Hitchhiking in Europe is fun. There are many small countries, highways in the West are good, and hitchhiking is relatively safe. Germany and England are very easy. Germany for the large distances for a single lift, and the possibility to go really fast (no legal speed limits on many highways). England for the relative short time for waiting. Most other countries are at the European average (rather easy), e.g. the Netherlands, Belgium and CIS-countries. Some other countries are considered bad for the long waiting times like Spain and Croatia, but even there you might get a ride with patience. Some people skip a country after standing in one place for over two hours. When this happens more than once on suitable places for hitching, this is reasonable.
Trucks[]
In France, Germany, Austria and most of the countries that are in the Schengen Area trucks are not allowed to travel on weekends except those that carry perishable goods.
Maps[]
Of course, you won't go on the road without a map. For all of Europe but the East, the Marco Polo Euro Atlas is great. It contains detailed information about gas stations on highways, without unneeded stuff like an index or city maps. You can find it in Slovakia.
For online usage:
- Google Maps
- viamichelin.com
- Map24.com - very good Java-Maps and routing
For offline usage:
Safety[]
Hitching is rather safe in all Europe.
Tips for each country[]
Western Europe[]
In Western Europe it's pretty easy to hitchhike.
Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, France (except Côte d'Azur region where many hitchhikers reported that is more difficult) and Switzerland.
Northern Europe[]
There are not so many cars in Northern Europe, which consists of Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, but that makes it nicer to hitchhike, if you don´t mind walking. You can legally pitch your tent almost anywhere outside of cities.
Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Central Europe[]
Austria, Liechtenstein and Slovenia.
Eastern Europe[]
Most of Eastern Europe is great for hitchhiking - only few countries are an exception. In many countries there is an active hitchhiking community. It might be a good idea to blend in with the locals. Don't dress conspicuously western, but do make it clear that you are a tourist. Many people love to get to know more about your culture.
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia. In Czech Republic and Slovakia many hitchhikers reported that is harder to find rides than in other countries. In Romania and Ukraine many people, especially those who never traveled abroad, do not understand the concept of hitchhiking and take it as ridesharing, so they expect money in return.
Mediterranean Europe[]
Andorra, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Turkey.
In Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Montenegro and San Marino many hitchhikers reported that is harder to find rides than in other countries.
External resources[]
- Golden Hitchhiking Rules - Golden rules and FAQ from an experienced German hitchhiker.
- Hitchhiking Tips & Rules - Practical tips from a long-time Romanian hitchhiker.