Is Public Nudity Legal in Finland?
OfficialSimple nudity is not an offence· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Yes: according to the Finnish Naturist Federation, Finnish law does not prohibit being nude or swimming nude unless the conduct counts as indecent under the criminal code. The criminal code punishes a public act that offends sexual decency in a way that causes offence, and the federation cites sexual nudity or nudity in busy built-up areas as examples.[2][1]
Main provision: Rikoslaki 17 luku 21 § (sukupuolisiveellisyyden julkinen loukkaaminen)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
The Finnish Naturist Federation says Finland has no official naturist beaches and very few public naturist places; a headland of Pihlajasaari in Helsinki is set aside for naturists and Ruissalo (Saaronniemi) in Turku is an unofficial naturist beach. Helsinki plans to convert the Pihlajasaari naturist beach into a general-use area in summer 2027, pending a committee decision in 2026.[2][3]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
The Finnish Naturist Federation and its member associations organise naturist activities and events.[2]
Penalties
Publicly offending sexual decency in a way that causes offence is punishable by a fine or up to 6 months in prison.[1]
Official naturist places in Finland
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 Finland?
Yes: according to the Finnish Naturist Federation, Finnish law does not prohibit being nude or swimming nude unless the conduct counts as indecent under the criminal code. The criminal code punishes a public act that offends sexual decency in a way that causes offence, and the federation cites sexual nudity or nudity in busy built-up areas as examples.
Are there official nude beaches in Finland?
The Finnish Naturist Federation says Finland has no official naturist beaches and very few public naturist places; a headland of Pihlajasaari in Helsinki is set aside for naturists and Ruissalo (Saaronniemi) in Turku is an unofficial naturist beach. Helsinki plans to convert the Pihlajasaari naturist beach into a general-use area in summer 2027, pending a committee decision in 2026.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Finland?
The Finnish Naturist Federation and its member associations organise naturist activities and events.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Finland?
Publicly offending sexual decency in a way that causes offence is punishable by a fine or up to 6 months in prison.
Sources
- Rikoslaki 39/1889, 17 luku 21 § (Finlex) (statute)
- Suomen Naturistiliitto: Naturistipaikat (federation)
- City of Helsinki: Pihlajasaari development plan (2026) (government)
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.