Is Public Nudity Legal in Switzerland?
OfficialSimple nudity is not an offence· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Yes under federal law: the Federal Supreme Court held in 2011 that non-sexual nudity is not exhibitionism (art. 194 StGB). However, cantons may criminalise public nudity themselves, and the court upheld a CHF 100 fine for nude hiking in Appenzell Ausserrhoden.[1]
Main provision: StGB art. 194 (Exhibitionismus); cantonal public-decency offences, e.g. Appenzell A.Rh. criminal law art. 19
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Not documented in the sources we found; rules vary by canton.
Private naturist clubs and resorts
Naturism is mainly practised in clubs: the umbrella organisation of Swiss naturists counts about ten naturist campsites, including the ONS site at Thielle.[2]
Penalties
In BGE 138 IV 13 the Federal Supreme Court confirmed a CHF 100 fine (or one day's substitute custody) for nude hiking as a gross breach of decency under Appenzell Ausserrhoden law. It held the offence does not require anyone to have actually been offended.[1]
Official naturist places in Switzerland
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 Switzerland?
Yes under federal law: the Federal Supreme Court held in 2011 that non-sexual nudity is not exhibitionism (art. 194 StGB). However, cantons may criminalise public nudity themselves, and the court upheld a CHF 100 fine for nude hiking in Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
Are there official nude beaches in Switzerland?
Not documented in the sources we found; rules vary by canton.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Switzerland?
Naturism is mainly practised in clubs: the umbrella organisation of Swiss naturists counts about ten naturist campsites, including the ONS site at Thielle.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Switzerland?
In BGE 138 IV 13 the Federal Supreme Court confirmed a CHF 100 fine (or one day's substitute custody) for nude hiking as a gross breach of decency under Appenzell Ausserrhoden law. It held the offence does not require anyone to have actually been offended.
Sources
- Federal Supreme Court, BGE 138 IV 13 (6B_345/2011, 17 Nov 2011) (court)
- Swiss National Library: naturism in Switzerland (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.