Women in Berlin can now swim topless in the city’s public pools if they choose to – just as men can.
As well as being hailed as a step forward for gender equality in the German capital, the measure introduced this week is symptomatic of Germany’s love of Freikoerperkultur – literally translated as ‘free body culture’ – which has its roots in the late 19th century.
Berlin’s authorities took action after a female swimmer said she was prevented from attending one of the city’s pools without covering her chest in December 2022. The woman lodged a complaint with the city’s ombudsman’s office at the Senate Department for Justice, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination.
Authorities agreed that the woman had been a victim of discrimination and this week said that all visitors to Berlin’s pools, including women and those who identify as non-binary, are permitted to go topless. It follows a similar incident at a Berlin water park in the summer of 2021 when French woman Gabrielle Lebreton sought financial compensation after being ordered to leave.
Gender Equality & Official Response
Berlin’s state government confirmed the move in a press release, stating: “As a result of a successful discrimination complaint, the Berlin bathing establishments will in future apply their house and bathing regulations in a gender-equitable manner.”
Dr. Doris Liebscher, head of the ombudsman’s office, hailed the move: “The ombudsman very much welcomes the decision of the bathing establishments because it creates equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary and because it also creates legal certainty for the staff in the bathing establishments.”
The move is not unprecedented for Germany, with Goettingen in central Germany becoming the first city in the country to allow women to swim topless in public pools last summer following a gender identity dispute.
Freikoerperkultur and Social Attitudes
Rather than sexualizing the naked human body, the movement places emphasis on the health benefits of communal open-air nudity while exercising or being in nature. Keon West, a professor of social psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, noted that Germans are much more relaxed about nudity compared to Britons or Americans, keeping naked individuals integrated rather than separated.
Allowing women to swim topless does not mean every woman must do so, or that every pool everywhere will adopt the rule. It provides an option for women to have the same privileges as men in relevant settings, allowing them to swim topless without being treated differently.
Broader Social Implications
Supporters argue that if men's bare chests are socially acceptable in swimming pools, women's chests should not automatically be treated differently. While some liberal cities may follow suit, more conservative communities will likely retain existing dress codes due to cultural and religious expectations.
Experts note that topless swimming rules do not inherently increase sexual behavior or weaken public morality; rather, they touch on personal freedom, fairness, and institutional equality. Pool operators will need clear rules on privacy, harassment, and respectful conduct to ensure safe environments for everyone.
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