Germans, Go Hike Nakey!

Forget naked beaches: In Germany, nude hikers get their very own trail.

In keeping up with our coverage of the naturist hiking movement (see Nude Hiking Day, and No Nude Hiking!), we are all to happy to report that ze German's have built their own nudist trail in Central Germany.

The au-naturel trail, set to officially open in May, traverses up and down the Harz mountain range, offering 18 km of uninhibited, free-wheeling nakedness along with the views. Heinz Ludwig, who runs a campsite near the trail, championed the idea from the beginning, citing a boost in tourism as a major factor in pushing for the trail's creation.

According to Reuters, the locals launched the inevitable prudish protest, but in the end, the nudists won the right to let it all hang out.

Eager naked hiking enthusiasts have been tracking the trail's progress for months via chatrooms, and one lucky group of test hikers gave the unfinished trail a go last spring.

Not into the whole naturist thing? Here's heads up: The trail runs between the village of Dankerode and the Wippertal Dam, and there are plenty of signs warning newcomers to the the possibility of encountering nakedness.

One reads: "If you don't want to see people with nothing on, then you should refrain from moving on."

In the wonderful world of BACKPACKER, the closest we get to naturist hiking is an awesome hiking kilt, championed by our editor. (We were testing a new version around the office last week—look for a full report soon.)

But that's not to say we are opposed to the idea entirely...just don't expect us to see us getting cheeky.

—Jordan Olmsted

Kid's, It's a Nature Walk -- Sounds Like Fun! (Reuters)

Photo Credit: 3Neus

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READERS COMMENTS

Malcolm, I couldn't disagree more.

As a buddy of the censored naturist, I commend Backpacker editorial board for sparing us his bits 'n pieces and only wish my friend had what you call "body-shame". That said, if you'd like to trade nudie pics with him -- I'll happily make that connection.
Posted: Oct 22, 2009 Chris

Hey! That's me! And I'm the one who censored the photo, not Backpacker magazine.
Posted: Oct 22, 2009 3Neus

To me, being nude is being the same person but in a sensually charged ambience that is very pleasurable. Indeed I prefer being with with my family and other sociable mixed gender naturists in clubs and resorts for all of our recreation or relaxation. My personal best was three weeks vacation at Euronat resort in France, with everything except sandals put away for the entire duration. The strangenes of shirt and shorts to depart there was almost as strange as becoming a naturist many years before. As regards sex-life; being nude together promotes an appreciation of the pleasure that gan be given one to another. Enjoy our clothing free lifestyle! naturistspace.org
Posted: Sep 29, 2009 sara

Why the censorship? It encourages body-shame and the harm caused is widespread and sometimes serious.
Posted: Sep 24, 2009 Malcolm Boura