A Guide to Getting Naked in Germany
According to a 2016 online poll, 72% of Germans thought it was totally fine for beachgoers to enjoy the sun in a state of partial or full undress. Of course, this doesn’t mean 72% of Germans actually do this, but they certainly don’t mind seeing other people’s bottoms getting their share of the sunshine.
In the 19th century, being naked in nature was associated with good health. People aspired to getting out of the bad city air and restrictive city clothes and being truly at one with nature, preferably at one of the new Scandinavian-style steam saunas that were all the rage at the time.
Taking it a step further was the Freikörperkultur (FKK, ‘free body culture’) club movement, which was first established in the northwestern industrial city of Essen in 1898. After the war, the idea really took off in secular Eastern Germany.
Kids
Saunas
Mixed-sex, and usually with mixed changing rooms as well (though there are rooms for women who prefer a little more privacy), German saunas are a vital part of nude culture in Germany. Saunas are usually not very brightly lit, and people generally wear towels or robes while they are reading or walking around – but not always. The first visit can be a bit overwhelming, but after a while, the sheer number of bodies means that they just stop being very interesting.
Eyes
As difficult as it is for North Americans to believe, the sauna experience in Germany is absolutely non-sexual, and the same goes for the naked beach or park experience. This doesn’t mean you have to look only at the floor. It’s totally fine to look at others, but discreetly, and certainly not in a way that would make the other person feel uncomfortable. Offenders will be scolded by other sauna-goers, and if that doesn’t work, sauna staff will make sure the person is shown the door.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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