Despite its buttoned-up and conservative outlook, Germany is known for one surprising tradition—nudism.
While seeing people disrobe may be awkward for most of us, you’d be surprised to know that Germans wouldn’t bat an eyelid. In fact, baring it all is common and normal in saunas, swimming pools, and beaches.
It is almost a culture of its own, known as Freikoerperkultur (FKK) in German, or Free Body Culture. Summer is the time for Germans to soak up some sun butt-naked, wearing only a hat and a book.
But the country’s passion for “clotheslessness” goes back to the late 19th century. At a time when tuberculosis and rheumatism were at their peaks, stripping off clothes was observed as a cure. The trend stuck, and while the rest of the European Union lowered their gaze, Germany established its first nudist beach on Sylt Island.
Today, there are innumerable beaches that nudism enthusiasts can visit, and 600,000 Germans have signed up for more than 300 private FKK clubs. But you can’t just strip down and sunbathe just about anywhere. There are designated spots around the country that you can visit if you want to dabble in some nudism.
Here are some of the most famous nude beaches in Germany that should be on your bucket list.
Top 8 Nude Beaches In Germany
1. Sellin
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A quaint beach located on the island of Rügen, Sellin offers peace and gorgeous landscape views of the Baltic horizon. It provides a secure experience with on-duty lifeguards and also offers incredible accessibility for people with disabilities.
For nature lovers, Sellin comes out on top as it features the Selling Pier, established in 1998, and is one of the longest ones on the island. It is the ideal place to unwind, with a good choice of restaurants offering exquisite Baltic food and bars. It also provides convenient parking, Wi-Fi connectivity, and toilets in the vicinity.
2. Dahme Beach
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Dahme Beach is situated in a town with the same name in northern Germany. Its expansive sandy beaches and recreational facilities make it a favorite among families, with large playground areas and camping sites for nudists.
It features clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi access, relaxing lounges, and more. Visitors can enjoy convenient parking and a wide range of restaurants and bars to choose from.
3. Wulfener Hals Nudist Beach, Fehmarn
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This nudist beach offers charming views that stretch along the Baltic Sea on one side, and along the Wulfener Hals, the Burger Binnensee, on the other. It is one of the most famous nudist beaches because it offers a sense of tranquility among the subtle sand dunes that nudists have learned to love.
4. Prerow, Fischland-Darss-Zingst Peninsula
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Perched on the northern beach of the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula is Prerow, one of Germany’s most beautiful beaches and a much sought-after destination for nudists.
Besides the beautiful sandy terrain that slopes into the sea. Prerow also features bizarrely shaped trees and one of the beach’s main attractions, called ‘wind fleeing trees.’
5. Heiligendamm
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Nestled in the heart of Bad Doberan, Heiligendamm’s soft, sandy beaches with stunning views of the Baltic Sea make it an absolute thrill for nature lovers, tourists, and nudists. The beach’s accessibility features attract families who are disabled and are even open to pets.
It features a hidden area allocated for nudists, who can lounge about and soak up the sun. It has ample parking space, restrooms and showers, and restaurants offering regional delicacies.
6. Kühlungsborn
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This nudist beach is situated on the Baltic coast of Germany and is known for its sprawling sandy expanse. Its designated areas for nudism attract tourists every year and offer beautiful, warm weather, peace, and quiet. It offers breathtaking views of the Pier and the Baltic Sea Watchtower, a historical landmark that dates back to the division of Germany.
On the other hand, Kühlungsborn Beach is also a family-friendly vacation spot that welcomes pets. The safety of visitors is a top priority, with the provision of lifeguards at all times. It is also disability friendly, making it a preferred spot for families with disabled members to unwind.
It also offers plenty of amenities, including lounge chairs, restrooms, parking areas, and more.
7. Mukran
Mukran Beach is located on the beautiful and picturesque Rügen Island, close to Binz City. It offers designated areas for nudists to unwind and view the expansive Baltic Sea and lush forest landscapes.
For those who are interested in other recreational activities, the beach also offers horse-riding, a cycling road nearby, and plenty of restaurants and bars that offer some of the best cuisines and brews.
8. Zierow
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The exquisite scenery, sandy shores, and panoramic views of the sea from Zierow Beach have captured the hearts and imaginations of nature lovers, families with senior individuals and pets, and, of course, nudists.
It caters to those who want a laid-back day at the beach, with designated areas to bare all and lay back. In contrast, other areas offer plenty of recreational activities, such as cycling, a chance to explore the locale, lounges, restrooms, Wi-Fi access, and more. It boasts good accessibility features and convenient parking close by, making it the preferred choice for anyone.
