Berlin hosts first World Naked Bike Ride to promote naturism

Hundreds of cyclists participated in the first World Naked Bike Ride in Berlin on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Estimates from police and media outlets placed the number of participants between 500 and 700 people.

Under temperatures of approximately 30°C, the group traveled a route of over 30 kilometers. Starting at Mauerpark, the procession moved through the government district and followed the path of the former Berlin Wall toward Schönefeld. Participants were permitted to be fully nude, partially clothed, or dressed as they felt most comfortable.

Organizers, including Ralf Sprenger, stated the event aimed to promote naturism, body diversity, and self-acceptance. The initiative sought to highlight the values of the German Freikörperkultur (FKK) movement, which has seen declining membership in recent decades. The event was intended to convey messages of tolerance, environmental protection, and inclusion, emphasizing that nudity removes social status symbols. While the demonstration was legally approved by Berlin police under assembly rights, it drew mixed reactions from some members of the public.