Swiss ban nude hiking in Alps

[Richard]

Damn those prudish Swiss - heroin, yes - nudity, no.

Richard's $.02

Swiss heartland voters ban nude hiking in Alps
Harry Rosenbaum, AP, 25 apr 2009

Voters in the heart of the Swiss Alps on Sunday passed legislation banning naked hiking after dozens of mostly German nudists started rambling through their picturesque region.

By a show of hands citizens of the tiny canton (state) of Appenzell Inner Rhodes voted overwhelmingly at their traditional open-air annual assembly to impose a 200 Swiss franc ($176) fine on violators.

Only a scattering of people on Sunday opposed the ban on the back-to-nature activity that took off last autumn when naked hikers — primarily Germans — started showing up in eastern Switzerland.

The cantonal government recommended the ban after citizens objected to encountering walkers wearing nothing but hiking boots and socks.

"The reactions of the population have shown that such appearances over a large area are perceived as thoroughly disturbing and irritating," the government said in a statement.

A similar legal move is expected in neighboring Appenzell Outer Rhodes with legislation being prepared against "this shameless behavior."

German Web sites promoting the activity describe it as "a special experience of nature, free and healthy" and said nude walking in the Alps has roots in antiquity.

The verdant Appenzell region has been regarded as a favorite, with trails the nudists regarded as off the beaten path.

The German sites also promote walks in France and in regions of Germany, where public nudity has roots going back to the 18th century through a movement that has come to be called "Free Body Culture." Nudism in more conservative areas of Switzerland is less common.

A similar legal move is expected in neighboring Appenzell Outer Rhodes. The nationalist Swiss People's Party has advised the cantonal parliament it is preparing legislation against "this shameless behavior."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090427/...JczSH2oUB0bBAF

[mojaveman]

Leave it to the Germans to drop their laundry. One warm May afternoon while I was in Berlin on business I had some free time and decided to go check out the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate. Instead of taking the long way along some of the well known streets of the city I decided to take a shortcut through the Tiergarten. After making my way through a patch of trees in the corner of the famous park I beheld a sight unlike any I'd ever seen before. Dozens of people of all ages were completely naked and carrying on as if everything were perfectly normal. Many were simply sunning themselves but others were playing badminton or frisbee. Needless to say I continued on my way and tried not to ogle too long.

Oh how I love Europe...

[greenberetTFS]

Originally Posted by mojaveman

Leave it to the Germans to drop their laundry. One warm May afternoon while I was in Berlin on business I had some free time and decided to go check out the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate. Instead of taking the long way along some of the famous streets of the city I decided to take a shortcut through the Tierpark. After making my way through a patch of trees in the corner of the famous park I beheld a sight unlike any I've ever seen before. Dozens of people of all ages were completely naked and carrying on as if everything were perfectly normal. Many were simply sunning themselves but others were playing badminton or frisbee. Needless to say I continued on my way and tried not to ogle too long.

Oh how I love Europe...

Mojaveman,

Where is the "video" to support your claims?

GB TFS

[Richard]

Dozens of people of all ages were completely naked and carrying on as if everything were perfectly normal. Many were simply sunning themselves but others were playing badminton or frisbee.

The freikorperkultur is a long standing part of the German psyche. I've even seen pics of WW2 SS soldiers along the front lines nakedly sunning themselves along the Ostfront to replenish their body's energies while their comrades stood guard.

As for nudity in the parks - I used to see the same thing in Munchen - either over along the Isar near the island on the outskirts of the old city center or in the park near the Chinese Gardens when walking from the consulate to the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty compund on the other side of the park.

And I want it to be perfectly clear that it was purely coincidental that my passing through the park always seemed to be a necessity during the lunch hour.

However, this penchant for casual nudity amongst the more liberally minded West is another of those cultural differences that cause discord with the more prudish Islamic societies.

Richard's $.02

[mac117]

well....there goes my summer plans!

[albeham]

So who is going to Germany with me ..


What to bring on Vacation:

camera


The End