Naked Hikers Told To Cover Up In Switzerland

Hikers will no longer be able to stroll naked through the idylic Alpine countryside after the conservative Swiss canton banned nude walking.

The destination has become hugely popular for naked ramblers due to its tranquil, picture-perfect meadows and valleys. But the hordes offended Appenzellers' sensitivities and they voted this week to order them to cover up.

"I think it's disgraceful," said one elderly gentleman. "God may have created us naked, but he gave us clothes to walk around in."

"It's just not right," said a woman. "Not at all appropriate for our country."

"It's ridiculous that Appenzell is getting an international reputation for such a despicable habit," said Peter Schmid, who voted against nude hiking.

But Schmid said in a way they are also protecting hikers because "exposing certain delicate areas of the body to the sun's UV-rays was dangerous."

In February, the cantonal council began levying naked hikers on-the-spot fines. But this seemed to backfire, as it only raised Appenzell's international profile as a haven for naked hikers.

"Those who have already experienced walking nude through the damp mist, lying in the sun, swimming in the water and feeling the wind on your naked skin, know how liberating it is to move around with no clothes on," Alice Haller, president of the Swiss Naturists Organization, wrote in a public letter speaking against the vote.

One naked hiker said he's disappointed with the ruling: "For me hiking naked is all about getting out into natural surroundings, peaceful surroundings, and challenging myself a little bit. Of course I meet people from time to time, but they always say hello, sometimes they ask aren't you cold. But they're just as friendly as if I was wearing clothes."

"Right now I'm wearing hiking boots and gloves and a hat, because it's a little bit chilly. And if it's really cold, or windy, or wet, then of course going naked just doesn't work, and I wear clothes just like everyone else."

"But if it's nice, and there is a gentle breeze, I can then feel the Sun on my body; you wouldn't because you're dressed."

 � Copyright 2004-2015 The News Vault. All rights reserved.