Difference between revisions of "Germany"
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[[Image:2003 Hitch-hiking in Germany.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[User:Sigurdas|Sigurdas]] thumbing towards Nuernberg, 2003.]] | [[Image:2003 Hitch-hiking in Germany.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[User:Sigurdas|Sigurdas]] thumbing towards Nuernberg, 2003.]] | ||
| − | '''Germany''' is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]]. It is a great country for [[hitchhiking]] | + | '''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 (highway ramps, service stations, more seldom - parking lots) and local roads. Motorway is called ''Autobahn'' in German, while its [[service area]]s bear a name of ''Raststätte'' it is usually recommended to hitchhike on latter ones - many drivers stop there for re-fuel and some rest. There you will often find [[maps]] of Germany and Europe in general that show every gas station or any other service area located on motorways; in addition, there are map stands (usually by the main entrance to a petrol station) that give a general overview of all service areas on the territory of Germany. Highway ramps usually is a good option 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 stop. |
| − | + | Many German highways have no speed limits, therefore you might wanna 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 [[France]], 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 | + | If you travel a specific highway, have a look at the '''[[Template:Highways DE|"German highways"]]''' page where you can find very specific information and hints about hitchhiking on German highway ramps, etc. - for example, the route [[Amsterdam]]–[[Berlin]] along the [[A2 (Germany)|A2]] and [[A30 (Germany)|A30]]. |
* See also: '''Tips on Hitchhiking Germany''', an article on [http://www.digihitch.com/europe/western_europe/149_1_1_article.html Digihitch] by [http://www.digihitch.com/userinfo-dsmith4721.html David Smith]. | * See also: '''Tips on Hitchhiking Germany''', an article on [http://www.digihitch.com/europe/western_europe/149_1_1_article.html Digihitch] by [http://www.digihitch.com/userinfo-dsmith4721.html David Smith]. | ||
=== License plates === | === License plates === | ||
| − | + | There are between one and three letters on a 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 [[Berlin]]. Have a look at the articles on Wikipedia for more information: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_car_number_plates German car number plates] (in English) and [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Kfz-Kennzeichen_in_Deutschland Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland] (in German). | |
| − | === | + | === Crossing the border === |
| − | Germany | + | Germany has signed a [[Schengen Agreement]] which means that borders with other Schengen countries are open. On 21th of Dec., 2007, [[Poland]] and [[Czech Republic]] have signed this agreement and became border-free with Germany. As of November 2008, the only border with active checkpoints is with [[Switzerland]]) - when crossing it you can expect German/Swiss custom officers to check your identity and/or your luggage. If you are to hitchhike from a Swiss/German border check point it might be better to stand a little bit further away from the check point so that you will be out of custom officers' sight. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | === Carpooling ''(Mitfahrgelegenheit)'' === | ||
| + | Germany has a national carpooling website that gives opportunities both to the driver and to the ride-seeker to find each other and share a ride together with its cost for fuel. Unfortunately, the website, called [http://www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de/ Mitfahrgelegenheit], is exclusively in German. Nonetheless, it is quite easy to understand how everything works: you can scroll search from your departure point ''(von)'' to a destination ''(nach)''; you can see exact ride dates and number of passenger places offered. If you search for a ride from or to Germany, click on ''Europa'' link. Contacting a driver is usually done by email, although some drivers do leave their phone numbers). When getting in contact with the driver, one should find an agreement on a price and departure place/date/time. | ||
| − | + | Such a system offers a low cost alternative to hitchhiking. A similar system exists in [[Belgium]], too. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Experiences has shown, however, that hitchhiking very often is faster than ''Mitfahrgelegenheit'' since the driver often drives into cities on their route to pick up new passengers (or to leave them at their exact destination spot). | |
''Note: Abfahrt = Departure / Ankunft = Arrival'' | ''Note: Abfahrt = Departure / Ankunft = Arrival'' | ||
| − | == Maps == | + | === Maps === |
[[Image:IMG 5392.JPG|thumb|250px|right|[[Tiziano]] hitching from [[Berlin]] to [[Munich]]]] | [[Image:IMG 5392.JPG|thumb|250px|right|[[Tiziano]] hitching from [[Berlin]] to [[Munich]]]] | ||
| − | If you're not staying | + | If you're not staying in Germany for long you can hitch through having any map of Germany that has motorway gas stations marked on it. For that, go to any gas station located on a highway and ask for an "Autobahn-Guide" - it is for free. You'll get a booklet describing all services on German motorways and including a map with an overview of all highway gas stations and other service areas. For more information look here: [http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/servicenetz/index.php tank.rast.de]. While on a petrol station, you can also find more detailed maps for ~5 Euro. |
| + | |||
| + | Recommended maps for hitchhiking are '''Michelin Regional''', the orange ones with the numbers 541-546. There are six of these maps, each covering a different part of Germany. They are very detailed and show every single gas station, hotel, restaurant, or a parking place on German motorways. The scale is equal to 1:350000. Bigger city maps are included, too. You can usually get these maps in local bookstores for about EUR 8. | ||
| − | + | Hitchhiker [[User:Platschi|Platschi]] suggests that the ''Aral Straßen-Atlas Deutschland & Europa'' can be very good for hitchhiking trips, too: it contains a detailed map of Germany and of the bordering countries, with city maps of the biggest German cities, and all service stations located on highways. Price: EUR 7,95. Available on all ''Aral'' service stations, and in German bookstores. | |
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| − | [[ | + | === Eating === |
| + | Try to avoid eating on motorway [[rest area|service stations]] if you want to save money and to have a good taste of food. These restaurants are notoriously expensive (very often you have to pay for the toilet, too) and the food quality is quite low. | ||
| − | + | At some service stations with a [[Sanifair]] system you get a EUR 0,50 check for the toilet which you can use as a valid equivalent to monetary payment when buying things at the petrol station shop or in the restaurant. | |
| − | |||
| − | At some service stations with a [[Sanifair]] system you get a EUR 0,50 | ||
| − | |||
| − | + | Nearly everywhere in Germany you can drink water from the tap. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Keep in mind that most shops (including supermarkets) are not allowed to be open on Sundays. There are no 24h-shops, although non-stop gas stations often offer some food choices (very limited, though). | |
| − | + | ||
| + | When in bigger cities, you can usually get the cheapest food at Turkish and Italian restaurants. | ||
| − | == Practical links == | + | === Practical links === |
* [http://deu.anarchopedia.org/index.php/Deutschland:Trampstellen Hitchhiking spots in Germany], in German, on a GFDL wiki | * [http://deu.anarchopedia.org/index.php/Deutschland:Trampstellen Hitchhiking spots in Germany], in German, on a GFDL wiki | ||
| − | * [http://www.hitch-hiking.org www.hitch-hiking.org | + | * [http://www.hitch-hiking.org www.hitch-hiking.org], general information on hitchhiking (in English and German) |
| − | * [http://www.liftershalte.info/?country=DE | + | * [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 highways in Germany] | * [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Autobahn_1-999.png Overview of highways in Germany] | ||
| − | * [http://www.best-restaurants.de/aurade.htm | + | * [http://www.best-restaurants.de/aurade.htm A map with motorway restaurants in Germany] |
| − | * [http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/servicenetz/index.php/ Service stations on highways | + | * [http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/servicenetz/index.php/ Service stations on German highways] |
<!--* [http://www.linksundrechts.com/karten/u_oesterreich.gif Autobahnübersicht Österreich] | <!--* [http://www.linksundrechts.com/karten/u_oesterreich.gif Autobahnübersicht Österreich] | ||
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{{Hitchbase_country|73}} | {{Hitchbase_country|73}} | ||
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| + | {{Highways DE}} | ||
| + | {{Template:Cities Germany}} | ||
| + | {{States Germany}} | ||
| + | {{Template:Europe/countries}} | ||
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{{IsIn|Western Europe}} | {{IsIn|Western Europe}} | ||
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[[Category:Germany| ]] | [[Category:Germany| ]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Western Europe]] | ||
[[de:Deutschland]] | [[de:Deutschland]] | ||
Revision as of 11:51, 20 November 2008
 Germany | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Language: | German |
| Capital: | Berlin |
| Population: | 82,314,900 |
| Currency: | Euro (€) |
| Hitchability: |  (good)
|
| Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots | |
| <map lat='51.39920565355378' lng='9.9755859375' zoom='5' view='0' height='320' width='260' float='left' country='Germany' /> | |
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 (highway ramps, service stations, more seldom - parking lots) and local roads. Motorway is called Autobahn in German, while its service areas bear a name of Raststätte it is usually recommended to hitchhike on latter ones - many drivers stop there for re-fuel and some rest. There you will often find maps of Germany and Europe in general that show every gas station or any other service area located on motorways; in addition, there are map stands (usually by the main entrance to a petrol station) that give a general overview of all service areas on the territory of Germany. Highway ramps usually is a good option 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 stop.
Many German highways have no speed limits, therefore you might wanna 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 France, 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 highway, have a look at the "German highways" page where you can find very specific information and hints about hitchhiking on German highway ramps, etc. - for example, the route Amsterdam–Berlin along the A2 and A30.
- See also: Tips on Hitchhiking Germany, an article on Digihitch by David Smith.
License plates
There are between one and three letters on a 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 Berlin. Have a look at the articles on Wikipedia for more information: German car number plates (in English) and Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland (in German).
Crossing the border
Germany has signed a Schengen Agreement which means that borders with other Schengen countries are open. On 21th of Dec., 2007, Poland and Czech Republic have signed this agreement and became border-free with Germany. As of November 2008, the only border with active checkpoints is with Switzerland) - when crossing it you can expect German/Swiss custom officers to check your identity and/or your luggage. If you are to hitchhike from a Swiss/German border check point it might be better to stand a little bit further away from the check point so that you will be out of custom officers' sight.
Carpooling (Mitfahrgelegenheit)
Germany has a national carpooling website that gives opportunities both to the driver and to the ride-seeker to find each other and share a ride together with its cost for fuel. Unfortunately, the website, called Mitfahrgelegenheit, is exclusively in German. Nonetheless, it is quite easy to understand how everything works: you can scroll search from your departure point (von) to a destination (nach); you can see exact ride dates and number of passenger places offered. If you search for a ride from or to Germany, click on Europa link. Contacting a driver is usually done by email, although some drivers do leave their phone numbers). When getting in contact with the driver, one should find an agreement on a price and departure place/date/time.
Such a system offers a low cost alternative to hitchhiking. A similar system exists in Belgium, too.
Experiences has shown, however, that hitchhiking very often is faster than Mitfahrgelegenheit since the driver often drives into cities on their route to pick up new passengers (or to leave them at their exact destination spot).
Note: Abfahrt = Departure / Ankunft = Arrival
Maps
If you're not staying in Germany for long you can hitch through having any map of Germany that has motorway gas stations marked on it. For that, go to any gas station located on a highway and ask for an "Autobahn-Guide" - it is for free. You'll get a booklet describing all services on German motorways and including a map with an overview of all highway gas stations and other service areas. For more information look here: tank.rast.de. While on a petrol station, you can also find more detailed maps for ~5 Euro.
Recommended maps for hitchhiking are Michelin Regional, the orange ones with the numbers 541-546. There are six of these maps, each covering a different part of Germany. They are very detailed and show every single gas station, hotel, restaurant, or a parking place on German motorways. The scale is equal to 1:350000. Bigger city maps are included, too. You can usually get these maps in local bookstores for about EUR 8.
Hitchhiker Platschi suggests that the Aral Straßen-Atlas Deutschland & Europa can be very good for hitchhiking trips, too: it contains a detailed map of Germany and of the bordering countries, with city maps of the biggest German cities, and all service stations located on highways. Price: EUR 7,95. Available on all Aral service stations, and in German bookstores.
Eating
Try to avoid eating on motorway service stations if you want to save money and to have a good taste of food. These restaurants are notoriously expensive (very often you have to pay for the toilet, too) and the food quality is quite low.
At some service stations with a Sanifair system you get a EUR 0,50 check for the toilet which you can use as a valid equivalent to monetary payment when buying things at the petrol station shop or in the restaurant.
Nearly everywhere in Germany you can drink water from the tap.
Keep in mind that most shops (including supermarkets) are not allowed to be open on Sundays. There are no 24h-shops, although non-stop gas stations often offer some food choices (very limited, though).
When in bigger cities, you can usually get the cheapest food at Turkish and Italian restaurants.
Practical links
- Hitchhiking spots in Germany, in German, on a GFDL wiki
- www.hitch-hiking.org, general information on hitchhiking (in English and German)
- A map with good/bad places to hitchhike
- Overview of highways in Germany
- A map with motorway restaurants in Germany
- Service stations on German highways
Major highways: A1 • A2 • A3 • A4 • A5 • A6 • A7 • A8 • A9
Minor highways: A10 • A11 • A12 • A13 • A14 • A15 • A17 • A19 • A20 • A21 • A23 • A24 • A25 • A26 • A27 • A28 • A29 • A30 • A31 • A33 • A37 • A38 • A39 • A40 • A42 • A43 • A44 • A45 • A46 • A48 • A49 • A52 • A57 • A59 • A60 • A61 • A62 • A63 • A64 • A65 • A66 • A67 • A70 • A71 • A72 • A73 • A81 • A92 • A93 • A94 • A95 • A96 • A98 • A99
> 2.000.000: Berlin
1.000.000–2.000.000: Hamburg • München • Köln
500.000–1.000.000: Bremen • Dortmund • Dresden • Duisburg • Düsseldorf • Essen • Frankfurt am Main • Hannover • Leipzig • Nürnberg • Stuttgart
300.000–500.000: Bielefeld • Bochum • Bonn • Mannheim • Wuppertal
100.000–300.000: Aachen • Augsburg • Bergisch-Gladbach • Bottrop • Braunschweig • Bremerhaven • Chemnitz • Cottbus • Darmstadt • Erfurt • Erlangen • Freiburg im Breisgau • Fürth • Gelsenkirchen • Gera • Göttingen • Hagen • Halle (Saale) • Heidelberg • Heilbronn • Herne • Ingolstadt • Jena • Karlsruhe • Kassel • Koblenz • Kiel • Krefeld • Leverkusen • Lübeck • Ludwigshafen • Magdeburg • Mainz • Moers • Mönchengladbach • Mülheim • Münster • Neuss • Oberhausen • Offenbach • Osnabrück • Paderborn • Pforzheim • Potsdam • Recklinghausen • Regensburg • Remscheid • Reutlingen • Rostock • Saarbrücken • Salzgitter • Siegen • Solingen • Ulm • Wiesbaden • Witten • Wolfsburg • Würzburg
If you search cities with less than 100.000 inhabitants, have a look at the seperate Federal State articles. You find them at the bottom of this page.
Federal States of GermanyBaden-Württemberg • Bayern (Bavaria) • Brandenburg • Hessen (Hesse) • Mecklenburg-Vorpommern • Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) • Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia) • Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate) • Saarland • Sachsen (Saxony) • Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt) • Schleswig-Holstein • Thüringen (Thuringia)
Albania • Andorra • Austria • Belarus • Belgium • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Bulgaria • Croatia • Cyprus • Czech Republic • Denmark • Estonia • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Hungary • Iceland • Ireland • Italy • Kosovo • Latvia • Liechtenstein • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Macedonia • Malta • Moldova • Monaco • Montenegro • Netherlands • Norway • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Russia • San Marino • Serbia • Slovakia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Turkey • United Kingdom • Ukraine • Vatican
