Women can now swim topless in Berlin’s public pools: A victory for gender equality and nudist tradition?
Berlin, Germany – In a groundbreaking move that intertwines gender equality with cultural heritage, women and non-binary individuals can now swim topless in Berlin’s public pools, just like men.
This policy change, effective the week of March 12, 2023, follows a discrimination complaint filed by a female swimmer barred from entering a pool without covering her chest.
The decision reflects Germany’s deep-rooted tradition of “Freikörperkultur” (FKK), or Free Body Culture, while addressing modern demands for fairness and inclusivity.
The Policy Change
The Berlin state government announced that all visitors to public pools are now entitled to go topless, regardless of gender.
This decision stems from a December 2022 incident where a woman, Lotte Mies, was prevented from swimming topless at an indoor pool in Berlin’s Kaulsdorf district.
Mies, a 33-year-old activist, had confirmed with staff beforehand that topless swimming was permitted, yet was asked to cover up or leave.
When she refused, police were called, and she was forced to leave. “It was more than humiliating,” Mies told Deutsche Welle.
The city’s ombudsman’s office for equal treatment ruled that she had faced discrimination, prompting the policy clarification.
Dr. Doris Liebscher, head of the ombudsman’s office, hailed the change as a significant step forward.
“This ruling ensures equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female, or non-binary,” she said in a press release.
“It also provides legal certainty for pool staff.” The new rules apply to all of Berlin’s public swimming facilities, both indoor and outdoor, ensuring consistency across the city’s 67 municipal pools.
The policy clarifies that Berlin’s bathing regulations do not have gender-specific stipulations, requiring only “commercial swimwear” such as trunks, bikinis, or burkinis.
This vague wording previously led to inconsistent enforcement, with women often asked to cover their chests while men faced no such restrictions.
Public Reaction
Berlin residents have expressed a range of opinions on the new policy. Ida, a local, welcomed the change but voiced skepticism about its practical impact.
“It’s great that we’re moving toward more equality, but I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable going topless at some pools, especially in conservative areas like Pankow,” she told.
Markus, a regular at the Olympic swimming pool, was more enthusiastic. “If men can go topless, why not women? It’s only fair,” he said.
Not all reactions were positive. Anna, a mother of two, raised concerns about family-friendly spaces.
“Pools are for families, and I worry this might make some people uncomfortable,” she noted.
To address such concerns, the Berlin state government has committed to training pool staff to handle potential issues sensitively.
Clear signage will also inform visitors of the new rules, emphasizing that topless swimming is optional, not mandatory.
“No one is required to go topless,” a government spokesperson clarified. “This is about ensuring everyone has the same options.”
Precedents and Similar Cases
Berlin is not the first German city to adopt such a policy.
In the summer of 2022, Goettingen in central Germany became the first to allow women to swim topless in public pools, following a gender identity dispute.
A swimmer, identifying as male, was asked to cover up but refused, leading to a ban from the pool.
City authorities later ruled in favor of allowing topless swimming for all genders on weekends.
Another notable case occurred in 2021, when French woman Gabrielle Lebreton was ordered to leave a Berlin water park for refusing to cover her chest.
Lebreton sought compensation, arguing the rule was discriminatory, as reported by Die Zeit.
Her case highlighted the need for clearer, equitable policies across Germany’s public swimming facilities.
Other cities, such as Hanover and Siegen, have also relaxed rules, requiring only “primary sex organs” to be covered.
| City | Policy Change Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Goettingen | Summer 2022 | First city to allow topless swimming for all genders on weekends |
| Hanover | 2022 | Rules require only “primary sex organs” to be covered |
| Siegen | 2022 | Allowed women to swim topless in public pools |
| Berlin | March 2023 | All genders can swim topless in all public pools, effective immediately |
Cultural Context: Freikörperkultur
The policy aligns with Germany’s deep-rooted tradition of Freikörperkultur (FKK), or Free Body Culture, which promotes nudity as a healthy and natural practice.
Originating in the late 19th century as a reaction to rigid social norms, FKK emphasizes the benefits of nudity in light, air, and sun.
The first FKK organization was founded in 1898, and by 1920, Germany established its first nude beach on the island of Sylt.
The Berlin School of Nudism, established in the early 20th century, furthered the movement by hosting the first international nudity congress in 1929.
The Nazi regime suppressed FKK in the 1930s, viewing it as contrary to their ideals of modesty.
However, the movement saw a resurgence after World War II, particularly in East Germany, where it aligned with socialist values of equality and freedom, according to Arnd Bauerkämper, associate professor at Freie University.
Today, FKK remains vibrant, with over 300 private nudist clubs and approximately 600,000 members across Germany.
Nudity is common in saunas, designated park areas, and beaches, often surprising foreign visitors.
“Foreigners are sometimes shocked by naked Germans in parks or saunas,” said Bauerkämper. “But here, it’s seen as healthy and appropriate in certain settings.”
Expert Insights
Keon West, a professor of social psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, has studied attitudes toward nudity across cultures.
“Germans are far more relaxed about nudity than Britons or Americans. In Germany, nudity is not seen as dangerous or deviant; it’s part of a healthy lifestyle.”
West’s research highlights how cultural norms shape perceptions of the body, with Germany viewing nudity as wholesome, unlike countries where it’s often tied to sexuality or indecency.
This cultural acceptance has facilitated policies like Berlin’s, which balance modern equality with historical traditions.
West notes that such policies could inspire broader discussions about body positivity and gender rights globally.
International Perspectives
Berlin’s policy has drawn international attention, sparking debates about nudity, gender equality, and cultural norms.
In countries like the United States or United Kingdom, where public nudity is less accepted, the move has prompted discussions about body positivity.
“What’s fascinating is how different cultures perceive nudity,” West said. “Germany’s approach challenges more conservative views elsewhere.”
The policy also aligns with broader European trends toward inclusivity.
Cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam have relaxed public nudity rules in specific contexts, though Germany’s FKK culture remains unique in its scale and acceptance.
The policy, rooted in a response to discrimination, reflects Germany’s progressive stance on both gender and body positivity.
As Berlin implements this change, other cities may follow, potentially reshaping global conversations about equality and cultural norms.
The success of this policy will depend on how pool staff and visitors adapt, but for now, Berlin stands as a beacon of fairness and freedom.
