This is the first post, in what may or may not be an ongoing series, called “Ask Cheryl.” When readers ask questions, I might just answer them. The more absurd the question, the more likely I’ll be to respond.

Do Germans Swim Naked?

The answer to this question is a big, resounding yes! Some Germans (not all), do indeed, and quite comfortably, swim naked. They do a lot of things naked actually, including hiking, and believe it or not, there are actually nudist hiking trails. Spend any amount of time in one of Berlin’s most notable sex and swinger clubs like Insomnia and well, they take naked to a whole new level. 

Germans of all ages, whether they’re young or old, toss aside their clothes and swim in the nude. Without a stitch of clothing on, in their “birthday suits,” without a care in the world.

This rather “thought-provoking” question was recently posed by a reader, who must have read my blog post, An Expat’s Account Of Getting Naked At A German Spa.

Berliners Especially Love To Get Naked 

Climate change has made Berlin’s summers hotter than hot. And summer in Berlin brings out not only stifling temperatures but a chance to finally experience life outside of the dark rooms of the Berghain. Naturally, hordes of Berliner’s head lakeside or North to the Baltic Sea to spend time in Warnemünde.

I, myself, once headed to Strandbad Grünau, where I plunked myself down on my giant beach towel to grab what little bit of sun my pasty white skin could handle before I burned to a brilliant, lobster-red crisp. I’d almost forgotten the German’s proclivity to get naked in public. As I got off the tram and walked toward the lake, I spied some naked people and said, “Oh! Yeah, that again.”

It wasn’t exactly my first time around nudity. I’ve been to the sauna in Germany before. I’ve reluctantly come across the annual naked bike ride in Toronto. I’ve attended gay pride in San Francisco. I’ve been to Kit Kat Club a few times. The shock has looooong since worn off. I spent a fun-filled afternoon observing the locals in the wild. 

There was a good-looking, young German girl. She spent hours tanning, turning over from time to time, revealing her very hairy nipples. Then there were four old men in their 50s, just “hanging out” (pun intended), with their hands on their hips, pelvises jutted forward as they casually chatted about life with one another. One of them sported only a utility belt with four knives. Yes, four knives! Maybe he belongs to a historic and exclusive sword-fighting society like this guy? There was another man in a wheelchair, sitting back, quietly reading the newspaper. I imagine that he was reading intellectual articles, perhaps about the complexities of the EU economy, as he sat there completely and totally naked.

Germans Swimming “Au Natural” Isn’t A Big Deal

It was actually pretty cool to be there among all of the naked people and was a good reminder to let go of my own personal hangups with my body.  While I may have kept my clothes on (as about 75 percent of the other people on the beach did), I admire the German culture and their acceptance of the human form, no matter what the shape.

I see it as just another unique aspect of my Berlin Life.

Should You Swim Naked in Germany?

Before you tear off all your clothes and get ready to jump into a pool or lake, check out your surroundings. Are other people naked? If yes, then it’s reasonable to assume that it’s acceptable for you to go naked too.

You should double-check whether or not the body of water you’re about to dive into is an “official” swimming spot — or you may be unlucky like this naked swimmer.

Closely guard your belongings as wild boars are known to steal your bags as well. You then may have to chase after them while completely naked like this man from Berlin did.

The Best Place To Get Naked In Berlin?

As I’m such a fan of being naked in Germany, I frequently shed my clothes and enjoy the textile-free policy at Vabali Spa in Berlin, a Balinese-inspired spa with indoor and outdoor pools, several saunas, a gym, an onsite restaurant, and more.

So, yes. To answer your question, Germans do swim naked! I saw it for myself and can tell you, it’s absolutely true.

Have you experienced nude life in Germany? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Good to Know

1) Need to place to stay while in Berlin? Check out hotel offerings.

Booking.com

2) If you’re looking to experience more than the nude life in Berlin, book a city tour. 

3) We further recommend taking a look at some of our most popular Berlin content:

3) We further recommend taking a look at some of our most popular Berlin content:

*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!