Is Public Nudity Legal in Denmark?
OfficialSimple nudity is not an offence· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Largely yes: Denmark has no law that directly bans nudity, and nude bathing is allowed on all public beaches as long as you show consideration for other bathers. Indecent or offensive conduct likely to bother others is still banned under the police public-order regulation, so nudity away from beaches depends on the circumstances.[3][2]
Main provision: Straffeloven § 232 (blufærdighedskrænkelse); Ordensbekendtgørelsen § 3, stk. 2 (uanstændig opførsel)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
There is no national list of designated nude beaches: Danske Naturister states nude bathing is allowed on all public beaches, citing a 1976 Justice Ministry position that nude bathing and sunbathing on a beach is not in itself indecent conduct. On beaches where everyone wears swimwear, naturists are asked to keep a suitable distance.[3]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
Danske Naturister has 10 local associations across the country, and Dansk Naturist Union groups clubs that run naturist campsites.[4][5]
Penalties
Indecency that violates someone's modesty (§ 232) carries a fine or up to 2 years in prison, or up to 4 years if committed against a child under 15. The prosecutors' fine guideline sets DKK 1,000 for indecent conduct under § 3(2) of the public-order regulation (higher in designated nightlife zones at night).[1][2]
Official naturist places in Denmark
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Denmark?
Largely yes: Denmark has no law that directly bans nudity, and nude bathing is allowed on all public beaches as long as you show consideration for other bathers. Indecent or offensive conduct likely to bother others is still banned under the police public-order regulation, so nudity away from beaches depends on the circumstances.
Are there official nude beaches in Denmark?
There is no national list of designated nude beaches: Danske Naturister states nude bathing is allowed on all public beaches, citing a 1976 Justice Ministry position that nude bathing and sunbathing on a beach is not in itself indecent conduct. On beaches where everyone wears swimwear, naturists are asked to keep a suitable distance.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Denmark?
Danske Naturister has 10 local associations across the country, and Dansk Naturist Union groups clubs that run naturist campsites.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Denmark?
Indecency that violates someone's modesty (§ 232) carries a fine or up to 2 years in prison, or up to 4 years if committed against a child under 15. The prosecutors' fine guideline sets DKK 1,000 for indecent conduct under § 3(2) of the public-order regulation (higher in designated nightlife zones at night).
Sources
- Straffeloven (LBK nr 434 af 2024), § 232 (Retsinformation) (statute)
- Rigsadvokatmeddelelsen, afsnittet: Ordensbekendtgørelsen (2025) (government)
- Danske Naturister / Strandguide: Lovgivningen om nøgenbadning (federation)
- Danske Naturister (local associations) (federation)
- Dansk Naturist Union (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.