January 27, 2025, 6:22 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Studies have shown that Germans are world champions when it comes to skinny-dipping. But despite all the nudist fun, there are also things you should definitely avoid. TRAVELBOOK reveals seven of the nudist no-gos here.
When it comes to nudism, there are certain rules that should be followed. Otherwise, there could be unpleasant consequences. While some nudist no-gos might seem obvious, they can be challenging for newcomers to navigate. Are you intrigued? Let’s get started with seven behaviors that are absolutely not okay when skinny-dipping.
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Nudism: The 7 No-Gos
1. Staring
It is an unwritten law among fans of naturism that people should meet each other as they would if they were dressed. So it goes without saying that you shouldn’t stare at other people while skinny-dipping, on the nudist beach, or in the spa. “You can’t stare; it’s normal to look,” says Wolfgang Weinreich, press spokesman for naturist tour operator Miramare, former president of the International Naturist Federation (INF), and former vice president of the German Association for Nudism, to TRAVELBOOK. According to Weinreich, if someone becomes too pushy, they can also be asked to leave. “That can also happen and has already happened.”
2. Taking Photos
If you want to take a photo on a nudist beach or in a hotel, you should make sure that there are no people in the picture who don’t know about it or don’t want to be photographed. According to Weinreich, nudist photography is generally not welcome. “It’s best not to do it. Or you ask around if you can take a photo. If the people being photographed don’t know, it’s impossible,” says Weinreich.
3. Taking Unfavorable Positions
According to Weinreich, who has been a nudist himself for almost 70 years, the same basic rules of conduct apply as on the textile beach. Just as you move around in a bikini and swimming trunks, you should also move and behave in the nude. “I’m not always aware that I’m naked. But, of course, you cross your legs when you’re sitting down—just like you do in a bikini.” Sitting cross-legged or with your legs apart is one of the biggest no-gos in naturism.
4. Forgetting Your Towel
“You can recognize a good naturist by a towel over their arm,” Weinreich tells TRAVELBOOK.de. Because, according to the expert, you never sit down anywhere without a towel or a pad. “That is very important.”
5. Invading Personal Space
Just as you keep a certain distance from other people when dressed, you should also keep this distance when naked for the sake of politeness. “Basically, it’s relatively normal: If you’re standing at the ice cream stand on a naturist vacation, you don’t push the person in front of you or shove them. But you don’t do that in the supermarket at the checkout either,” says Weinreich.
6. Exchanging Caresses
A kiss to say hello or a hug: there’s nothing wrong with this on a nudist beach or in the spa. But anything that goes beyond that should be avoided. Weinreich says: “Bedroom caresses in public—you don’t do that in a swimsuit, either.”
7. Provoking Others
Another absolute no-go when it comes to nudism: “Provocation is not an option,” says Wolfgang Weinreich. “A naked person has no place on a textile beach. Just as you don’t tolerate clothing on a nudist beach, you also have to respect the rules of others.” Weinreich also points out rules in other countries where nudism is not allowed or where you can even be punished for it.