Difference between revisions of "Norway"

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{{Infobox Country
 
{{Infobox Country
 
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|language = Norwegian, Sami, Finnish
 
|language = Norwegian, Sami, Finnish
 
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'''Norway''' is a country in [[Europe]]. It is a member state of the [[Schengen Agreement]], but is not part of the [[European Union]]. Its capital is [[Oslo]]. Its neighbouring countries are [[Sweden]], [[Finland]] and [[Russia]].
  
'''Norway''' is a country in [[Europe]]. It is a member state of the [[Schengen Agreement]], but is not part of the [[European Union]]. Its capital is [[Oslo]]. Its neighbouring countries are [[Sweden]], [[Finland]] and [[Russia]].
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The main challenge while travelling in Norway is the rapidly shifting weather, so be prepared for anything, as they say here: ''There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing''.
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Most people speak [[England|English]] well enough for reasonable communication. People have been told to be wary of foreigners. Recently, it's been all over the news that some gypsies wait on the road with a broken car and steal cars from people stopping to help them, and it doesn't help much, especially if you're not quite white. If you look like a hobo your chances decrease further. Look presentable to increase your chance of getting picked up and be friendly. Ask questions.
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Be careful to check the altitude of the places where you wish to go, and through which you travel. A lot of people might be able get you closer to your destination, but they are not willing to drop you where it is cold (there can be freezing temperatures even in the summer). 
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== Regions & Cities ==
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__TOC__
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=== In the North ===
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* [[Alta]]
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* [[Kautokeino]]
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* [[Lofoten]], an archipelago
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* [[Narvik]]
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* [[Nordkapp]], the Northernmost point of [[Europe]]
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* [[Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands]]
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* [[Trofors]]
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* [[Tromsø]]
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* [[Bodø]]
 +
 
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=== Other Cities ===
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* [[Oslo]]
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* [[Bergen]]
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* [[Fredrikstad]]
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* [[Horten]]
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* [[Kristiansand]]
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* [[Skien]]
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* [[Stavanger]]
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* [[Trondheim]]
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* [[Voss]]
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* [[Otta]]
  
The main challenge while traveling in Norway is the rapidly shifting weather, so be prepared for anything, as they say here: ''There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing''.
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=== License plates ===
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There is a coding for areas: the two first letters identify the region in which the vehicle is first registered, but as the plates migrate with the vehicle and Norwegians travel pretty much all around the country, it's not something hitchhikers rely on.
 +
See also [[:wikipedia:Vehicle registration plates of Norway#Prefixes_and_sequence_numbers|List of codes on Wikipedia]]
  
Most people speak [[England|English]] well enough for reasonable communication. People have been told to be wary of foreigners. Recently, it's been all over the news that some gypsies wait on the road with a broken car and steal cars from people stopping to help them, and it doesn't help much, especially if you're not quite white. If you look like a hobo your chance decreases further. Look presentable to increase your chances of getting picked up and be friendly. Ask questions.
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Vehicles with Norwegian '''green license plates do not have back seats'''. So if you are not traveling alone, hitching a ride with such a vehicle is of little use. Some vans have a double bench for passengers in front, but except for those, green plates means seating for one passenger only. Even if it is a vehicle that had back seats when it left the factory, they will have been removed upon importation to Norway. This is done for tax reasons. Vehicles affected by this include '''almost all pick-up trucks ''including'' 4-door models''', and some minivans and SUVs. Also some old station wagons.
  
 
== Hitchhiking culture ==
 
== Hitchhiking culture ==
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[[File:2002 hitch hiking in Norway.jpg|thumb|280px|right|[[User:Sigurdas|Sigurdas]] hitch-hiking somewhere in the middle of Norway. January 2002.]]
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'''Norway''' is difficult to class as a good or bad country for hitchhiking (see the Discussion page). There are both very good and very bad feedback from hitchhikers in Norway:
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[[Hitchhiking]] is not easy, although still very possible and chances of finding a long ride are quite good. In [[Tromsø]] it's even possible to hitchhike instead of taking public transport, by using a 2km sign (not as fast as the bus, however still better than walking).
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=== Positive ===
 
'''Norway''' is not an easy country to hitch in, but it can be rewarding! Even though ''haike'' is not too common in Norway, people are very likely to pick you up and can be very friendly and helpful.  Like in Sweden, foreign tourists and immigrants are more likely to [[picking up hitchhikers|pick up hitchhikers]].
 
'''Norway''' is not an easy country to hitch in, but it can be rewarding! Even though ''haike'' is not too common in Norway, people are very likely to pick you up and can be very friendly and helpful.  Like in Sweden, foreign tourists and immigrants are more likely to [[picking up hitchhikers|pick up hitchhikers]].
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According to [[User:Francisco1|Francisco1]] (also said by  [[User:Fede|Fede]] [[User:Earlyturtle|Earlyturtle]]) although he didn't look very Norwegian and had no flag (see here below), just common nice cardboard signs, he always found people, many times locals (some foreigners also), any gender, any age, to pick him up, help him and give good advice. He doesn't agree with the idea that most Norwegians are unwelcoming to strangers, and even less nationalist or racist.
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According to Capy, hitchhiking in Norway was easy. They were getting picked up by Norwegians and foreigners alike.
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''(see also: [[Talk:Norway|Norway, a paradise for hitchhikers]])''
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=== Negative ===
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According to [[User:thomasmyrman|thomasmyrman]] who hitched with a huge Norwegian flag, many drivers said they only stopped because it made them feel nationalistic pride and that it made the hitcher visible from far away. Consider having at least a small flag (even if you are not Norwegian) which you can buy anywhere in Norway. [[User:Grata|Grata]] also had a bad experience.
  
 
''(see also: [[Talk:Norway|No, it is not easy to hitchhike in Norway]])''
 
''(see also: [[Talk:Norway|No, it is not easy to hitchhike in Norway]])''
  
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=== Hitching ferries ===
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On hitchhiking short distance ferries that are usually paid by the amount of people in the car, especially around the fjords of Bergen and the Western coast of Norway:
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When your driver enters a ferry, be sure he or she is not the first or second car in line. As soon as the person who collects the money from the cars, is with the first or second driver, get out of the car, go to the sundeck - or whereever else in the ferry - and back in the car when the boat is on the other side. Nobody will check on you during the ride or when the cars leave the ferry. Thus I would highly recommend you to be in a car while boarding a ferry. If you are not, just ask a few drivers! If you still cannot find a car, there's also a few possibilities to sneak if you time it right and you are not seen by the officials.
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In the north, many ferries are free to walk on if you are not in a car. It’s still best to ask around or at least meet people while waiting for the ferry, however.
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=== More advice ===
 
Norwegians have a tendency to always be on the rush on weekdays. Waiting times can be a bit longer around [[Oslo]] and in remote areas where traffic is very light. People expect some chatting since distances are long, and seem to have little tolerance for drug or alcohol use while on the road.
 
Norwegians have a tendency to always be on the rush on weekdays. Waiting times can be a bit longer around [[Oslo]] and in remote areas where traffic is very light. People expect some chatting since distances are long, and seem to have little tolerance for drug or alcohol use while on the road.
  
 
A large part of the population lives near the road, which extends from the [[Sweden|Swedish]] border in the South to almost all the way North, so when going North it's pretty hard to get lost, as long as you are headed the right way.
 
A large part of the population lives near the road, which extends from the [[Sweden|Swedish]] border in the South to almost all the way North, so when going North it's pretty hard to get lost, as long as you are headed the right way.
  
Hitchhikers had varying experiences in the beautiful North. Some locals hitch regularly to commute. You can hitch a ride from mostly anywhere as there is not much traffic. Another challenge are the long winter nights, which make the hitchhiking day very short unless you are well equipped for [[Hitchhiking at night|night hitchhiking]]. In the North, total darkness sets in from around mid-November. Don't forget the specifics of [[Winter|winter hitchhiking]].
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The roads going to Bergen and the West Coast (E16, 7, E134) aren't very big, don't expect motorways. They look more like small mountain roads, and are very nice to hitchhike along, you can stand directly on the road and admire the landscape at the same time. In winter (and fall and spring also) be aware that they might be closed to traffic due to snowstorms or pollution in the tunnels. The information is available for all roads in Norway on the internet.
  
 
It's common knowledge that truck drivers are very friendly and that the hitching is great if you go out to the shipping areas around Dyre Halses Gate in [[Trondheim]] and North of Strandveien<sup>Which one? Does this question refer to the previous misspelling of Strandveien?</sup>, but some hitchhikers have said otherwise. It's also much faster traveling alone considering that trucks and some commercial vehicle can only take 1 passenger. Around four in the afternoon, drivers have loaded incoming goods from that day and are leaving for a late/overnight haul to the next major city.
 
It's common knowledge that truck drivers are very friendly and that the hitching is great if you go out to the shipping areas around Dyre Halses Gate in [[Trondheim]] and North of Strandveien<sup>Which one? Does this question refer to the previous misspelling of Strandveien?</sup>, but some hitchhikers have said otherwise. It's also much faster traveling alone considering that trucks and some commercial vehicle can only take 1 passenger. Around four in the afternoon, drivers have loaded incoming goods from that day and are leaving for a late/overnight haul to the next major city.
  
=== Hitching rides on ferries ===
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Do think of the weather, it can get pretty cold and rainy (or snowy) and the distances are very big between the more populated east side of the country and the cities in the West Coast, or the North. Maybe taking a warm tent as I did was the best idea ever, the experience of camping in the woods in those mountains was very nice.
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There are usually heated waiting areas at the ferry ports (even if small and remote), as waiting for a ferry can take some time and it can get very cold in winter. They are usually very clean and can be a good spot for sleeping and you will be able to ask for a ride the next morning. Most of them are equipped with toilets as well.
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Remember, hichhiking is about patience, so maybe you'll have to wait for a good while (it IS true that there are not that many cars), but just enjoy the beautiful landscapes and you can always walk along the roads, they are not highways properly said.
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The Hurtigruten is a daily shipping service on Norway's coast(less service in winter, about twice a week as of 2022), it stops in most towns along the way, starting in Bergen and going all the way up to Kirkenes on the Russian border. In many towns it stops for 3 or 4 hours and while it's in port, you can go onboard as a visitor for free. Just have your ID handy. Many ships have saunas and some have hot tubs that you can use for free. If you stay on the ship for less than 24 hours, you don't have to take a cabin, which makes the trip much cheaper. Also, students get a 50 percent discount. Capy hasn't been checked for his student status on his three trips with Hurtigruten.
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In Statoil gas stations, you can buy one of their cups for the equivalent of 30 euros and drink as much coffee, tea and hot chocolate as you like for one year.
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== Highway rest areas with paid showers ==
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Eastern Norway
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E6 Svinesundparken, Halden, Østfold
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E6 Fugleåsen, Ski, Akershus
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E6 Ormlia, Eidsvoll, Akershus
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E6 Circle K Minnesund, Eidsvoll, Akershus
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E6 Biri travpark, Gjøvik, Oppland
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E6 Vinstra vegpark, Nord-Fron, Oppland
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E6 Dovreskogen, Dovre, Oppland
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E18 Ørje, Marker, Østfold
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NR 3 Myklagard, Løten, Hedmark
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NR 3 Shell Koppang, Stor-Elvdal, Hedmark
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NR 3 Alvdal, Hedmark
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Southern Norway
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E18 Kjellstad, Lier, Buskerud
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E18 Furulund Kro & Motel, Stokke, Vestfold
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E18 Horisonten Lillesand, Aust-Agder
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E18 YX Lillesand, Aust-Agder
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E18 Circle K Lillesand, Aust-Agder
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E39 Circle K Livold, Lindesnes, Vest-Agder
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Western Norway
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E16 Shell Dale, Vaksdal, Hordaland
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E16 YX Skulestadmo, Voss, Hordaland
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E16 Shell Gudvangen, Aurland, Sogn og Fjordane
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E16 Steinklepp, Lærdal, Sogn og Fjordane
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E39 Esso Vikeså, Bjerkreim, Rogaland
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E39 Søylandskiosken, Gjesdal, Rogaland
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E39 Heiane, Stord, Hordaland
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E39 Bergen travpark, Vågsbotn, Hordaland
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E39 Haugsvær, Masfjorden, Hordaland
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E39 Esso Skei, Jølster, Sogn og Fjordane
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E134 Best Kyrping, Etne, Hordaland
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Central Norway
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E6 Oppdalsporten, Oppdal, Trøndelag
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E6/E39 Circle K Klett, Trondheim, Trøndelag
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E6 Stav Gjestegård, Malvik, Trøndelag
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E6 YX Gråmyra, Levanger, Trøndelag
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E6 Best Brekkvasselv, Namsskogan, Trøndelag
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E39 Digerneset, Skodje, Møre og Romsdal
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NR 70 Håsøran, Sunndalsøra, Sunndal, Møre og Romsdal 
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Northern Norway
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E6 Mosjøen, Vefsn, Nordland
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E6 Fauske, Nordland
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E6 Innhavet, Hamarøy, Nordland
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E6 Buktamoen, Målselv, Troms
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E6 Circle K Storslett, Nordreisa
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E6 Shell Talvik, Alta, Finnmark
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E6/E75 Tana bru, Finnmark
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NR 80 Bodø havn, Nordland
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== North Norway ==
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Hitchhikers had varying experiences in the beautiful North.  Some locals hitch regularly to commute. You can hitch a ride from mostly anywhere as there is not much traffic. Another challenge are the long winter nights, which make the hitchhiking day very short unless you are well equipped for [[Hitchhiking at night|night hitchhiking]]. In the North, total darkness sets in from around mid-November. Don't forget the specifics of [[Winter|winter hitchhiking]].
  
If possible, try to find out the ferry schedule. Hitch on the side where the cars drive into the ferry because in many places it's hard to hitch on the other side. Yuu can maybe knock on people's windows when they wait for the ferry, especially if they come early and have to wait long, it's easy to talk to them. You can maybe try to hitch into cars that have already paid for the ferry but on almost all car ferries, and definitely all the short distance ones, you pay extra for each passenger so that would be sneaking. In a few ferries the driver might have paid for the car not dependent on passengers, but that is a rare case.
 
Blackriding the ferries is also very easy most of times. Just don't show up too much, there is always a queue (long or not) of cars waiting for it, ticket sellers are on board or at the harbour and they go directly, one by one to each car to make the ticket. When the ferry arrives and the ticket sellers (can recognize them easily) are busy making tickets to cars just enter the ferry and nobody will tell you anything, the guys at the entrance of the boat are not supposed to check tickets just to tell cars where to go so they won't stop you nor anything, just think that you have already paid before. Of course if there are other "backpackers" stay away from them cause they are the first to be approached for tickets when the boat arrives. Fede, his brother and a polish hitchhiker (that makes 3 people together) easily entered in that way every time, from [[Lofoten]] Islands to [[Bodo]] as around Sognesfjord and [[Bergen]]
 
  
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=== Hitching rides on ferries ===
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If possible, try to find out the ferry schedule. Hitch on the side where the cars drive into the ferry because in many places it's hard to hitch on the other side. You can maybe knock on people's windows when they wait for the ferry, especially if they come early and have to wait long, it's easy to talk to them. You can maybe try to hitch into cars that have already paid for the ferry but on almost all car ferries, and definitely all the short distance ones, you pay extra for each passenger so that would be sneaking. In a few ferries the driver might have paid for the car not dependent on passengers, but that is a rare case.
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Blackriding the ferries is also very easy most of times. Just don't show up too much, there is always a queue (long or not) of cars waiting for it, ticket sellers are on board or at the harbour and they go directly, one by one to each car to make the ticket. When the ferry arrives and the ticket sellers (can recognize them easily) are busy making tickets to cars just enter the ferry and nobody will tell you anything, the guys at the entrance of the boat are not supposed to check tickets just to tell cars where to go so they won't stop you nor anything, just think that you have already paid before. Of course if there are other "backpackers" stay away from them cause they are the first to be approached for tickets when the boat arrives. Fede, his brother and a Polish hitchhiker (that makes 3 people together) easily entered in that way every time, from [[Lofoten]] Islands to [[Bodo]] as around Sognesfjord and [[Bergen]]
  
Popular Ferry routes to Denmark and Germany are Kristiansand-Hirtshals, Larvik-Hirtshals (ColorLine), Oslo-Frederikshavn and Oslo-Göteborg-Kiel (StenaLine). With ColorLine, cars carrying up to 5 people don't pay extra, so it's possible to hitch a ride on the ferry for free (not correct anymore as of November 2012: extra passenger is 5€. It would be an acceptable price, but since ALL of the drivers buy tickets on-line with 50% discount, it's almost impossible to catch a ride at the ticket office. We had to give up and hitchhike all the way to Oslo, Sweden and then Denmark. So you better don't rely on this possibility)  StenaLine operates overnight only, so even if you manage to find a car, they'll still force you to pay for a very expensive berth (500+ kr). If you're heading to Denmark (the ports of Hirtshals and Frederikshavn are quite close to each other) it makes no sense to take the StenaLine from Oslo, because it takes a really long time (12h!!! that's the way to make you spend as much as possible on board) and you can sail from [[Larvik]] in about 4h, which is reasonably close to Oslo to reach in about 2 hours.
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Popular Ferry routes to Denmark and Germany are Kristiansand-Hirtshals, Larvik-Hirtshals (ColorLine), Oslo-Frederikshavn and Oslo-Göteborg-Kiel (StenaLine). With ColorLine, cars carrying up to 5 people don't pay extra, so it's possible to hitch a ride on the ferry for free (not correct any more as of November 2012: extra passenger is EUR 5. It would be an acceptable price, but since ALL of the drivers buy tickets on-line with 50% discount, it's almost impossible to catch a ride at the ticket office. We had to give up and hitchhike all the way to Oslo, Sweden and then Denmark. So you better don't rely on this possibility)  StenaLine operates overnight only, so even if you manage to find a car, they'll still force you to pay for a very expensive berth (500+ kr). If you're heading to Denmark (the ports of Hirtshals and Frederikshavn are quite close to each other) it makes no sense to take the StenaLine from Oslo, because it takes a really long time (12h!!! that's the way to make you spend as much as possible on board) and you can sail from [[Larvik]] in about 4h, which is reasonably close to Oslo to reach in about 2 hours.
  
 
A note about hitching trucks! Alert, it is no longer possible to hitch trucks on Stena lines and probably Colorline as well. Only drivers allowed. when i asked several trucks in Frederikshaven they all said not possible.
 
A note about hitching trucks! Alert, it is no longer possible to hitch trucks on Stena lines and probably Colorline as well. Only drivers allowed. when i asked several trucks in Frederikshaven they all said not possible.
Line 50: Line 218:
 
* Mo i Rana - Karlsøya  - '''1 day'''
 
* Mo i Rana - Karlsøya  - '''1 day'''
 
* Karlsøya to [[Tampere]], [[Finland]] - '''2 days''' or 1 day and 1 night
 
* Karlsøya to [[Tampere]], [[Finland]] - '''2 days''' or 1 day and 1 night
According to [[User:Mila77|Mila77]], a gal
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According to [[User:Mila77|Mila77]], female
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* A i Lofoten to Tromsö 2 Days on quite low traffic, maybe possible on 1 day in summertime
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Note by Mila77: (now Mila.77) Please do calculate more time than usually in Norway. Remember they have a huge land but very few inhabitants. In the areas outside of cities, there are almost no people living. That means especially in the north, you will need much more time for the same distance than in Germany for example. You cannot compare this. Be prepared to wait much longer than you have ever in your life. There are few cars coming. However those who pick you up are very friendly.
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* [[Lofoten]] - [[Trondheim]] - '''2 days'''
 
* [[Lofoten]] - [[Trondheim]] - '''2 days'''
 
According to [[User:ThorRune|Thor-Rune]], one guy.
 
According to [[User:ThorRune|Thor-Rune]], one guy.
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According to [[User:peregrine|Peregrine]] in 2013, one gal
 
According to [[User:peregrine|Peregrine]] in 2013, one gal
*[[Stavanger]] - Mandal - half day (2pm to 6pm)
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*[[Stavanger]] - Mandal - half day (14:00 to 18:00)
*Mandal - [[Oslo]] - "1 day" (9 am to 4pm)
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*Mandal - [[Oslo]] - "1 day" (09:00 to 16:00)
 
*Mandal - Kristiansund - 30 minutes (10 min wait)
 
*Mandal - Kristiansund - 30 minutes (10 min wait)
 
*Kristiansund to Tonsberg - 4 hours (10 min wait)
 
*Kristiansund to Tonsberg - 4 hours (10 min wait)
Line 72: Line 244:
 
*[[Oslo]] - Swedish border - a few hours, 20 min wait in the rain, do not use hitch wiki's suggestion for the spot, 2 women took pity on me because they'd seen others standing at the "dangerous spot" and it was raining...
 
*[[Oslo]] - Swedish border - a few hours, 20 min wait in the rain, do not use hitch wiki's suggestion for the spot, 2 women took pity on me because they'd seen others standing at the "dangerous spot" and it was raining...
  
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According to [[User:Francisco1|Francisco1]]
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*[[Göteborg]](Sweden) - [[Bergen]] - two days by road number 7 (camping in Flå, between Honefoss and Gol)
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consider a complete day (with as much light hours as possible) for [[Oslo]] - [[Bergen]]
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I definitely recommend taking road 7 passing by the Aurlandsfjordet (fjord) at Aurland and Flåm, very beautiful
  
'''Distances''' - NOTE: By car, not including waiting time and change of rides:
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'''Distances''' - Note: By car, not including waiting time and change of rides:
  
 
* Oslo - Bergen : ca. 7 hours
 
* Oslo - Bergen : ca. 7 hours
Line 87: Line 263:
 
Hope that's of any help :)
 
Hope that's of any help :)
 
Check out [http://no.avstand.org/nordkapp/lindesnes]this :)
 
Check out [http://no.avstand.org/nordkapp/lindesnes]this :)
 
=== License plates ===
 
There is a coding for areas: the two first letters identify the region in which the vehicle is first registered, but as the plates migrate with the vehicle and Norwegians travel pretty much all around the country, it's not something hitchhikers rely on.
 
See also  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Norway#Car_number_prefixes_and_sequence_numbers List of codes] on Wikipedia
 
  
 
== Useful Language Bits ==
 
== Useful Language Bits ==
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* Thank you - Tusen takk
 +
* Cheers - Skål
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* How are you? - Hvordan går det?
 
* North - nord
 
* North - nord
 
* South - sør
 
* South - sør
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Additionally, the consonant J and the combination GJ is pronounced the same way you would pronounce Y (young). For instance, "jobb" (work) would be pronounced "yobb".
 
Additionally, the consonant J and the combination GJ is pronounced the same way you would pronounce Y (young). For instance, "jobb" (work) would be pronounced "yobb".
  
== Regions & Cities ==
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== Personal Experiences ==
[[File:2002 hitch hiking in Norway.jpg|thumb|280px|right|[[User:Sigurdas|Sigurdas]] hitch-hiking somewhere in the middle of Norway. January 2002.]]
 
 
 
=== In the North ===
 
* [[Alta]]
 
* [[Narvik]]
 
* [[Nordkapp]], the Northernmost point of [[Europe]]
 
* [[Lofoten]], an archipelago
 
* [[Trofors]]
 
* [[Tromsø]]
 
 
 
* [[Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands]]
 
 
 
=== Other Cities ===
 
* [[Oslo]]
 
* [[Bergen]]
 
* [[Fredrikstad]]
 
* [[Horten]]
 
* [[Skien]]
 
* [[Stavanger]]
 
* [[Trondheim]]
 
* [[Voss]]
 
 
 
== Borders ==
 
Norway is part of Schengen and doesn't have border check for people coming from Sweden or Finland.  It does have a border with Russia though, and there are still checks for goods. Norwegian border checks can be picky, especially if you're crossing it with a truck and even more if it's an empty one.
 
  
== Eating & Drinking ==
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Pls add info
Food is expensive!  Fresh fruits and veggies are even more expensive, especially in the North; but the dumpsters are full! especially of fresh fruits and veggies (mostly exotic like mangos avocados and bananas, tonnes of them but also of any other, from tomatoes to strawberries, blueberries, anything your appetite and taste may want) . Take as much food across the border as you can possibly carry, but no worries, when you will have finished it the dumpsters will surely fill your stomach, prefer small villages and towns than big cities since there is more food and dumpsters are (almost) always unlocked; plus food like oat, flat "fullkorn" bread, cooked legumes in metal or tetrapak boxes like beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc are defniitely cheap or at least affordable (around 1E per piece but often even less) and constitute a good way to buy something in order to "borrow" from supermarkets (since the security is not really active) the expensive food you need and can't pay.
 
[[User:Guaka|guaka]] and Erga had a ride from Sweden all the way to [[Alta]] in the North and were smart enough to buy a box of food in a Swedish supermarket.
 
[[User:Fedecicco|Fede]] and his brother hitchhiked and dumpsterdived all across the country for 3 weeks, and paid very few money for food .
 
  
== Accommodation & Sleeping ==
 
It's a common misconception that you can put your tent anywhere for as long as you like in Norway. Norway has very liberal laws on tenting that gives the campers a lot of rights, but it's important to know the limitations.
 
  
You are allowed (and even have the right by law) to put your tent anywhere that is defined as "outland", as contrary to "inland". That means, anywhere the land is not cultivated. For instance, it is not allowed in farmland, in a park, in a roundabout, or in a backyard. If it is, however, a untended forest or a wild-growing field, you can by right pitch your tent and stay there for 3 days. After 3 days you are required to move your tent.
 
  
Though you cannot by right put your tent in a place like a park, it is generally tolerated for a night, but don't leave your tent standing while you explore the city during the day. You can also ask at a place like a petrol station if you may put it up out back.
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== Nomadwiki & Trashwiki ==
  
Few train stations are open 24h, it can be handy for a warmer night in winter time (Oppdall, Mosjoen ...)
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{{nomadwiki}}
Other way to not freeze during winter, you can sleep in elevators on the train station like Paradis station in Stavanger. Nobody disturbed till 5:00 in the morning.
 
  
In Oslo, you can pitch your tent around the train station of Skullerud, or in Bygdoy (where you find most of the museums) walk West before the King's property. There take any trails into the forest.
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[https://www.facebook.com/groups/hitchhikersnorway/ Hitchhikers in Norway] FB group </br>
 
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[[wikivoyage:Norway]]
The Torp Airport is closed overnight, but there is a nice forest just before the car park. There is as well a nice park on the hill in Sandfjord. Do not hitch on the motorway but take the secondary road between the airport and the town (Sandford train station is closed overnight). Oslo Gardemoen also has a nice pitch of forest somewhere inside that giant parking lot, you can even take the free parking shuttle bus back to the bus stop in the morning ;)
 
 
 
== Other Useful Info ==
 
  
* [https://lavprisekspressen.no/ Lavprisekspressen] runs buses between Stavanger and Trondheim
 
* [http://www.nsb.no/ticket_and_travelterms/minipris/minipris-article24726-2752.html Minipris] are cheaper fare train tickets on the NSB.
 
  
 
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Latest revision as of 10:25, 12 December 2023

Flag of Norway Norway
Information
Language: Norwegian, Sami, Finnish
Capital: Oslo
Population: 4,848,474
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Hitchability: <rating country='no' />
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots or BeWelcome
<map lat='65.33017791526852' lng='15.556640625' zoom='4' view='0' float='right' width='270' height='375' country='Norway'/>

Norway is a country in Europe. It is a member state of the Schengen Agreement, but is not part of the European Union. Its capital is Oslo. Its neighbouring countries are Sweden, Finland and Russia.

The main challenge while travelling in Norway is the rapidly shifting weather, so be prepared for anything, as they say here: There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

Most people speak English well enough for reasonable communication. People have been told to be wary of foreigners. Recently, it's been all over the news that some gypsies wait on the road with a broken car and steal cars from people stopping to help them, and it doesn't help much, especially if you're not quite white. If you look like a hobo your chances decrease further. Look presentable to increase your chance of getting picked up and be friendly. Ask questions.

Be careful to check the altitude of the places where you wish to go, and through which you travel. A lot of people might be able get you closer to your destination, but they are not willing to drop you where it is cold (there can be freezing temperatures even in the summer).

Regions & Cities

In the North

Other Cities

License plates

There is a coding for areas: the two first letters identify the region in which the vehicle is first registered, but as the plates migrate with the vehicle and Norwegians travel pretty much all around the country, it's not something hitchhikers rely on. See also List of codes on Wikipedia

Vehicles with Norwegian green license plates do not have back seats. So if you are not traveling alone, hitching a ride with such a vehicle is of little use. Some vans have a double bench for passengers in front, but except for those, green plates means seating for one passenger only. Even if it is a vehicle that had back seats when it left the factory, they will have been removed upon importation to Norway. This is done for tax reasons. Vehicles affected by this include almost all pick-up trucks including 4-door models, and some minivans and SUVs. Also some old station wagons.

Hitchhiking culture

Sigurdas hitch-hiking somewhere in the middle of Norway. January 2002.

Norway is difficult to class as a good or bad country for hitchhiking (see the Discussion page). There are both very good and very bad feedback from hitchhikers in Norway:

Hitchhiking is not easy, although still very possible and chances of finding a long ride are quite good. In Tromsø it's even possible to hitchhike instead of taking public transport, by using a 2km sign (not as fast as the bus, however still better than walking).

Positive

Norway is not an easy country to hitch in, but it can be rewarding! Even though haike is not too common in Norway, people are very likely to pick you up and can be very friendly and helpful. Like in Sweden, foreign tourists and immigrants are more likely to pick up hitchhikers.

According to Francisco1 (also said by Fede Earlyturtle) although he didn't look very Norwegian and had no flag (see here below), just common nice cardboard signs, he always found people, many times locals (some foreigners also), any gender, any age, to pick him up, help him and give good advice. He doesn't agree with the idea that most Norwegians are unwelcoming to strangers, and even less nationalist or racist.

According to Capy, hitchhiking in Norway was easy. They were getting picked up by Norwegians and foreigners alike.

(see also: Norway, a paradise for hitchhikers)

Negative

According to thomasmyrman who hitched with a huge Norwegian flag, many drivers said they only stopped because it made them feel nationalistic pride and that it made the hitcher visible from far away. Consider having at least a small flag (even if you are not Norwegian) which you can buy anywhere in Norway. Grata also had a bad experience.

(see also: No, it is not easy to hitchhike in Norway)

Hitching ferries

On hitchhiking short distance ferries that are usually paid by the amount of people in the car, especially around the fjords of Bergen and the Western coast of Norway: When your driver enters a ferry, be sure he or she is not the first or second car in line. As soon as the person who collects the money from the cars, is with the first or second driver, get out of the car, go to the sundeck - or whereever else in the ferry - and back in the car when the boat is on the other side. Nobody will check on you during the ride or when the cars leave the ferry. Thus I would highly recommend you to be in a car while boarding a ferry. If you are not, just ask a few drivers! If you still cannot find a car, there's also a few possibilities to sneak if you time it right and you are not seen by the officials.

In the north, many ferries are free to walk on if you are not in a car. It’s still best to ask around or at least meet people while waiting for the ferry, however.

More advice

Norwegians have a tendency to always be on the rush on weekdays. Waiting times can be a bit longer around Oslo and in remote areas where traffic is very light. People expect some chatting since distances are long, and seem to have little tolerance for drug or alcohol use while on the road.

A large part of the population lives near the road, which extends from the Swedish border in the South to almost all the way North, so when going North it's pretty hard to get lost, as long as you are headed the right way.

The roads going to Bergen and the West Coast (E16, 7, E134) aren't very big, don't expect motorways. They look more like small mountain roads, and are very nice to hitchhike along, you can stand directly on the road and admire the landscape at the same time. In winter (and fall and spring also) be aware that they might be closed to traffic due to snowstorms or pollution in the tunnels. The information is available for all roads in Norway on the internet.

It's common knowledge that truck drivers are very friendly and that the hitching is great if you go out to the shipping areas around Dyre Halses Gate in Trondheim and North of StrandveienWhich one? Does this question refer to the previous misspelling of Strandveien?, but some hitchhikers have said otherwise. It's also much faster traveling alone considering that trucks and some commercial vehicle can only take 1 passenger. Around four in the afternoon, drivers have loaded incoming goods from that day and are leaving for a late/overnight haul to the next major city.

Do think of the weather, it can get pretty cold and rainy (or snowy) and the distances are very big between the more populated east side of the country and the cities in the West Coast, or the North. Maybe taking a warm tent as I did was the best idea ever, the experience of camping in the woods in those mountains was very nice.

There are usually heated waiting areas at the ferry ports (even if small and remote), as waiting for a ferry can take some time and it can get very cold in winter. They are usually very clean and can be a good spot for sleeping and you will be able to ask for a ride the next morning. Most of them are equipped with toilets as well.

Remember, hichhiking is about patience, so maybe you'll have to wait for a good while (it IS true that there are not that many cars), but just enjoy the beautiful landscapes and you can always walk along the roads, they are not highways properly said.

The Hurtigruten is a daily shipping service on Norway's coast(less service in winter, about twice a week as of 2022), it stops in most towns along the way, starting in Bergen and going all the way up to Kirkenes on the Russian border. In many towns it stops for 3 or 4 hours and while it's in port, you can go onboard as a visitor for free. Just have your ID handy. Many ships have saunas and some have hot tubs that you can use for free. If you stay on the ship for less than 24 hours, you don't have to take a cabin, which makes the trip much cheaper. Also, students get a 50 percent discount. Capy hasn't been checked for his student status on his three trips with Hurtigruten.

In Statoil gas stations, you can buy one of their cups for the equivalent of 30 euros and drink as much coffee, tea and hot chocolate as you like for one year.

Highway rest areas with paid showers

Eastern Norway

E6 Svinesundparken, Halden, Østfold

E6 Fugleåsen, Ski, Akershus

E6 Ormlia, Eidsvoll, Akershus

E6 Circle K Minnesund, Eidsvoll, Akershus

E6 Biri travpark, Gjøvik, Oppland

E6 Vinstra vegpark, Nord-Fron, Oppland

E6 Dovreskogen, Dovre, Oppland

E18 Ørje, Marker, Østfold

NR 3 Myklagard, Løten, Hedmark

NR 3 Shell Koppang, Stor-Elvdal, Hedmark

NR 3 Alvdal, Hedmark


Southern Norway

E18 Kjellstad, Lier, Buskerud

E18 Furulund Kro & Motel, Stokke, Vestfold

E18 Horisonten Lillesand, Aust-Agder

E18 YX Lillesand, Aust-Agder

E18 Circle K Lillesand, Aust-Agder

E39 Circle K Livold, Lindesnes, Vest-Agder


Western Norway

E16 Shell Dale, Vaksdal, Hordaland

E16 YX Skulestadmo, Voss, Hordaland

E16 Shell Gudvangen, Aurland, Sogn og Fjordane

E16 Steinklepp, Lærdal, Sogn og Fjordane

E39 Esso Vikeså, Bjerkreim, Rogaland

E39 Søylandskiosken, Gjesdal, Rogaland

E39 Heiane, Stord, Hordaland

E39 Bergen travpark, Vågsbotn, Hordaland

E39 Haugsvær, Masfjorden, Hordaland

E39 Esso Skei, Jølster, Sogn og Fjordane

E134 Best Kyrping, Etne, Hordaland


Central Norway

E6 Oppdalsporten, Oppdal, Trøndelag

E6/E39 Circle K Klett, Trondheim, Trøndelag

E6 Stav Gjestegård, Malvik, Trøndelag

E6 YX Gråmyra, Levanger, Trøndelag

E6 Best Brekkvasselv, Namsskogan, Trøndelag

E39 Digerneset, Skodje, Møre og Romsdal

NR 70 Håsøran, Sunndalsøra, Sunndal, Møre og Romsdal


Northern Norway

E6 Mosjøen, Vefsn, Nordland

E6 Fauske, Nordland

E6 Innhavet, Hamarøy, Nordland

E6 Buktamoen, Målselv, Troms

E6 Circle K Storslett, Nordreisa

E6 Shell Talvik, Alta, Finnmark

E6/E75 Tana bru, Finnmark NR 80 Bodø havn, Nordland

North Norway

Hitchhikers had varying experiences in the beautiful North. Some locals hitch regularly to commute. You can hitch a ride from mostly anywhere as there is not much traffic. Another challenge are the long winter nights, which make the hitchhiking day very short unless you are well equipped for night hitchhiking. In the North, total darkness sets in from around mid-November. Don't forget the specifics of winter hitchhiking.


Hitching rides on ferries

If possible, try to find out the ferry schedule. Hitch on the side where the cars drive into the ferry because in many places it's hard to hitch on the other side. You can maybe knock on people's windows when they wait for the ferry, especially if they come early and have to wait long, it's easy to talk to them. You can maybe try to hitch into cars that have already paid for the ferry but on almost all car ferries, and definitely all the short distance ones, you pay extra for each passenger so that would be sneaking. In a few ferries the driver might have paid for the car not dependent on passengers, but that is a rare case. Blackriding the ferries is also very easy most of times. Just don't show up too much, there is always a queue (long or not) of cars waiting for it, ticket sellers are on board or at the harbour and they go directly, one by one to each car to make the ticket. When the ferry arrives and the ticket sellers (can recognize them easily) are busy making tickets to cars just enter the ferry and nobody will tell you anything, the guys at the entrance of the boat are not supposed to check tickets just to tell cars where to go so they won't stop you nor anything, just think that you have already paid before. Of course if there are other "backpackers" stay away from them cause they are the first to be approached for tickets when the boat arrives. Fede, his brother and a Polish hitchhiker (that makes 3 people together) easily entered in that way every time, from Lofoten Islands to Bodo as around Sognesfjord and Bergen

Popular Ferry routes to Denmark and Germany are Kristiansand-Hirtshals, Larvik-Hirtshals (ColorLine), Oslo-Frederikshavn and Oslo-Göteborg-Kiel (StenaLine). With ColorLine, cars carrying up to 5 people don't pay extra, so it's possible to hitch a ride on the ferry for free (not correct any more as of November 2012: extra passenger is EUR 5. It would be an acceptable price, but since ALL of the drivers buy tickets on-line with 50% discount, it's almost impossible to catch a ride at the ticket office. We had to give up and hitchhike all the way to Oslo, Sweden and then Denmark. So you better don't rely on this possibility) StenaLine operates overnight only, so even if you manage to find a car, they'll still force you to pay for a very expensive berth (500+ kr). If you're heading to Denmark (the ports of Hirtshals and Frederikshavn are quite close to each other) it makes no sense to take the StenaLine from Oslo, because it takes a really long time (12h!!! that's the way to make you spend as much as possible on board) and you can sail from Larvik in about 4h, which is reasonably close to Oslo to reach in about 2 hours.

A note about hitching trucks! Alert, it is no longer possible to hitch trucks on Stena lines and probably Colorline as well. Only drivers allowed. when i asked several trucks in Frederikshaven they all said not possible.

Distances

Erga hitchhiking in Alta

According to markus and abstorz, two dudes.

According to Mila77, female

  • A i Lofoten to Tromsö 2 Days on quite low traffic, maybe possible on 1 day in summertime

Note by Mila77: (now Mila.77) Please do calculate more time than usually in Norway. Remember they have a huge land but very few inhabitants. In the areas outside of cities, there are almost no people living. That means especially in the north, you will need much more time for the same distance than in Germany for example. You cannot compare this. Be prepared to wait much longer than you have ever in your life. There are few cars coming. However those who pick you up are very friendly.

According to Thor-Rune, one guy.

According to J. O'Hannes in 2012, one guy

According to Peregrine in 2013, one gal

  • Stavanger - Mandal - half day (14:00 to 18:00)
  • Mandal - Oslo - "1 day" (09:00 to 16:00)
  • Mandal - Kristiansund - 30 minutes (10 min wait)
  • Kristiansund to Tonsberg - 4 hours (10 min wait)
  • Tonsberg to Oslo - not recommended as it was bad to wait on interstate: 1st attempt - 30 min, failed, got something to eat, returned and it was rush hour - the slower traffic helped! 10 min wait, hour ride to Oslo!
  • Oslo - Swedish border - a few hours, 20 min wait in the rain, do not use hitch wiki's suggestion for the spot, 2 women took pity on me because they'd seen others standing at the "dangerous spot" and it was raining...

According to Francisco1

  • Göteborg(Sweden) - Bergen - two days by road number 7 (camping in Flå, between Honefoss and Gol)

consider a complete day (with as much light hours as possible) for Oslo - Bergen I definitely recommend taking road 7 passing by the Aurlandsfjordet (fjord) at Aurland and Flåm, very beautiful

Distances - Note: By car, not including waiting time and change of rides:

  • Oslo - Bergen : ca. 7 hours
  • Oslo - Trondheim: ca. 7 hours
  • Oslo - Kristiandsand: ca. 4 hours
  • Oslo - Stavanger: ca. 7 hours
  • Oslo - Tromsø: ca. 22 hours
  • Stavanger - Kristiandsand: ca. 3 hours
  • Stavanger- Bergen: ca. 3,5 hours (2 ferries)
  • Trondheim - Bergen: 10 hours
  • Trondheim - Tromsø: 15 hours
  • Most southern point of Norway(Lindesnes) - northern point (Nordkapp): ca. 1 day, 8 hours.

Hope that's of any help :) Check out [1]this :)

Useful Language Bits

  • Thank you - Tusen takk
  • Cheers - Skål
  • How are you? - Hvordan går det?
  • North - nord
  • South - sør
  • West - vest
  • East - øst

Vowels: Vowels are pronounced very differently in Norwegian as opposed to English

  • A pronounced "ah" as in bar
  • E pronounced "eh" as in heck
  • I pronounced "e" as in here or "i" as in hill
  • O pronounced "oo" as in moon and in other times, "aw" as in law
  • U pronounced "ou" as in soup
  • Y pronounced "ew" as in few (rounded lips)
  • Æ pronounced "a" as in bag
  • Ø pronounced "er" as in "her" without the R sound
  • Å pronounced "aw" as in "law"

Additionally, the consonant J and the combination GJ is pronounced the same way you would pronounce Y (young). For instance, "jobb" (work) would be pronounced "yobb".

Personal Experiences

Pls add info


Nomadwiki & Trashwiki

Check Nomadwiki for info on accommodation, showers etc. or Trashwiki for dumpsters...and share your wisdom :)

Hitchhikers in Norway FB group
wikivoyage:Norway