt about the ride offered, turn it down.
* Some say to note the registration number or vehicle model and colour (SMS this to a friend).
* Hitchhike with someone you know. On hitchhike forums (such as at [http://www.hospitalityclub.org/hc/forum.php?SelectedCategory=25 Hospitality Club] or [http://www.digihitch.com DigiHitch]) you can find other hitchhikers.
* It's probably safest to accept a ride from a couple or a female driver.
* It's better to sit in the front of the vehicle.
* Keep your backpack close to you (i.e. on your lap), so you grab it if you need to get out quickly.
* Wear your most valuable stuff on your body: passport, wallet, money, mobile phone. This way you will keep these items in case you should abandon your bag.

It is preferable to choose your drivers. You can ask for rides at gas stations or truckstops. Briefly profile people by their appearance and talk to folks that seem safe/interesting. But always remember that appearances do not guarantee safety.

==See also==
* [[Where to hitchhike]]

[[Category:General info]]

Hitchhiker's safety

2007-04-17T12:45:38Z

Abstorz:

'''Hitchhiking is usually very safe'''. The most encountered feelings of unsafety are probably concerning the driver's driving style.

===Road Safety===
The #1 danger to a hitchhiker is not violence; it is traffic accidents. As a result, hitchhikers should make sure they are standing along a safe portion of road, as far back from the traveled portion of the road as possible (on the unimproved portion of the road shoulder). Make sure that you are visible to drivers from a good distance (100 meters or more) to allow them time to safely pull to the side of the road. Wear visible clothes, also while walking on the road!

Sometimes, especially but not exclusively at night, drivers will pick up a hitchhiker because they are tired and sleepy, but must get to their destination on time. Make sure you never fall asleep in someones car if you are suspecting this might be the case. Even if you can't find a conversation topic, stay alert.

===Awareness===
Awareness on the part of a hitchhiker will keep him or her from accepting dangerous rides- for example, a driver traveling under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Examine the driver and vehicle. If there are signs of intoxication (slurred or erratic speech, no eye contact, open alcohol containers) do NOT get in the vehicle. Refuse the ride.

===Communication===
Communication is essential to make sure the ride offered is one that the hitchhiker would like to take, and that it will end at a safe spot to stop. Ask the driver before getting in his/her car: Where are you going? Can you drop me off at a service area or other safe place near your destination? '''Trust your instincts!''' If you do not feel comfortable accepting the ride, thank the driver and say no. Walk away.

==Women hitchhiking==
For women, hitchhiking seems to be more risky. Most reported cases of murder or rape of hitchhikers involve women hitchhiking alone. Here are some tips to consider:
* It is a good idea to get yourself some [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_spray pepper spray], just in case.
* You can also check if the doors open from the inside by pretending not to have closed the door properly.
* It might be useful to send the license plate of your driver to a friend in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_message_service SMS].
* If there are other houses or people in sight, you can wave to them or pretend to say goodbye to a friend. The driver will think that somebody has seen you getting into their car.

Apart from being more dangerous, hitchhiking as a woman can be easier. Often, women stop for other women or girls. Even families (or other usually not hitch-hiker-friendly car owners) stop to "save" women from a situation in which they think she could be in danger.

==Top tips for safety==
* Wear well visible clothes, stand in a safe spot, be careful while walking on the road.
* If you doubt about the ride offered, turn it down.
* Some say to note the registration number or vehicle model and colour (SMS this to a friend).
* Hitchhike with someone you know. On hitchhike forums (such as at [http://www.hospitalityclub.org/hc/forum.php?SelectedCategory=25 Hospitality Club] or [http://www.digihitch.com DigiHitch]) you can find other hitchhikers.
* It's probably safest to accept a ride from a couple or a female driver.
* It's better to sit in the front of the vehicle.
* Keep your backpack close to you (i.e. on your lap), so you grab it if you need to get out quickly.
* Wear your most valuable stuff on your body: passport, wallet, money, mobile phone. This way you will keep these items in case you should abandon your bag.

It is preferable to choose your drivers. You can ask for rides at gas stations or truckstops. Briefly profile people by their appearance and talk to folks that seem safe/interesting. But always remember that appearances do not guarantee safety.

==See also==
* [[Where to hitchhike]]

[[Category:General info]]

Top tips

2007-04-17T12:38:43Z

Abstorz:

There are some essential things you should remember whenever you are going hitchhiking. The [[Hitchhikers' Guide to Hitchhiking]] suggests you keep these in mind when starting your career as an enthusiastic thumber:

== Take the most used route ==
The shortest is not the best in all the cases. If there is no traffic, there are no rides to share. (Think where the trucks are going: industrial areas, etc.)

However, in many countries, trucks are no longer allowed to pick up hitch-hikers as they are not covered by their insurance and their employers have told them not to. There may be individual truckers who ignore this, but bear it in mind.

== Carry a good map ==
You want to know were you are going. It also helps if gas stations are marked, and you don't need city maps.

For example, the ''Shell Euroatlas'' is good for Europe, however, it's not so easy to find.

In Scandinavia (especially Finland) - the ''Esso'' country maps are great, and free from any Esso petrol station in Finland.

It's recommended you have a map thats at least to 1 to 1,000,000 ratio, however, 1 to 750,000 is perfect.

== [[Where to hitchhike|Be in a good, safe spot]] ==
Be in a place where the cars can see you from a distance and stop safely. You don't want to be driven over. This is actually the biggest [[Hitchhiker's safety | danger]] in hitchhiking.

This is the case that the drivers consider as well. Few drivers stop unless it is safe for them. Some do, but you shouldn't count on them, as they are the minority.

== Stay positive, smile and laugh ==
It is easy to become bored or frustrated when waiting for a ride, but remember that a good attitude will help you get rides. Keep your spirits up by singing, laughing and simply smiling. A grumpy hitchhiker may get rides out of sympathy, but a happy hitchhiker will get better rides and go further distances in less time.

== [[How to face traffic|Make eye contact with drivers]] ==
Hitchhiking means making a connection with a person driving by, convincing him or her to stop. To best do this, make sure drivers can see the 'whites of your eyes'. Remove sunglasses and keep your hat higher on your head. Smile while you look at the oncoming cars. If you are looking a different direction or your head is down it is easy for drivers to pass by without relating to you. If you cannot see the person in the car, just look at the windshield where a face should be. Focus on each car until it passes. If traffic is light, let your gaze follow each car expectantly. If there is too much traffic, pay attention to each nearby car for a moment. The more you do this, the less time you will wait for rides.

'Mark Snyder and his co-workers (1974) found that hitchhikers doubled the number of ride offers by looking drivers straight in the eye. A personal approach, as my panhandler knew, makes one feel less anonymous, more responsible.' (Source: Social Psychology, Myers. p.503 Social Relations)

== [[Appearance|Types of clothing]] ==
Although this may seem to be a small matter, types and colour of clothing are very important. Try to wear light, even bright and colorful clothes, and have your non-thumbing hand visible since light coloured clothes inspire more trust than darker clothes. Also, if the weather permits it, try to keep your forearms visible. If people can see your hands and arms, they'll be less likely to see you as a threat, or as someone trying to conceal something. A fun and colorful clothes/hat is a great way to inspire people to pick you up!
If you can, don’t wear your old clothes or clothes that might frighten a driver (such as a T-shirt with a skull). Conservative people just take well shaved guys with proper cloth . Open-minded people always take you, but even conservative (or old) people can be very helpful on your trip.

== About the use of a sign ==
A thumb or hand gesture will work fine for hitchhiking (depending on the region). But in some cases, the use of a sign displaying your destination or general direction will increase your odds. What are those cases?

When you're hitchhiking on a road that goes to plenty of destinations: The driver will be more likely to stop if he knows that you're going the same way he does.

When the traffic is too heavy: The driver will be less likely to say "Somebody else is going to stop" if he sees that you want to go exactly his way.

On another hand, the use of a sign on a road where everyone goes the same way (for example: a highway service station) can decrease your odds, since someone that would be going halfway to your destination is less likely to stop if he sees how far you're going. And halfway is still good on more than a 200 km trip.
The driver also has to read it, than he must think about if goes the same direction and than he wants to know if he likes your face...but than he notice that he passed …he is now 500m away from you ...so he will deicide to drive on!
So if you just use your thump the driver only has to decide if he likes you and if he can stop his car in this place. If he is on the right way you can find out when he stops.
Another bad idea is the use shortcuts, because only locals know them (like HH for Hamburg).
On the other hand you need a really big sign if you want you aimed city be seen on your sign.

In the same spirit. If you're going from [[Barcelona]] to [[Amsterdam]], consider writing "[[Paris]]", or just [[Perpignan]], on your sign, when you start in Barcelona. Few people will be going to Amsterdam or even Paris, directly.

To make the sign, it's better to use cardboard or similar with a thick black marker. Write neatly in big, block letters the name of a city or the name of a road, or both. You're in charge.

== safe hitchhiking ==
Wear bright colored clothes or a reflective warning vest while walking along the road.

Say no, if you don't feel safe!Trust your instinct, when it says no. This doesn't happen often, though. Minimizing risk is not being a coward, it's being smart. If you don't feel comfortable with someone, just don't ask him/her, there will be enough other cars. Most people who pick up hitchhikers are friendly and don't mind a no.
Tip:
If you want more security, send a SMS of the number plate of the car to a friend.

== In the car ==

Once you've actually managed to get in the car and start heading towards your destination, it's all a matter of being courteous. Remember, your driver didn't have to pick you up at all. Settle in, get comfortable, but of course, not too comfortable. Keep your shoes off the dashboard, don't pass any form of gas (from either end), etc. In other words, don't do anything to offend your driver!

Your driver may have picked you up for many possible reasons. One of the main reasons is companionship on a long journey. That means you have to talk to the driver. Have a few things to talk about in mind before you get in (What's your name? Where are you headed? Oh yeah? What's there?). If the driver doesn't seem too interested in talking you can relax or read a book.

If not, keep it simple to begin with. A solid rule that should be followed by any hitcher is to try to shy away from talking about politics with a driver who has differing view points than yourself. People have the tendency to get really worked up when it comes to politics, or religion, so if they mention something that your political or religious views disagree with, try to say, "I'm not going to get into that with you, my friend" or something like that. Many a hitcher has been seen thrown out of cars due to a fiery political discussion.

== [[Finding accommodation]] ==
On longer hitchhiking trips you may need to '''camp''' along the way, if you did not receive a ride to your intended destination. Sometimes you can find a hostel or local host for the night, but just in case: bring a sleeping bag and tarp or tent with you. Make sure to bring clothes that will suit you for night weather.

It is also a good idea to check out [http://couchsurfing.com CouchSurfing.com] (more active) and [http://www.hospitalityclub.org Hospitality Club] (good for finding phone numbers in smaller places) for free accommodation. If there's a YMCA center in town, see if they have a room for the night. There are many hitchhikers and it is easy to find a couple of places to stay while on the road or even at your destination. A fresh shave and shower will also greatly increase the chances of getting picked up.

== Use buses and trains ==
It's not worth trying to hitchhike at all costs. Sometimes it's just more convenient to take a bus to get to a highway or to your final destinations. This is the case especially when leaving or arriving at big cities.

=Related links and references=

* [http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/kjokisal/liftaus/ Hitchhiking Guide to Europe]
* [http://www.digihitch.com/sections-viewarticle-27.html Sparkie's Guide to Hitchhiking at digihitch.com]
* [http://www.hospitalityclub.org/veit/trampen1eng.htm Golden Hitchhiking Rules]

[[Category:General info]]

Hygiene

2007-04-17T12:35:37Z

Abstorz:

#REDIRECT [[Appearance]]

Appearance

2007-04-17T12:27:09Z

Abstorz:

[[Image:Pooh hitching in nz.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Jim in [[New Zealand]]]]
'''Your appearance''' '''is''' important when hitchhiking!

== Clothes ==

The first and most important details are the '''clothes''' you wear. Try to wear '''bright colored''', well visible clothes. This is extremely important during the night or in bad weather, but also during sunshine. A Yellow or Orange Shirt/Pullover/Jacket works best. If you don't want to spent much money on new gear, a '''reflective warning vest''' pulled over your jacket will perfectly do the job. This is also extremely important while walking on a dangerous road trying to find a good spot.

Obviously there is a difference between hitching in Spain in the summer and in Scandinavia during wintertime. Nevertheless, it is often smart to buy some '''good outdoor stuff'''. It is light and dries very fast. There is nothing worse than a '''wet jeans''' or '''cotton'''-shirt if it's bellow 10°C. Plus, you can wash it and it dries fast. '''Outdoor wear''' differs a lot in the degree it adopts smell. You can wear some for days without smelling, others stink after two hours hiking.

Hitch hiking is an outdoor sport and it pays off to '''wear good shoes'''. They might not be best for dancing when you reach your destination, but it is important while walking along the road. You will need to cross rocky areas, puddles, mud, snow etc. Sometimes you have to be quick and step off the road due to big trucks etc.

'''Avoid dark''' or military clothes, they do not create a lot of trustfulness. Looking too much like a colorful hippie will possibly scare other drivers off. Take off your hat (unless it's a really funny one), don't wear gloves, open your jacket, even though you might freeze.

== Looks ==

Show '''both your hands''' and, if possible, forearms. '''Don't''' wear a '''hat''' or '''sunglasses'''.

'''Your mood''' is very relevant. So always be happy, or at least pretend to and '''keep smiling'''. This will get you a ride much faster, than if you're looking tired and unmotivated.

As a guy, try to shave before you hit the road. It'll reduce your waiting time.
When hitchhiking in foreign countries it might pay off to look like a foreigner.

== Hygiene ==

You are more likely to be picked up when you look somewhat decent and clean. Wear '''fast drying, easy to wash clothes''', avoid cotton.

'''Avoid stinking!''' This might not be the easiest part while hitch-hiking on long distances, but remember: '''You are not the last hitch hiker this driver might pass!''' Having a stinky passenger in his car will make the driver think twice before picking up someone again. This will make it easier for the whole hitch-hiking community! Carry a second gear with you, '''wash your clothes regularly''', use fast drying gear. Some outdoor gear adopts smell faster than others, ask in the store or inform yourself before buying.

Use '''deodorants'''. Clean your shoes of mud before hitch hiking (not in front of the eyes of the driver).

== Behavior ==

'''Look''' the approaching driver '''in the eyes'''! '''Smile!'''

As a Girl, don't behave and look too salacious. This might give a wrong impression.

If you've been waiting a long time it might be good to do something funny, like waving at random cars, or play some small musical instrument.

[[Category:General info]]

Norway

2007-04-02T13:51:23Z

Abstorz:

'''Norway''' is a good country to hitch in, of course depending on location!

Even though "haike" is not too common in Norway, Norwegians are very likely to pick you up and can be very friendly and helpful. It is always hard to find a spot to get out of big Cities though.
People have a tendancy to always be in a rush on weekdays. The main thing to be aware of is the rapidly shifting weather, so be prepared for anything, as they say in Norway: "there is nothing called bad weather, only bad clothing".

Places close to small towns are good hitching spots. But do take care of your appearance, as people are a bit judging in this country.

You should definitely write your destination (if you know it) on a big piece of paper, with a thick marker. Don't necessarily write your final destination, but the next town or city in your desired direction is a good start, once you're in the car you can find out if it's going any further.

Also, you can contact truck drivers and companies to hitch a ride if you're traveling far.

Most people speak English well enough for reasonable communication.

Don't try hitchhiking out of Oslo's airport.

[[User:ReZz|ReZz]] is a dude, and he has found that [[Trondheim]] one of the worst places to hitch from. Still, he has done it, even in the winter, all the way to [[Oslo]] in the South and [[Hammerfest]]/[[North Cape]] in the extreme North. Sadly, I must say that one steadfast rule of hitchhiking has to be amended. Although I am a polyglot and love language, I must say that if you are not white, speak English to people. Norwegians are extremely wary of foreigners and any nonwhite who speaks English is assumed to be a refugee.

Still, a lot of white women tell me that truckers are very friendly and that the hitching is great if you go out to the shipping areas around Dyre Halsels Gate and north of Stradveien. This has not worked for me.

They love foreign tourists, though, as long as you keep telling them that you love Norway.

One thing that makes hitching easy in Norway is that almost all of the population lives near the E6 road, which extends from [[Italy]] to almost all the way north, so it's pretty hard to get lost, as long as you are headed the right way.

North is spelled ''"nord"'' and south is ''"sør"''. The ''ø'' gives it a short sound, as opposed to "o", which is pronounced ''"oo"'', as in ''"book"''.

It is illegal to hitch on the expressway in Norway, but not illegal from rest stops or on ramps. It is legal to camp out almost anywhere if it is a good distance from a private house, but not permanently.

Hithing is MUCH easier in the beautiful north (at least in the Summer), where many locals hitch regularly to commute.

[[User:abstorz|abstorz]] is a dude, and hitched from Trondheim to Oslo and back in March/April. Both trips took one day. From Oslo he was able to hitch a ride onto the highway behind the tunnel in the area of Etterstad, from Trondheim he took the bus to Heimdal and walked another couple of miles to a bus stop. Once on the highway everything went fine. He took the route over Oppdal/Dombås. Check http://www.liftershalte.info/index.php for exact locations, or find better ones!

==Cities==
* [[Oslo]]
* [[Trondheim]]
* [[Narvik]]

[[Category:Europe]]
[[Category:Norway]]

Norway

2007-04-02T13:36:15Z

Abstorz:

'''Norway''' is a good country to hitch in, of course depending on location!

Even though "haike" is not too common in Norway, Norwegians are very likely to pick you up and can be very friendly and helpful. It is always hard to find a spot to get out of big Cities though.
People have a tendancy to always be in a rush on weekdays. The main thing to be aware of is the rapidly shifting weather, so be prepared for anything, as they say in Norway: "there is nothing called bad weather, only bad clothing".

Places close to small towns are good hitching spots. But do take care of your appearance, as people are a bit judging in this country.

You should definitely write your destination (if you know it) on a big piece of paper, with a thick marker. Don't necessarily write your final destination, but the next town or city in your desired direction is a good start, once you're in the car you can find out if it's going any further.

Also, you can contact truck drivers and companies to hitch a ride if you're traveling far.

Most people speak English well enough for reasonable communication.

Don't try hitchhiking out of Oslo's airport.

[[User:ReZz|ReZz]] is a dude, and he has found that [[Trondheim]] one of the worst places to hitch from. Still, he has done it, even in the winter, all the way to [[Oslo]] in the South and [[Hammerfest]]/[[North Cape]] in the extreme North. Sadly, I must say that one steadfast rule of hitchhiking has to be amended. Although I am a polyglot and love language, I must say that if you are not white, speak English to people. Norwegians are extremely wary of foreigners and any nonwhite who speaks English is assumed to be a refugee.

Still, a lot of white women tell me that truckers are very friendly and that the hitching is great if you go out to the shipping areas around Dyre Halsels Gate and north of Stradveien. This has not worked for me.

They love foreign tourists, though, as long as you keep telling them that you love Norway.

One thing that makes hitching easy in Norway is that almost all of the population lives near the E6 road, which extends from [[Italy]] to almost all the way north, so it's pretty hard to get lost, as long as you are headed the right way.

North is spelled ''"nord"'' and south is ''"sør"''. The ''ø'' gives it a short sound, as opposed to "o", which is pronounced ''"oo"'', as in ''"book"''.

It is illegal to hitch on the expressway in Norway, but not illegal from rest stops or on ramps. It is legal to camp out almost anywhere if it is a good distance from a private house, but not permanently.

Hithing is MUCH easier in the beautiful north (at least in the Summer), where many locals hitch regularly to commute.

[[User:abstorz|abstorz]] is a dude, and hitched from Trondheim to Oslo and back in March/April. Both trips took one day. From Oslo he was able to hitch a ride onto the highway behind the tunnel in the area of Etterstad, from Trondheim he took the bus to Heimdal and walked another couple of miles to a bus stop. Once on the highway everything went fine. He took the route over Oppdal/Dombås.

==Cities==
* [[Oslo]]
* [[Trondheim]]
* [[Narvik]]

[[Category:Europe]]
[[Category:Norway]]

Norway

2007-04-02T13:17:45Z

Abstorz:

'''Norway''' is a good country to hitch in, of course depending on location!
Hitching in big cities is almost impossible, unless it's weekend. People have a tendancy to always be in a rush on weekdays. The main thing to be aware of is the rapidly shifting weather, so be prepared for anything, as they say in Norway: "there is nothing called bad weather, only bad clothing".

Places close to small towns are good hitching spots. But do take care of your appearance, as people are a bit judging in this country.

You should definitely write your destination (if you know it) on a big piece of paper, with a thick marker. Don't necessarily write your final destination, but the next town or city in your desired direction is a good start, once you're in the car you can find out if it's going any further.

Also, you can contact truck drivers and companies to hitch a ride if you're traveling far.

Most people speak English well enough for reasonable communication.

Don't try hitchhiking out of Oslo's airport.

[[User:ReZz|ReZz]] is a dude, and he has found that [[Trondheim]] one of the worst places to hitch from. Still, he has done it, even in the winter, all the way to [[Oslo]] in the South and [[Hammerfest]]/[[North Cape]] in the extreme North. Sadly, I must say that one steadfast rule of hitchhiking has to be amended. Although I am a polyglot and love language, I must say that if you are not white, speak English to people. Norwegians are extremely wary of foreigners and any nonwhite who speaks English is assumed to be a refugee.

Still, a lot of white women tell me that truckers are very friendly and that the hitching is great if you go out to the shipping areas around Dyre Halsels Gate and north of Stradveien. This has not worked for me.

They love foreign tourists, though, as long as you keep telling them that you love Norway.

One thing that makes hitching easy in Norway is that almost all of the population lives near the E6 road, which extends from [[Italy]] to almost all the way north, so it's pretty hard to get lost, as long as you are headed the right way.

North is spelled ''"nord"'' and south is ''"sør"''. The ''ø'' gives it a short sound, as opposed to "o", which is pronounced ''"oo"'', as in ''"book"''.

It is illegal to hitch on the expressway in Norway, but not illegal from rest stops or on ramps. It is legal to camp out almost anywhere if it is a good distance from a private house, but not permanently.

Hithing is MUCH easier in the beautiful north (at least in the Summer), where many locals hitch regularly to commute.

Even though "haike" is not too common in Norway, Norwegians are very likely to pick you up and can be very friendly and helpful. It is always hard to find a spot to get out of big Cities though.

If you want to get out of Oslo, you should definitely get behind the E6 tunnel, in the inner city it's worthless. There are several highway entrances behind the tunnel, the further out, the easier it get's. Around IKEA is the area where most trucks start.

[[User:abstorz|abstorz]] is a dude, and hitched from Trondheim to Oslo and back in March/April. Both trips took one day. From Oslo he was able to hitch a ride onto the highway behind the tunnel in the area of Etterstad, from Trondheim he took the bus to Heimdal and walked another couple of miles to a bus stop. Once on the highway everything went fine. He took the route over Oppdal/Dombås.

==Cities==
* [[Oslo]]
* [[Trondheim]]
* [[Narvik]]

[[Category:Europe]]
[[Category:Norway]]

Oslo

2007-04-02T13:12:13Z

Abstorz:

Even though "haike" is not too common in Norway, Norwegians are very likely to pick you up and can be very friendly and helpful. It is always hard to find a spot to get out of big Cities though.

If you want to get out of Oslo, you should definitely get behind the E6 tunnel, in the inner city it's worthless. There are several highway entrances behind the tunnel, the further out, the easier it get's. Around IKEA is the area where most trucks start.

[[User:abstorz|abstorz]] is a dude, and hitched from Trondheim to Oslo and back in March/April. Both trips took one day. From Oslo he was able to hitch a ride onto the highway behind the tunnel in the area of Etterstad, but it can't be bad to get even further out of the city. Once on the highway everything went fine.