Roam Free along Germany’s Nudist Hiking Trail
September 26, 2009 | Laura Carroll
Roam Free in Germany
If you’re visiting Germany next year, you may be surprised to see more than you had initially planned. In a bid to boost the tourism industry in the country, an 11-mile nudist trail which will run between the town of Dankerode to the Wippertal dam, near Leipzig is due to open – much to the satisfaction of German naturists.
The Germans already lay claim to introducing the world’s first nudist hotel, Hotel Rosengarten, have hundreds of nudist beaches and even hold the odd nude tobogganing race. Now however, with the launch of the new nudist hiking trail next year, the 50,000 strong nudist society can enjoy the rugged beauty and wooden hills of the upland Harz district in the centre of northern Germany which is set to be just as popular in a country that feels no shame in expressing their freedom in public.
In a recent article to the Daily Mail, Mr. Ludwig, who runs a nearby campsite said ‘’I think it’s a great way to promote tourism here.’’ While Jeanette Schuchmann, Deputy Director at the German National Tourist Office for UK & Ireland said ‘’Walking is a passion shared by many nationalities. Nudism is an expression for many a liberated mind in many countries.’’
However, while the new trail has received applause from many naturists, providing them with the opportunity to roam free, not everyone is happy with the idea. In Switzerland, the town of Appenzell passed a law earlier this year banning German hikers as they consider nude hiking as ‘’shameless behaviour.’’
Nevertheless, preparations have been undertaken to help inform unsuspecting hikers of what they may encounter by posting signs along the German nudist trail that is set to launch in May next year.
However, if you do find yourself amid the German naturists on your next trip to Germany, don’t hide away from what is fast becoming a popular and healthy outdoor activity. Instead, why not embrace something new and refreshing and experience the exhilarating feeling of being truly free. You never know, you may come away with a new and healthier attitude as to how we should truly look at ourselves while taking in the spectacular views that Germany has to offer along the way.
