In a break from the prudish "clothing optional" norm of the past, Germany's new Hotel Rosengarten opening next month will be the first in the country -- and maybe the world -- to explicitly forbid clothing altogether. And in anticipation of any confusion with this peculiar sartorial punctilio before the grand opening, the hotel has already published this requirement online. However, despite the emphasis on nudity, public lasciviousness is also expressly prohibited. From the Times Online:
While only nudists will be granted entry and nakedness is a requirement at all times, there is to be strictly no sexual harassment of fellow guests, and no smutty behaviour in any of the communal areas.
Those who disobey will have to adorn the ultimate badge of dishonour - clothing - and leave.
Photography and filming within the hotel will be permitted only with the permission of the person at whom the lens is being pointed, and the rules also state that all guests must put towels on chairs and loungers before using them.
The hotel will be located in Germany's idyllic Black Forest region, in the town of Freudenstadt (which conveniently means 'town of joys'), where apparently nude hiking is becoming increasingly in vogue. From the Telegraph:
"I'm in two minds. It's always good if a new hotel is set up but I'd prefer a normal hotel concept."
Nude hiking is proving increasingly popular in Germany and two villages in the central Harz mountain range plan to mark special forest hiking routes for naked ramblers.
The practice is frowned on in neighbouring Switzerland, however, where authorities plan to fine such behaviour.