Switzerland, Locarno, Ponte Romano
During my recent trip to Switzerland for business, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the prevalence of nudism in the Locarno region. While I had no expectations of experiencing nudism in Switzerland, it turned out to be a common activity in this region, with beautiful natural areas designated for the practice.
Locarno's mountains, streams, and rivers provide a varied and constantly changing landscape, with new "beaches" appearing in different locations each year. Even beyond these designated areas, locals seem to have a natural affinity for enjoying nature naked, sometimes even using a large rock as a makeshift beach. Overall, my experience in Locarno opened my eyes to Switzerland's diversity and acceptance of different lifestyles.
Finding this hidden gem may not be easy, as the Ponte Romano, a stone bridge built by the Romans and recently renovated, can be difficult to locate. Parking near the bridge may also be a challenge, as there are limited spaces available on the Via Cantonale. You may need to spend some time driving back and forth on this road in search of a suitable place to park. While the traffic on this road is generally light, it can still take a few minutes to find a spot to turn around. However, once you do find a place to leave your car, you'll be able to access this beautiful and secluded location easily.
To fully enjoy this natural gem, it's important to come prepared with comfortable shoes and plenty of water. The nearest shop is about 20-30 minutes of hiking away, followed by a 10-minute drive, so it's a good idea to make sure your backpack is not too heavy. The journey can sometimes be challenging even if you are in good shape, like I am in my 30s. I found it helpful to take breaks along the way and search for the best path to follow.
Next, you will need to follow the signs and continue on your journey for about 15 minutes. After you've taken some stunning pictures and had a chance to rest, you will need to cross the bridge and turn right towards the bushes and trees. Make sure you follow the path, keeping an eye out for signs such as hewn stones and broken branches to guide you. The most difficult part of the journey begins here, as you will need to go down and walk along the river until you reach the designated area for naturism. Some people prefer to walk along the bottom of the river barefoot where it's possible, while others, like me, choose to climb and jump over stones to leave clothes dry. At one point, I left my things on a rock and continued on my way naked, feeling a sense of primal connection to the natural world. It was an unforgettable adventure that I will never forget.
Keep in mind that this area is popular among tourists, so there is a chance that your buttocks may end up in someone's vacation photos if you're not careful. Alternatively, if you are interested in being noticed, you may want to make an effort to stand out. Just be mindful of the feelings and preferences of those around you, and respect the boundaries of others.
If you're planning to swim in the river during your visit to this hidden oasis, be prepared for cold water. The river is fed by melting snow and has not had time to warm up, so it's not suitable for long swims. Additionally, the river is shallow and fast-moving, so it's important to be cautious and stay within your depth. While it may not be possible to swim for long periods of time, it is still possible to find deeper areas where you can safely dive up to your neck. Just be sure to bring sun cream and use rocks and trees for shade, as there is no place to set up an umbrella in this remote location.
It's worth noting that nudism is generally accepted in Switzerland and many other parts of Europe as long as it is practiced respectfully and considerately. Nudism is not illegal in Switzerland, and it is common for people to sunbathe and swim naked in secluded natural spots, such as lakes and rivers. In fact, the acceptance of nudism as a legitimate form of leisure and recreation is much higher in Europe compared to many other parts of the world. Many European countries, such as Germany, France, and Croatia, have a long history of nudism and are home to some of the world's most well-known and popular nudist destinations.
Do you know the rules and laws about nudity in Switzerland? How do they compare to those in Germany, the birthplace of FKK culture? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!