Sorry Nudists but No More Naked Hiking in The Alps

• by Judy Molland

Hikers crossing the Alps in the nude may get more than just a chill after Switzerland’s top court ruled they may be fined, validating a conservative region’s bid to quash the practice.

On Thursday, November 17,  a court rejected the appeal of a man slapped with a 100 Swiss franc ($109) fine. The man had walked naked past a family with small children at a picnic area and a Christian rehabilitation center for drug addicts one Sunday afternoon in the eastern canton (state) of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

Only A Marginal Infringement On Personal Freedom

Judges said the eastern canton (region) of Appenzell had been entitled to uphold a law on public decency. They said the ban on naked hiking was only a marginal infringement on personal freedom.

From the BBC:                                  

The BBC’s Imogen Foulkes in Geneva says naked hiking is an increasingly popular pastime in Switzerland.

However, Appenzell is a deeply devout and conservative canton – it only granted women the right to vote in 1990 – and the influx of naked hikers has offended many local people, she adds.

The new ruling applies to the entire country.

Nude  hikers may now have to look for another country which offers them a warmer welcome.

Nude Hiking? Nude Swimming? What Do You Think?

As an avid hiker, I’m not sure that I understand the need to hike with no clothes on, especially in the Alps.

But while naked hiking is an increasingly popular pastime in Switzerland, nude beaches are increasingly popular in my native England; I guess it’s everyone to their own pleasure.

Photo Credit: Jon’s View   http://www.care2.com