Countries/cultures most likely to be nudist.

[Nudony]

Here are some of the things I've read or heard over the years concerning nudism in other countries:

- In Germany, the reluctant wife issue barely exists; most women have had some experience with social nudity in their youth, and have very little issue resuming it as a wife and mother.

- In Croatia, most of the beaches are C/O; as a result, most croatians either are nudists are have been among nudists.

- In France, most women have gone topless in public at some point in their lives (this probably holds true for women my generation.)

I was just wondering if anyone heard or experienced similar stories, and whether some are fact or fiction

[Nudony]

Here are some of the things I've read or heard over the years concerning nudism in other countries:

- In Germany, the reluctant wife issue barely exists; most women have had some experience with social nudity in their youth, and have very little issue resuming it as a wife and mother.

- In Croatia, most of the beaches are C/O; as a result, most croatians either are nudists are have been among nudists.

- In France, most women have gone topless in public at some point in their lives (this probably holds true for women my generation.)

I was just wondering if anyone heard or experienced similar stories, and whether some are fact or fiction

[John P]

In Denmark, a few beaches are clothing-required. The rest aren't.

[Charl]

I am also interested in knowing where the most liberal attitudes are found toward nudity. My dream is to retire somewhere that the people have a very relaxed attitude, period, but especially about clothing or the lack of. Would appreciate others sharing their knowledge/ideas.

[Nu]

By my recollection, other places that could be included are Brazil and Sweden.

Unfortunately, Canada is probably not a likely candidate.
The U.S. probably even less so, except for Florida and California.

[Eric6420]

I would say that Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands are great places for nudists.

[Ken Palmer]

I would also say that England has quite a few either nudist or clothing-optional beaches along its shores as well. I think Germany has already been mentioned, but they also have a bit themselves. I have heard that Scandinavia has a large nudist environment or gathering in their country. But don't quote me on this though. It is strictly hearsay.

Ken Palmer


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Eric6420:
I would say that Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands are great places for nudists. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Journeyman]

When a federal government's national tourism agency actually promotes and endorses naturism, then you know that country is overall pretty nude-friendly. France and Spain are two definites in this category.

Lots of English-speaking ex-pats do buy condos and cottages (or time shares) in both countries in naturist resort areas, like Vera Playa in southern Spain and Euronat in southwestern France, near Bordeaux.

[Charl]

Thanks for the information. I will do some research on these countries to see which I might want go to on vacation to get a sense of the people and what it might be like to live there. If others have information they can add, please do so. Thanks again.

[Bob S.]

Is it possible to live in Cap D'Agde?

Bob S.

[Journeyman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bob S.:
Is it possible to live in Cap D'Agde?

Bob S. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm not endorsing this US company by any means as I do not know them at all, but as a US tour operator sending people to Cap d'Agde, they should be able to answer your questions:

Paul & Claudine Tartanella, owners
4452 Cypress Mill Rd.
Kissimmee, FL 34746-2760
(1)407-870-0827 - (1)908-229-3953

www.cap-d-agde.com (http://www.cap-d-agde.com) - paulcsr@prodigy.net

[Jason Lee]

England has nude only beaches.

[Charl]

I realize that there are nude beaches in many countries, some more than others and some more accepted than other. However, nude beaches still feel somewhat artificial to me - like a fish in a small bowl, only allowed in one tiny little place with the rest of your world gawlking and judging. My fantasy probably does not exist, I just hope to find a simblence of that world someday. I want to live somewhere with people who have no interest in how you should live your life, where the human body is not dirty or shameful but just a part of reality, like an oak tree or a babbling brook. I don't know any other way to describe it - hope this makes sense.

[Fresh Air]

In the wilderness of many countries live natives who are already nudists...

Actually, they are normal and have no need or concept of the term "nudist", which is only a reference to a state of dress (ie. clothes).

[Long Island Frank]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bob S.:
Is it possible to live in Cap D'Agde?

Bob S. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes. (I assume you mean living in the Naturist Quarter.)

Some people do live there year-round. But I understand the place gets pretty quiet as the weather gets colder. (I've never been there except in the summer.)

[luvnaturism]

If I were thinking of moving to another country I'd likely head for Australia. Sydney is one of the world's most beautiful and livable city, and has several c/o beaches conveniently nearby. We found Aussies to be friendly wherever we went.

There is, of course, a language barrier to be overcome for people moving from the US, but 'Strain CAN be learned. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[S.M.A.]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by luvnaturism:
If I were thinking of moving to another country I'd likely head for Australia. Sydney is one of the world's most beautiful and livable city, and has several c/o beaches conveniently nearby. We found Aussies to be friendly wherever we went. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Nothing against the USA, but I wouldn't mind living Down Under just to be nude either.

Stuart (yes, I'm back) http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Charl]

I assume you are saying that Australia is more liberal (progressive) than the U.S. with regard to nudity - and probably in many other aspects of life..... Sounds wonderful.

[Charl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">In the wilderness of many countries live natives who are already nudists...

Actually, they are normal and have no need or concept of the term "nudist", which is only a reference to a state of dress (ie. clothes). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I use to fantasize about living with such tribes/natives. But, I had to face the reality that I am too into cleanliness to live as they live (based on what I have seen on TV if that means anything). Sure does sound interesting...

[DoctorSurferDude]

Yeah... did anybody mention Africa or the Amazon tribes?

[ricky bobby]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DoctorSurferDude:
Yeah... did anybody mention Africa or the Amazon tribes? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The bad thing is that as "civilization" creeps in, more of these tribes stop going nude.

[missouriboy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">There is, of course, a language barrier to be overcome for people moving from the US, but 'Strain CAN be learned. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Yeah. Up here, "while" means "parallel in time," but Down Under it means "a large swimming mammal." Just for starters. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[atalanta]

I reckon Spain is headed for #1 spot, if not already there. It has the right climate (well, a good part of it), plenty of coast, and nudity is not illegal - anywhere!

[Sauna]

The number one has been for long time Croatia Many of European countries are very free compared to other continents. In Finland there is most nude swimmers, but they have their own beaches and saunas at the shore. Very few public nude beaches because most people have their own places in this very sparsely populated country.

[Stu2630]

Just to put the record straight about Scandinavia - nude beaches are not the norm. Nudity is strictly controlled to segregated areas/beaches in Sweden and Norway In Denmark, while you are theoretically allowed toi be nude on the vast majority of beaches, if your nudity upsets or offends others, people can complain and the police will act. To avoid that, Denmark has several dozen "fribadestrande" (C/O beaches) and the rest of the beaches are, in effect, only C/O when they are deserted.

I'm a prude - I holiday in Denmark at least once a year, have done so for many years, and have never seen a naked adult on a Danish beach. If you don't believe me,go and see for yourself. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

Stu

Stu

[luvnaturism]

We stayed in Copenhagen near the shore for a few days, and we walked in the nearby park each day. We saw adults swimming nude every morning. There weren't many of them, but there they were--and other park users wandered on past with hardly a glance.

However I agree with Stu that nude adults on the beach is not the norm.

[Sauna]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Stu2630:
Just to put the record straight about Scandinavia - nude beaches are not the norm. Nudity is strictly controlled to segregated areas/beaches in Sweden and Norway In Denmark, while you are theoretically allowed toi be nude on the vast majority of beaches, if your nudity upsets or offends others, people can complain and the police will act. To avoid that, Denmark has several dozen "fribadestrande" (C/O beaches) and the rest of the beaches are, in effect, only C/O when they are deserted.

I'm a prude - I holiday in Denmark at least once a year, have done so for many years, and have never seen a naked adult on a Danish beach. If you don't believe me,go and see for yourself. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

Stu

Stu </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I did and I saw. I have seen several naked adults in Denmark, but not on the most populan beaches. I hope you can see the same

[Stu2630]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I did and I saw. I have seen several naked adults in Denmark, but not on the most populan beaches. I hope you can see the same </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sauna

The beaches you saw naked people on would almost certainly have been the "fribadestrande" - the quiet, clothing-optional beaches of which there are dozens in Denmark. I have been to every part of Denmark (except Bornholm) and had more than twenty holidays there. Whenever I go, I make sure I locate and stay well clear of the C/O beaches. So far, I have never got it wrong and had the upset of confronting a naked person.

Stu

[hm0504]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Stu2630:
Just to put the record straight about Scandinavia - nude beaches are not the norm. Nudity is strictly controlled to segregated areas/beaches in Sweden and Norway In Denmark, while you are theoretically allowed toi be nude on the vast majority of beaches, if your nudity upsets or offends others, people can complain and the police will act. To avoid that, Denmark has several dozen "fribadestrande" (C/O beaches) and the rest of the beaches are, in effect, only C/O when they are deserted.

I'm a prude - I holiday in Denmark at least once a year, have done so for many years, and have never seen a naked adult on a Danish beach. If you don't believe me,go and see for yourself. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

Stu

Stu </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I've been to Oslo, Norway and I have seen for myself. Great news Stu! For a city the size of Oslo, there are more than enough good places to go nude:
http://www.gonorway.no/norway/sidevisning.php?id=185

[hm0504]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Stu2630:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I did and I saw. I have seen several naked adults in Denmark, but not on the most populan beaches. I hope you can see the same </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sauna

The beaches you saw naked people on would almost certainly have been the "fribadestrande" - the quiet, clothing-optional beaches of which there are dozens in Denmark. I have been to every part of Denmark (except Bornholm) and had more than twenty holidays there. Whenever I go, I make sure I locate and stay well clear of the C/O beaches. So far, I have never got it wrong and had the upset of confronting a naked person.

Stu </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Have you ever had the "upset" of seeing a topfree woman on a Danish beach?

[Stu2630]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Well, I've been to Oslo, Norway and I have seen for myself. Great news Stu! For a city the size of Oslo, there are more than enough good places to go nude: </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thatøs great! There should be places to go nude. And also places free from nudity.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Have you ever had the "upset" of seeing a topfree woman on a Danish beach? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes. But fortunately, female toplessness on Danish beaches has been getting less and less common in recent years. Even the Danish press have noted that. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

Stu

[Naturist4Ever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Eric6420:
I would say that Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands are great places for nudists. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I shall not blame you people from the US for lack of Europe areas for nude recreation but Belgium is not anywhere remotely near the top. It is about as close to the bottom as are Ireland and the Vatican.

THE country (in Europe) for naturist experience in summer is undoubtly France, although you have to be aware that it is mostly Camping/campsites (the exception being Cap d' Agde).

For year round naturism possibilities you have to move much further south, only south of spain (costa del sol) or canary Island qualify. However, even there in winter local people will go with thick coats (it all is relative, for us north europeans the south-of-spain winter is like near heaven).

Holland has probably the highest relative number of (organised) naturists but as naturist country is really only suitable if you live there and can enjoy nice summerdays as they occur. The weather is quite unpredictable and it's a risk going for a naturist holliday in the netherlands (weatherwise; there are LOTS of naturist sites and beaches here too).

[Caipora]

Several comments on Brazil and its Indians:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I use to fantasize about living with such tribes/natives. But, I had to face the reality that I am too into cleanliness to live as they live (based on what I have seen on TV if that means anything). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>It's well known here that Europeans learned daily baths from the Indians, rather than vice-versa. Of course in the last five hundred years European hygene has progressed, while that of the Indians has not.

Observations on morality, population patterns, and hipocrisy:

There`s a expression that morality is like a rope stretched at chest height: the rich go over it, the poor go under it, and only the middle class hits it and bounces back. I did hear a soap opera star say (not on TV, but at lunch) a few years ago that nudity had "socialized", spread from the rich to a broader layer of society.

The nature of Brazilian society is that there are a great many poor, a few rich, and not all that much of a middle class. So most people are too poor to care, or rich enough that they don't have to.

Cities tend to be dense, and countryside vast. In oceanside cities, such as Rio, the beach tends to be smack in front of high-rises. Copacabana is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. Stripping down there is a great deal different than at, say, Black's Beach. Cars are strictly middle class. So most of the people are confined to easily reached, and very crowded, beaches.

On the other hand, casual skinny-dipping in waterfalls is fairly common. And there's one heck of a lot of tropical waterfalls and distant beaches.

As to hipocrisy, there are common styles of women's bikinis where, viewed from the back, model A will leave exposed absolutely everything that Model B covers. From the front, of course, they both cover the essential points. And while Speedos may be form fitting, having a layer of cloth is the essential nod to decency.

So, you can go to next to nothing in a public place, without comment. You can go to nothing, in a deserted place, and no one who wanders along is likely to care. But the difference between nothing and next to nothing in a public place is an inflexible line.

- Caipora

[Sauna]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Stu2630:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I did and I saw. I have seen several naked adults in Denmark, but not on the most populan beaches. I hope you can see the same </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sauna

The beaches you saw naked people on would almost certainly have been the "fribadestrande" - the quiet, clothing-optional beaches of which there are dozens in Denmark. I have been to every part of Denmark (except Bornholm) and had more than twenty holidays there. Whenever I go, I make sure I locate and stay well clear of the C/O beaches. So far, I have never got it wrong and had the upset of confronting a naked person.

Stu </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry they were nothing special. I have been in Denmark tens of times and happened to see naked people on beaches. This is true.

[Stu2630]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Sorry they were nothing special. I have been in Denmark tens of times and happened to see naked people on beaches. This is true. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sauna

My friend, Helle, is a policewoman in Denmark. She has lived her entire life in Denmark and presently lives close to a popular beach called Faxe Ladeplads. I mentioned this to her and she told me that there are many beaches for nudists, and they often aren't signposted as such but they are shown in guide books. She tells me that, because of this, it is quite unusual to see naked people on other beaches - and extremely unusual to see naked people on popular, non-naturist beaches. She said that if she did see this when she was working and anybody was bothered by it, she would tell them to move well away from the clothed people.

That too is true. It's also my own experience - and remember that, in total, I have spent well over a year in Denmark.

If you are in any doubt, check out what the Danish Naturist Foundation says:

"Siden 1970'erne har det som udgangspunkt været lovligt at bade nøgen på alle offentlige strande i Danmark, så længe man tager hensyn til de andre badegæster og respekterer deres grænser. På strande, hvor der kun bades med badetøj, betyder det at man holder en passende afstand til andre badende."

That translates as:

"Since the 1970s...it has been legal to bathe naked at all public beaches so long as one has regard to other bathers and respects their limits. On beaches where people are only bathing with swimwear, that means you should keep a suitable distance from the other bathers"


Stu

[Nu]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> On beaches where people are only bathing with swimwear, that means you should keep a suitable distance from the other bathers"[/b]
Stu </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


"Suitable"? What a great pun.
LOL.

[DubbleDutch]

Well, i'm from Netherlands myself. And we are very open about it. In "The Vondelpark" (the biggest park in Amsterdam(the capital, for those who don't know that )) you often see people nude. And that beside that fact that nude in pupblic is illegal. But, we never follow the rules, and evryone is nude, where and wherever he wants. So.. be wise and come visit The Netherlands

[justnude]

Reading through the posts in this section i came across a question posted earlier by Bob S regarding living in C'ape D'agde. Yes, it is possible to liove there. I lived there for nearly 3 months working in one of the local restaurants/hotels.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

I have found that the Dutch from the Netherlands are the most accepting of nudism. Actually they don't "accept" it as it is just part of many of their lives.

Americans are the most unaccepting except those Americans that themselves appreciate the better things in life.

Canadians are a little more accepting of our chosen lifestyle but have a long, long way to go.

[Big-Thinker]

I was going to mention "primitive" societies, as far as nudity-accepting cultures, but I see it's been mentioned by "DoctorSurferDude" and "Fresh Air". There are tribes in South America, Africa & Papua New Guinea who have not yet learned to be ashamed of nudity by "civilized" society. I've noticed some interesting programming on The Discovery Channel (Going Tribal) and The Travel Channel which film tribal folks, for the most part uncensored. Though the shows are not the most anthropologically responsible, I think overall it's good to show non-nudist Westerners that people can live daily life in the nude without the world ending. It's also great for idiots who have never picked up a National Geographic!

[Liam]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Fuzzy Nuts:
I have found that the Dutch from the Netherlands are the most accepting of nudism. Actually they don't "accept" it as it is just part of many of their lives. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And the other Nederlanders too! I met a person from Amsterdam yesterday at my hotel bar. Quite an interesting chap (a celebrety too!). He was with a beautiful black woman who became quickly one of those who go into the "high maintenance" category and quite *****y. She was darned pretty though. Before she arrived, we had a long talk and he was a facinating conversationalist on a wide ranging number of topics. Someone as liberal and progressive as I am! The Netherlanders I have met have all been accepting of a wide range of topics. It perhaps evolves from their 16th through 18th century acceptance of anything that would earn a few guilders! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Americans are the most unaccepting except those Americans that themselves appreciate the better things in life.

Canadians are a little more accepting of our chosen lifestyle but have a long, long way to go. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree with both statements. Among the most accepting that I have met and known have been Australians (with a few glaring exceptions).

[nudebushwalker]

Among the major Western societies (which now sometimes could be stretched to include Russia, and much of Eastern Europe and the former/old USSR..), I still believe Australia and New Zealand are two of the most liberal and accepting, whilst the good ol' US of A is probably the most uptight and backward fascist country at present...
Roll on the revolution..
Rumsfeld's gone; Chaney next; evangelical fundamentalists imploding left, right and center.