Naked German hikers push limit of Swiss tolerance

Sorry, but the boots seem like cheating.

Swiss authorities can’t make up their minds about German nudists. In April, one town banned freikörperkultur enthusiasts from hiking naked through their rolling hills. They’ve even prepared “no nude hiking” sign. From Metro:

Swiss officials have stepped up their campaign against the scourge of naked hiking – by ordering warning signs telling ramblers to keep their clothes on. The country’s mountain footpaths have been plagued by a craze for nude walking – with Germans the main culprits – that have shocked more traditional hikers.

In April, citizens of the tiny canton of Appenzell Inner Rhodes voted overwhelmingly to impose a 200 Swiss franc (£120) fine on nude hikers.

Now official signs banning the hobby are being distributed to authorities throughout the country. Designer Dan Walter originally drew the sign as a prank, but was astonished when orders started to flood in. He added: ‘It was a bit of a joke sending the sign in to the government. I just wanted to see what their reply would be for a laugh. I never expected an order for more.’

But at the same time, a Swiss tram company is trying to capitalize on the free-spirited Krauts. From the AP:

An aerial tramway company in eastern Switzerland is advertising its Alpine rides with a new scenic attraction: there’s a chance you might see a naked hiker.

Toggenburger Bergbahnen AG says that, apart from the usual breathtaking panorama and mountain wildlife, tourists might catch sight of ramblers wearing only hiking boots and socks.

The company released a new advertising campaign Thursday claiming that “mountain goats, eagles and maybe even a few naked hikers make riding the aerial tramway a real experience.”

I enjoy skinning dipping in hotel pools after dark, and I’ve been known to jump in a lake without my swimming trunks. But taking a long walk on a hot day without my trousers sounds miserable. Yet, apparently “freehiking” is a real thing, and not just among Germans. They just managed to find a way to cause an international incident with it.

Swiss order ‘no naked hiking’ signs | Metro.co.uk .

Swiss aerial tram company touts naked attractions | AP.