Changes

'''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, [[service station]]s, more seldom - parking lots) and local roads. Motorway is called ''Autobahn'' in German, while a [[service area]] is ''Raststätte''. Latter one is a very common place for hitching a ride - many drivers stop there for re-fuel and some rest. There you will often find [[maps]] (both of Germany and Europe in general) surrounding countries that indicate every single petrol 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. Motorway ramps usually are 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.