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'''Finland''' is a part of the Northern [[Europe]], one of the Nordic countries. It is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]]. Its neighbouring countries are [[Sweden]], [[Norway]] and [[Russia]], but possibly the most probable transit country on your way hitchhiking there is [[Estonia]]. Most people use this way which is called "[[Via Baltica]]" - it is a road [[E67]] between [[Helsinki]], Finland and [[Prague]], [[Czech Republic]] through Baltic States and [[Poland]].
Hitchhiking seems pretty easy in the Northern part of Finland. It could be a good idea to avoid highways motorways and opt for smaller local roads once you get closer to Helsinki - sure, there will be less traffic, however, you will get more space for the cars to stop, and avoid a chance of getting stuck on some unlit highway motorway ramp in the middle of nowhere (consider the early darkness when hitchhiking in autumn/winter!)
[[Image:Erga-camping-in-finland.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Camping]] is legal almost anywhere in Finland, just stay slightly out of sight and you can even camp next to [[highwaysmotorways]].]]
=== Cities ===
Hitchhiking is legal in Finland. Anyhow, there are some places where it is illegal for the cars to stop, and some places where it is illegal for pedestrians to stand. Both of these make hitchhiking illegal de facto in these places.
[[Image:Finland european roads.png|thumb|250px|Finnish highways motorways (blue) with their European numbers and national roads (red and yellow)]]
== Highways Motorways ==
[[Image:Finnish_motorway_sign_561.png|left|60px]]
It is illegal to hitchhike on the highways motorways (called “moottoritie”) and some motorways (“moottoriliikennetie”) in Finland. You can recognize these from the green signs.
The cars can not stop in crossing areas, and some cars not obeying this rule and taking hitchhikers on board are know to be fined.
Hitching on the motorways and two lane expressways is prohibited. On any other highway motorway you can legally hitch. You can also hitchhike at the motorway on-ramps, and at the motorway [[petrol station]]s' areas. Basically, same rules as in countries in Western Europe and in most states of the [[USA]].
== Culture ==
