Not wearing one’s clothes in designated areas, like beaches for instance, is not illegal in Switzerland. But some communities forbid it nevertheless.
A number of Swiss municipalities have long been tolerant toward nudity on public beaches.
Now, however, some are banning this practice on their territories, according to reports in local media.
For instance, even though its ‘Petite Amérique’ beach used to allow naked bathers for years, nudity has been banned since April in Yvonand, in the canton of Vaud, after local residents have complained of “unpleasant situations” of sexual nature.
Now a sign on a path leading to the beach is warning that “Naturism is prohibited throughout the commune.”
‘An injustice’
Nudists who have been coming to this spot for a long time are upset about the new rule.
“For me, it’s an injustice,” said a person identified as Malou, who has been baring all at the Petite Amérique for a long time.
To another regular, Phil, the beach is “a little corner of paradise.” He echoed other local nudists’ hope that Yvonand authorities will change their minds.
READ ALSO: The rules you need to know about getting naked in Switzerland
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And Zurich too
This move is reportedly part of a broader trend. “Switzerland is tightening its stance against naturists,” the Tribune de Genève headlined on this week.
Zurich is also moving in this direction.
A petition was launched there at the beginning of July seeking to close the area on the Limmat River, on the small island of Werdinsel — the city’s only official nudist spot.
Anonymous instigators claim that nudity n this public beach is “problematic,” especially as these people are clearly seen by families with children.
However, many commentators on social media sites say that a ban is not needed.
Anyone bothered by nudity, “should not get close to the nudist beach,” one person said. “Instead, authorities can instead send a public order officer to inspect it more often.”
Another person noted that “I swam past the beach with my children. I can assure you that neither their swimming skills, nor their values were permanently damaged by seeing a naked person.”
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Why are these restrictions put into place if public nudity is not illegal in Switzerland?
That’s because the Federal Court, the country’s highest judicial authority, ruled in 2011 that local authorities can impose fines or bans on their own territories.
So public nudity is allowed in some places but not in others.
Therefore, it is best to check with your local authorities about what is and is not permitted in your area before you go to the lake buck naked.
