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As a general rule, you should always stick == Road types ==To hitchhike efficiently in Germany it is good to know the "Autobahn" a long as possible three different kinds of roads between cities and try to change between major "Autobahns" as less as possible, even if this means some detourstowns. As soon as you By descending speed these are on the :* motorways or expressways called ''Autobahn and stick to service stations, you are hitching fast and reliable. In '' with no general you may have to wait quiet long waiving your thumb at on-ramps speed limit (especially if its hard to stop there and/or you are malecan still be signs with speed limits), so if possible it often pays (* federal roads called ''Bundesstraße''* country roads called ''Landstraße''Their use in terms of time and frustration) to travel by foot hitchhiking is different and public transport to the closest service stations. Asking people directly just works better. Other good options are local petrol stations close to Autobahn on-rampsexplained below.
Many German motorways have no speed limits=== Autobahn ===For more information, therefore you might want first try to get a ride hitching a personal car before asking truck drivers. Trucks are great for a night-ride; however, there are restrictions, like in see the article [[FranceAutobahn]], of when trucks are allowed on a motorway. In Germany most trucks aren't allowed on motorways on Sundays or public holidays before 22:00.
If you travel a specific motorway, have a look at the '''[[TemplateFile:Highways DEBundesautobahn_7_number.svg|"German motorways"thumb|left|150px|A traffic sign indicating Autobahn A7]]The autobahns in Germany are the fastest links between cities. Their numbers consist of an '''A''' page where you can find very specific information and hints about hitchhiking on German motorway ramps, etcthe number of the highway. - for example, On traffic signs the ''A'' is not mentioned but they can be distinguished by the route [[Amsterdam]]–[[Berlin]] along blue colour of the [[A2 (Germany)|A2]] and [[A30 (Germany)|A30]]sign.
* See also: '''Tips on Hitchhiking Germany''', an article The lack of a general speed limit is something most Germans are proud of demonstrating to you and what makes them the best choice for longer distances. Subsequently walking and hitchhiking is illegal on [http://www.digihitch.com/europe/western_europe/149_1_1_article.html Digihitch] by [http://www.digihitch.com/userinfo-dsmith4721.html David Smith]the autobahn and the emergency lane.
=== Legal stuff ===Hitchhiking in As a general is legal in Germany. It is only forbidden rule, you should always stick to hitchhike on the Autobahn itselfas long as possible and try to change between major autobahns as little as possible, meaning even if this means some detours. As soon as you standing are on the highway (or its emergency lane). You are perfectly fine stopping at Autobahn and travel between service stations , you are hitching fast and asking the peoplereliable. If you want to start hitching at the highway rampsFor more information about this kind of hitchhiking, make sure you stand before see the rectangular blue sign indicating the start of the highwayarticle on [[petrol station hitchhiking]].
Police As trucks do not travel faster than 90 km/h you might want first try to get a ride hitching a personal car before asking truck drivers. Trucks are great for a night-ride; however, there are restrictions, like in general is suspicious of hitchhikersFrance, especially in the southern states of [[Bavaria]] when trucks are allowed on an autobahn. In Germany most trucks aren't allowed on motorways on Sundays or [[Baden-Württemberg]]public holidays before 22:00. Be polite, and show them your ID (which you should always carry while hitching in Germany) and they will leave you alone (after checking your criminal history)As most truck drivers stop earlier truck traffic already gets less on Saturday afternoons.
At When hitch hiking towards and from Belgium, be carreful passing the Swiss borderRuhr area (Dortmund, there are still custom controlsEssen, but that will probably only affect you if Duisburg). Once you get in, it's difficult to get out. Raststättes are rare and passing traffic avoids this region. We tried on a truckseveral places and had to take the train to pass this area (lost 5 hours). There are sufficient work arounds to avoid this area. (Switzerland has joined See also the hitchwiki page of the Schengen Agreement in 2009!)[[Ruhr Area]].
While on a petrol stationJust like other people, you can also find more detailed maps for ~8 Europolice may or may not be friendly towards hitchhikers. Some hitch-hikers have hitched through Germany extensively without one of these though.Recommended maps for hitchhiking It is said that police controls are '''Michelin Regional''', more frequent in the orange ones with the numbers 541southern states of [[Bavaria]] and [[Baden-546Württemberg]]. There As a foreigner you have to carry your passport at all times; a national ID card is sufficient if you are six of these maps, each covering a different part of Germanyfrom another EU country. They If you are very detailed and show every single petrol stationbeing checked, hotelbe friendly, restaurant, or a parking lot on German motorways. The scale is equal show it to 1:350.000. Bigger city maps are included, too. You can usually get these maps in local bookstores for about EUR 8them and they will leave you alone.
Hitchhiker === Car registration/number plates ===You can determine where a car is registered by its number plates. While tehre are certain plates on rented cars. (Europcar has „HH“ (Hamburg), Avis – „EU“ (Euskirchen), Sixt – „M“ (Munich), Hertz „DN-H“ (Düren)), other plates are associated with areas [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Kfz-Kennzeichen_in_Deutschland - DE], [Userhttps:Platschi|Platschi//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Germany EN]] suggests that . The first letter is usually the ''Aral Straßen-Atlas Deutschland & Europa'' can be very good for hitchhiking tripsdistrict where it is registered. In addition, too: it contains there is a detailed map of Germany and of little patch beside the bordering countriesnumber which tells you what state that number plate belongs to, with city maps of which is useful if you do not know the biggest German cities, and all service stations located on motorways. Price: EUR 7,95. Available on all ''Aral'' service stations, and in German bookstoresdistrict letters.
At some service stations with a [[Sanifair]] system Note that it is no longer required to change plates if you get move, so a EUR 0,50 coupon as part of HH (Hamburg) car may very well belong to someone living in München (M). At the service feemoment this is not yet a big problem, which you can redeem when buying things at but in due course it may lead to the petrol station shop or situation that license plates become as useless as those in many other countries for determining the restaurantdirection a car might be going. If you're lucky you can also find thrown away [http://hitchwiki.org/en/Image:Sanifair_voucher.jpg Sanifair vouchers] for free.
Drinking tap water is safe On the website: www.autobahnatlas-online.de you can find detailed listings of all Autobahnen, with all drive-ups, interchanges, all over the countrytypes of rest stops, tunnels, and bridges along their ways, with exact kilometer allegations. This comes along handy when hopping from station to station.
==== Off the autobahn ====Keep in mind that most shops (including supermarkets) are not allowed to be open on SundaysOn a longer journey with several route options, [https://www.diercke. There are no 24hde/content/deutschland-stra%C3%9Fenverkehr-shops, although non978-3-14-100800-5-64-1-stop petrol stations often offer some food choices (very limited, though). You can usually get inexpensive but good food at Turkish and Italian takeaways1 this map] showing the traffic volume of the different highways might help you deciding which could be faster due to more traffic.
See For those using mobile app MAPS.ME, you may download a .kml file with all the service plazas for viewing on your map offline. Considering Germany is extremely well mapped on [httphttps://trashwikiopenstreetmap.orgOpenStreetMap], these locations can be assumed to be very accurate and up-to-date. You can view the [https:/en/Germany trashwikioverpass-turbo.eu/s/MGq data extract here] for info and click Export > Download as KML and then open the .kml file on dumpster diving for free food your phone to be loaded in GermanyMAPS.ME
=== Language ===
==== Learning to speak German ====Have The basic hitchhiker needs can be satisfied by a look at the phrasebook [[Germanwestern Europe phrasebook|here]].
=== Railways ===The country has When asking your drivers for help it pays off to know that the German word ''Straße'' for street contains the weird letter ''ß'' which looks a bit like a B. If you pronounce it like an expensive railway network''s'' Germans will understand you. As an alternative Contrary to popular belief the standard farediacritics on Ä, ä, Ö, you may also check offers ö, Ü and ü are not metal umlauts and sales, for example regional or seasonal ticketsthus they do affect pronunciation. [http://wwwIf in doubt try to pronounce the word as if the diacritics didn't exist.bahn.com/i/view/DEU/en/prices/index.shtml] See also [[Deutsche Bahn]]For instance, if you pronounce the city ''Würzburg'' as ''Wurzburg'' you will probably be understood.
* [http://www.hitch-hiking.org/ www.hitch-hiking.org], general information on hitchhiking (in English and German)* [http://www.liftershalte.info/?country=DE A map with good/bad places to hitchhike]* [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Autobahn_1-999.png Overview of motorways autobahns in Germany]* [http://www.bestmokli-restaurantshelp.de/aurade.htm A map with motorway restaurants in Germany]* [http:helps you find free showers/food/www.gastroemergency accommodations, some of the listed ressources are aiming to ‘solve the problem of homelessness’ -stars.com Best Restaurants in Germany]just pick what suits you (please delete if it doesn’t belong here)* [http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/servicenetz/index.php/ Service stations on German motorways] == Trashwiki & Nomadwiki == {{nomadwiki}}
{{Hitchbase_country|73}}
[[wikipedia:Germany]][[trash:Germany]][[digi:Germany]]__NOTOC__
→Useful links
|pop = 82,314,900
|currency = Euro (€)
|hitch = <rating countrygood>|BW ='de' />DE
}}
[[File:2003 Hitch-hiking in Germany.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[User:Sigurdas|Sigurdas]] thumbing towards Nürnberg, 2003.]]
'''Germany''' is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]]. It is a great country for [[hitchhiking]], both on motorways (via [[on-ramp]]s, [[rest area|service stationstations]]s, more seldom - parking lots) and local roads. Motorway is called ''Autobahn'' in GermanGermans are a little bit suspicious, while a [[service area]] is ''Raststätte''but nice if you get to know them. Latter one is a very common place Thumbing makes it easier for hitching a ride - many drivers stop there for fuel and some restthem to say "no", because they do not even have to look at you. There you Those who will stop are often find [[maps]] people who hitchhiked themselves when they were younger. Many of Germany them have families, jobs and surrounding countries that indicate every single petrol station or any other service area located on motorways; in addition, there are map stands (usually by fast cars now.Because of the main entrance to a petrol station) that give a general overview absence of all service areas speed limits on the territory of Germany. Motorway ramps usually are many motorways it's a good option country to get a free ride, too. One has to make sure, though, not to end up on co called ''Schnellstrasse'' (it usually leads to motorways) where cars go fast and can not stophitchhike long distances in short time.__TOC__
If you travel a specific autobahn, have a look at the [[autobahn]] page where you can find very specific information and hints about hitchhiking on German motorway ramps, etc. - for example, the route [[Amsterdam]]–[[Berlin]] along the [[A2 (Germany)|A2]] and [[A30 (Germany)|A30]]. ====Getting onto the autobahn = License plates ===There are between one and three letters [[File:Zeichen 330.svg|thumb|right|100px|The on -ramp sign of an autobahn]] To get onto the autobahn either hitch a license plate which show ride from a city, thumb at the on-ramp '''before''' the city sign or region go to a service station by public transportation and walk there. A good possibility is to look for a street with traffic lights that leads to an autobahn. Wait for the red light, then knock at the windows (do not forget to smile!) and ask for a ride. If you look neither like a homeless nor like a drug dealer, they will be happy to help you. ==== Service stations and rest areas ====You have various possibilities for being dropped off along the autobahn to look for your next ride. As petrol station hitchhiking is faster, try to avoid being dropped at on-ramps where you have to thumb. On the car autobahn, it is registeredpreferable to be dropped off at a service station instead of a rest area as rest areas have much less cars stopping. For example, look [[File:Zeichen 448.1.svg|thumb|right|150px|Autobahn traffic sign of an Autohof]] The ''Raststätte'' is the usual choice for license plates starting with hitchhiking because most cars tend to refuel there. Make sure your ''Raststätte''has not just a restaurant but also a petrol stations because more people stop there and they leave quicker. Most 'B'Raststätten'' if are on both sides of the autobahn and there is often a bridge or tunnel nearby to cross. Therefore youmight consider hitchhiking to a ''Raststätte''re hitching in the opposite direction first to get onto the highway quicker. At the entrance of the petrol station shop there are usually map stands that show the surrounding area and other service stations in Germany.With a few exceptions all service stations can be entered by foot from the side and feature an unlocked door in the fence or wall. The off-autobahn ''Autohof'' is a local fuel station that is marked on traffic signs on the autobahn. Food and fuel is cheaper there but most car drivers don't bother and thus mostly trucks stop there. This means that they are okay on weekdays but have to be avoided on Saturday evenings and Sundays at all cost. Another disadvantage for continuing on the autobahn is that local traffic also stops at the ''Autohof''. === Federal ''Bundesstraße'' roads === [[BerlinFile:Bundesstraße 42 number.svg|thumb|right|150px|A traffic sign indicating Bundesstraße B42]]The federal ''Bundesstraße'' roads are indicated by yellow signs and carry numbers like ''B6'' or ''B49''. Have a look at Like in the case of the autobahn the articles ''B'' is not written on Wikipedia for traffic signs, but federal roads can be distinguished by the yellow colour of the sign. As they are smaller and carry more information: [http:local traffic they should only be used to get from and to the autobahn, though there are a few exceptions to the rule. Their general speed limit is 100 km//enh and they usually have no emergency lane so they are difficult to thumb. To get a ride either try petrol stations or choose a place where have a lot of space to see you and stop or where they are going slower, e.g.wikipediatown exits.org/wiki/German_car_number_plates German car number plates] (Police might consider it illegal to thumb in sites where cars cannot stop without putting the traffic in English) and danger. [[httpFile://deZeichen 331.wikipedia1 - Kraftfahrstraße, StVO 2013.org/wiki/Liste_der_Kfz-Kennzeichen_in_Deutschland Liste der Kfzsvg|thumb|right|150px|A fraffic sign indicating the beginning of a ''Kraftfahrstraße'']]To make it more complicated some of the ''Bundesstraßen'' are a so called ''Kraftfahrstraße''. For them most of the ''Autobahn''-Kennzeichen in Deutschland] rules apply (e.g. no pedestrians and bikes allowed). You can recognise a ''Kraftfahrstraße'' by the sign of a white car in German)front of a blue backround. === Smaller federal ''Landstraße'' roads === These roads are not numbered on traffic signs and usually connect minor towns. As most of them have lower speed limits thumbing is likely to work. As they might not have a lot of traffic coming through they should only be used for getting from and to you final destination.
==The Ruhr area warning = Crossing the border ===Germany has signed a [[Schengen Agreement]] which means that borders with other Schengen countries are open. Since 2009, all neighbouring countries are Schengen members as well, so there are no fixed border controls anymore. At times, there are mobile checks by the police or customs, especially in border regions or on the autobahn.
=== Maps =Legal stuff ==[[File:IMG 5392Hitchhiking in general is legal in Germany.JPG|thumb|250px|right|[[Tiziano]] hitching from [[Berlin]] It is only forbidden to [[Munich]]]]You can easily hitch through Germany with just a map that has all service stations along hitchhike on the Autobahn itself, meaning you standing on the autobahn or its emergency lane. It is also forbidden to walk on ita ''Kraftfahrstraße''. There You are maps perfectly fine stopping at many service stations and asking the people but keep in a little free booklet white mind that service stations are quite misleading, they DO NOT contain all private property / leases. It occasionally happened that owners try to get rid of hichthikers at "their" service stationsstation. If that happens, just the ones belonging move to one of the big companies running themparking space and hitchhike there. For more information look here: [http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/servicenetz/index.php tank.rast.de]. For a good map If you want to print out and bring with you that has all start hitching at the service stations on it have a look here: [http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/684/rastekarte.jpg/ Rastekarte]. This is ramps, make sure you stand before the rectangular blue sign indicating the same one you will find at start of the service stations as big overview maps, more often than not those can be nicked very easily as wellautobahn.
=== Food =License plates ====== Autobahn ====Try to avoid eating There are between one and three letters on a motorway license plate which show the city or region where the car is registered. For example, look for license plates starting with '''B''' if you're hitching to [[rest area|service stationsBerlin]] if you want to save money and if have . Have a good taste of foodlook at the articles on Wikipedia for more information: [http://en. These restaurants are notoriously expensive wikipedia.org/wiki/German_car_number_plates German car number plates] (in English) and the food quality is quite low[http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Kfz-Kennzeichen_in_Deutschland Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland] (in German).
== Maps ==[[UserFile:PathofdhammaIMG 5392.JPG|Pathofdhammathumb|250px|right|[[Tiziano]] hitching from [[Berlin]] suggest to seize the moment and jump the barrier if there [[Munich]]]]Recommended maps for Germany are no people or cameras aroundlisted in [[Maps#Germany|this article]]. The turnstyle is only blocked for You can easily hitch through Germany with just a map that has all service stations along the inwards directionAutobahn on it. With some luck and smooth movesThere are maps at many service stations in a little free booklet which are quite misleading, they do '''not''' contain all service stations, you can sneak injust the ones belonging to one of the big companies running them. For more information look here: [http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/servicenetz/index.php tank.rast.de]. Turn it towards For a good map to print out and bring with you, walk one step; turn that has all the service stations on it again, walk another stephave a look here: [http: //imageshack.us/photo/my-images/684/rastekarte.jpg/ Rastekarte]. This is the same one you are in!will find at the service stations as big overview maps, more often than not those can be nicked very easily as well.
Despite German being the major language, (with over 95% of the population speaking it as a first language [http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/european_languages/countries/germany.shtml]) you will find that many Germans speak English or French as a second language. Other common languages in the country are Turkish, Russian and Arabic.
== Practical Useful links == * [https://warmroads.de/en/hitchhiking-in-17-germany/ Comprehensive guide about hitchhiking in Germany] by [[User:Korn|Korn]] on https://warmroads.de
* [http://deu.anarchopedia.org/index.php/Deutschland:Trampstellen Hitchhiking spots in Germany], in German, on a GFDL wiki
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