German nudist groups on the decline...

The Teutonic love of stripping off in public parks at the first hint of sunshine can come as a shock to visitors from more self-conscious cultures. In future, however, the tourists' blushes may be spared as the number of Germans who like to go naked is in decline.

Changes in demographics and shifts in fashion have all had an impact on the Free Body Culture (FKK) movement.

"German society is changing and it's not easy to be a naturist anymore," said Kurt Fischer, president of the German FKK Association (DFK). There are about 50,000 registered nudists in the country and seven million Germans regularly sunbathe naked, yet the ranks of the naturism enthusiasts are shrinking.

"The numbers are falling by about 2% each year," Fischer said. "Times are tough."

FKK enthusiasts have been disrobing in public since the early 1900s, when nudism became associated with all kinds of utopian ideals. In the former East Germany, it was particularly popular, offering an opportunity for socialising beyond the communist party groups. More...

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