Is Public Nudity Legal in Germany?
OfficialSimple nudity is not an offence· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Yes, no federal criminal law bans simple nudity in Germany; the exhibitionism offence (§ 183 StGB) requires a man to harass another person with an exhibitionist act. Nudity can still be fined as a regulatory offence where it is a grossly improper act likely to disturb the public (§ 118 OWiG), and cities can limit it locally, as Munich does outside its designated nude areas.[1][2][4]
Main provision: StGB § 183 (exhibitionistische Handlungen); OWiG § 118 (Belästigung der Allgemeinheit)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Nude areas are designated locally. Munich, for example, has six official nude bathing areas on the Isar and in the Englischer Garten and requires bathing clothes outside them.[4]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
The DFK is the national umbrella body for naturist (FKK) clubs and represents its member clubs nationally and internationally.[5]
Penalties
§ 183 StGB: up to one year in prison or a fine. A § 118 OWiG regulatory fine is €5 to €1,000 unless another law says otherwise (§ 17 OWiG); Munich states that breaking its bathing-clothes rule can be fined but gives no amount.[1][2][3][4]
Is going topless legal?
In Munich's municipal pools (M-Bäder) going topless is permitted for all guests regardless of gender; no national rule was documented in the sources we found.[4]
Official naturist places in Germany
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
- Senftenberger See
- Miramar Freizeitzentrum Weinheim
- Dantebad
- Zieselsmaar
- Feringasee
- Langener Waldsee
- Sieben-Meter-Teich
- Strandbad Wostra
- Naturistenweg Undeloh
- Badestelle Ording Nord/FKK
- Wild-Strand
- FKK Kampen
- FKK-Strand Bottsand
- Badedeich Dagebüll FKK-Strand
- FKK-Strand Goting
- FKK-Strand Duhnen
- Naherholungszentrum Neustädter See - FKK-Strand
- Waldbad Templin
- FSB Erftland Ville e.V
- FKK Bremen
- Gelände FFS Heilbronn
- NaturistenCamp Sonnensee
- Friedrichsbad
- Saunapark Siebengebirge
- MediTherme
- Bund für freie Lebensgestaltung - FKK-Gelände Degerloch
- Bogenland
- FKK Liegewiese
- Baggersee Streitköpfle
- Bibisee
- Filzteich
- FKK Strand Avendorf
- Nudist beach Wulfener Hals
- Südstrand, FKK-Bereich
- FKK-Bereich Blaue Adria
- FKK Seestrand Großkoschen
- FKK-Strand Buchwalde
- FKK-Gelände
- FKK-Strandbad Müggelsee
- FKK-Strand Halbendorfer See
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Germany?
Yes, no federal criminal law bans simple nudity in Germany; the exhibitionism offence (§ 183 StGB) requires a man to harass another person with an exhibitionist act. Nudity can still be fined as a regulatory offence where it is a grossly improper act likely to disturb the public (§ 118 OWiG), and cities can limit it locally, as Munich does outside its designated nude areas.
Are there official nude beaches in Germany?
Nude areas are designated locally. Munich, for example, has six official nude bathing areas on the Isar and in the Englischer Garten and requires bathing clothes outside them.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Germany?
The DFK is the national umbrella body for naturist (FKK) clubs and represents its member clubs nationally and internationally.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Germany?
§ 183 StGB: up to one year in prison or a fine. A § 118 OWiG regulatory fine is €5 to €1,000 unless another law says otherwise (§ 17 OWiG); Munich states that breaking its bathing-clothes rule can be fined but gives no amount.
Is going topless legal in Germany?
In Munich's municipal pools (M-Bäder) going topless is permitted for all guests regardless of gender; no national rule was documented in the sources we found.
Sources
- StGB § 183 (gesetze-im-internet.de) (statute)
- OWiG § 118 (gesetze-im-internet.de) (statute)
- OWiG § 17 (gesetze-im-internet.de) (statute)
- muenchen.de: FKK in Munich (official city portal) (government)
- DFK – Deutscher Verband für Freikörperkultur (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.