Nudist bathers lose freedom as Dragør Søbad tightens rules

Nudist bathers in Dragør Søbad have launched a citizen’s petition after municipal rules banned topless and nude bathing during peak hours.

Dragør Municipality, which operates the popular seaside bath south of Dragør Fort, introduced permanent regulations in June requiring all bathers to wear swimwear between 12:00 and 17:00 in all three pools—previously gender-segregated pools where nudity had long been accepted.

The change was spearheaded by Mayor Kenneth Gøtterup, who said the policy balances inclusivity and aligns with common Danish practice in public pools. “When shared changing rooms require swimwear, it makes sense that shared pools do too,” he told DR.

Lisbeth Dam Larsen, a former local councillor, opposes the shift. “For decades, the women’s pool was a sanctuary where we sunbathed and swam without clothes,” she said. “I don’t understand why that space is no longer respected.” She has gathered 145 signatures for a citizen proposal demanding the right to nude bathing in the women’s section even when it functions as a mixed-use pool during restricted hours. The petition needs 350 signatures to trigger a council review.

Gøtterup dismissed the likelihood of reversal, citing unanimous council support for the policy. “Those who prefer nudity can still bathe before 12:00 or after 17:00,” he said.