Switzerland: People mix up "neutral" with "au naturel"

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Switzerland long known as a neutral country with natural remedies and the right to die, is now in the news for nude hiking.

The Canton of Appenzell has always been known for being a little different. Women only got the right to vote in 1989.  But the women I spoke to said that they had plenty of influence over their husbands so they really weren’t worried about having a vote.  The Appenzell is known for alternative medicine, natural remedies, low taxes, Appenzeller cheese and now adds nude hiking.

Over the last several weeks’ word has gotten out in several journals about “nude hiking in the Alpenzell”. People are finding that freedom in Switzerland is for real. More and more people are joining the legion of hikers “au naturel”. But don’t rush to the Appenzell because a lawmaker is trying to pass a law making it illegal.

I have to admit, it is not a big surprise to me - nudity is not a big issue in Switzerland and it doesn’t have a law against nudity. It is not unusual to see people at the lakeside parks undressing, or changing from diving gear on the main streets without a thought to nudity.  In one of the lakeside parks near my home, there is a section for nude bathers.  So why not hiking? 

Before jumping on a plane and rushing to the Appenzell, check the status of the law as it is to be voted on April 26th.  However, if it takes as long as it did for women to get the right to vote, you may have plenty of time to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Swiss Alps in true Swiss natural fashion. 

http://genevalunch.com/2009/03/17/appenzell-to-hike-or-not-to-hike-in-the-nude-that-is/

www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1886598,00.html?xid=rss-world-cnn