NUDITY IN DÜSSELDORF

Despite the robust climate, Germans are generally a lot less reluctant to take off all or part of their clothing in public than most peoples. Still, community standards in different parts of the country vary considerably. For instance, the full nudity displayed by sunbathers in Munich’s Englischer Garten would not be tolerated in, say, Düsseldorf’s Hofgarten. Topless yes.

Topless sunbathing at various outdoor swimming pool complexes has long been the norm. Topless swimming is somewhat more problematic yet it happens. Sometimes at a lakeside or on beaches, generous parts of outdoor recreational areas are screened off for nude sunbathers, even amongst masses of wild Canadian geese.

The German euphemism for nudism is FKK, which stands for free body culture, Freikörperkultur. Sauna facilities at health spas or indoor pools are are normally mixed.  Locals tend to frown upon foreigners that may be used to entering in bathing costumes. A ladies’ day, Damentag, can be offered on various days of the week, however there is seldom a day for men, Herrentag. Self-conscious foreigners can experience normal, everyday nudity in hotel saunas too.

FKK is yet another fine example of the curious aspects of Germany’s fascinating society. A nudist area in Düsseldorf can be found along the southern lakeside at the Unterbacher See.

By Philipp Schiwek, edited Vincent Green Jun 16 2020