One of the main reasons why we started this project is to show the world that naturists are not some strange dark commune but that actually everyone could be one… Or could enjoy being one if they took the first step.
Our main example of “everyone” is of course ourselves, we write posts about naturism in general but also about our own experiences. But some of you might be thinking “Yes sure, those two are probably just the strange kids in the block…” (nah, we know you’re not thinking that about us, but we’re trying to write an introduction here). So we decided to let other naturists have a word as well.
So please sit back and get inspired!
Meanwhile we already published several interviews with people from all over the world. You can find them in the The Naturist Talks section.
Today we’re having Markus from Germany, who’s a fellow nudist blogger.
Hello Markus, tell us something about yourself
I’m Markus, a naturist from Germany. Currently, I’m living in the Munich area. I’m the only naturist in my family. However, I enjoy being naked and barefoot as often as possible and I try to convince others to do so. I’m also running a small blog (see: https://markusbarfuss.wordpress.com/) where I’m writing about naturism, barefoot living and other things.
How and at what age did you become a naturist?As mentioned earlier, I’m the only naturist in my family so I wasn’t a naturist from my birth on. I first started with barefoot living and after that I continued with naturism. That started around the age of 10 or 11 when I was playing with my friends on playgrounds or in the nearby forest. At that time we mostly removed our clothes first before playing in the sand or in the woods. It was an amazing feeling being naked myself and also being naked around others. So I tried to extend the times I could be nude. At home I was nude whenever I was alone. During the time I lived in shared flats it was a bit difficult as not everyone was fine with me being nude. So I compromised and was nude inside my room and on the way to the bathroom. Since I’m living alone, I’m living a naturist and barefoot life whenever and wherever possible.
Is naturism allowed in your country and what’s the public opinion?
Germany is pretty open to naturism or, as we say, FKK. There are numerous places throughout the country where nudity is officially allowed or at least tolerated, e.g. beaches at the North and East Sea as well as nude beaches at lakes. There are also naturist organisations throughout the entire country. However, naturists cannot be nude wherever they want. There’s always the possibility to receive a ticket if you’re nude in public places where nudity is not common or not allowed and if anyone feels offended by your nudity. This is called “Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses” in German law.
From my point of view, the public is generally relaxed about nudity. But this also depends on the region you live. While some regions are totally fine with nudity (e.g. with official nude hiking trails) other regions are more restrictive or less open-minded. One should always do some research on the local regulations before undressing anywhere. Some cities have local regulations where nude bathing is prohibited. Others, like Munich, have designated places where nude bathing is officially allowed. You may also find nice secluded non-official places where you can be nude without offending anyone.
What do you think is the best and worst thing about naturism?
The people practicing naturism is the best thing for me. Naturists are mostly open-minded and very tolerant. They’re also very relaxed people.
The worst thing about naturism is that some people abuse the word “naturism” in a sexual context which also affects the public opinion towards naturists and naturism.
The worst thing about naturism is that some people abuse the word “naturism” in a sexual context which also affects the public opinion towards naturists and naturism.
Do you find it easy to make naturist friends?It’s pretty easy to make naturist friends via the internet. But to be honest, I don’t know if I’d call all of them a “friend”. In real life, it can be somehow challenging to make new naturist friends, i.e. if you’re not a member of a naturist organisation or a frequent visitor of nude beaches. And not all visitors of nude beaches are naturists. Some of them only like skinny dipping but are clothed otherwise. Additionally, my friends from school and university are all not into naturism. Also, most naturists are not my age, so it’s difficult to make new friends within my age range. And you have to be careful with people you meet at nude beaches. Some claim to be naturists but are just people who go there to look for sexual encounters.
What’s the best tip you have for beginning naturists?
The best way to start with naturism from my point of view is by being nude at home. I realized that being fine with your own nudity at home makes it a lot easier to be nude around others and in different places, e.g. in a sauna or the locker room. Don’t rush into something, take it slow.
Anything else you’d like to share with our audience?
Naturism is something completely normal and I’d like to remove misconceptions about naturism from the brains of non-naturists. Another thing is that I don’t distinguish between naturism and nudism. Therefore, the German name “FKK” is just perfect, because it says “free body culture” (Freikörperkultur) which does not make any difference between naturism and nudism.
Thank you so much for your participation Markus!
Do you also want to tell your story and experiences in naturism? Please get in touch via the CONTACT page! As long as we have people who like to contribute, we can keep The Naturist Talks running!
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Hi
In the current article about “Markus from Germany” a big mistake has crept in.
Nudity (without sex!) in public space is not an “Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses” (§ 183a im Strafgesetzbuch) but only a “Belästigung der Allgemeinheit” (§ 116 OWIG) and thus an administrative offense like a traffic ticket when parking wrong.
Greetings
Michael
Hi Michael,
it is not an mistake. The kind of penalty you get strongly depends on the authorities (e.g. police, judges). Even nudity without sex in public can get you a penalty for “Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses”. I read several articles in newspapers about that and some people got a penalty for “Belästigung der Allgemeinheit” and some for “Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses”.
Greetings,
Markus
Hi Markus,
on this website you will find detailed information and many testimonials:
https://natury.de/index.php/uk/nude-life/nudity-and-law
in German:
https://natury.de/index.php/de/das-nackte-leben/nacktes-recht
or
https://natury.de
Greetings
Michael
Thanks for the link which is very informative. In fact or better sadly, every law always leaves room for interpretation or as we say in Germany “Auslegungssache”. So, even if you’re intention is not exhibitionism or sex, there is still the possibility that you might get a penalty for “Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses” anyway. That depends on who is accusing you , do the authorities believe that person and who is the judge.