Calls for Reopening Yyteri Nude Beach in Pori

In Pori, there are calls to reopen the Yyteri nude beach, which was closed three years ago. City council member Christa Lahto, representing the Liike Nyt party, has proposed either the revival of the closed beach or the establishment of a new nude beach at a different location.

The closure of Yyteri beach stemmed from concerns raised by families, particularly regarding inappropriate behavior reported at the site. The beach, located in the renowned dune area, was officially established for naturists in the early 1990s and remained open until 2021. Following various incidents, including reports of public indecency, the city of Pori decided to shut it down, citing negative feedback, especially from families with children. Visitors were also spotted in the water, despite rules stipulating that only swimwear was permitted.

Interestingly, the decision to close the beach has not deterred naturists. Juha Jonsson, chairman of the Naturist Association, mentioned in an interview that the beach continues to be used informally, catching the city officials by surprise.

Lahto believes that Finland should adopt a more permissive attitude toward naturism, highlighting its solid presence in other Nordic and Central European countries. She argued that a nude beach would align well with Pori’s image, which promotes itself as “quirky and unique.”

The search for a new location for a nude beach has been contemplated since 2021 but has yet to yield results. Now, city officials are tasked with addressing the future of nudism in Pori. The topic of nude beaches has historically resonated with smaller political factions, with roots tracing back to the late Ilmari Holmlund, a baker and municipal politician who played a role in various political parties before aligning with the National Coalition Party.