Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to August
About Elfrather See
The Elfrather See is a recreation park on the north-eastern edge of Krefeld, near Uerdingen and Gartenstadt, built around a former gravel pit dug for the A57 motorway. The 50-hectare lake is about 3 km long and includes an international rowing and regatta course; swimming in the regatta lake itself is not allowed because of boat traffic, and sailing, surfing and model boating are the main water uses. The park has a large lawn, playground, toilets with showers, a kiosk, a barbecue area and a dog run with water access, and entry is free. Nude sunbathing zones have become established along the regatta course and in bush-screened, less accessible parts of the shore. Naturist reports locate the main spot opposite the sailing club by the surf lake, a stretch of about 150 m where nude and clothed visitors mix; a large meadow on the hill above it is also used for nude sunbathing, mostly by men. Expect a busy city park with mixed use rather than a secluded beach.
Getting there
By car, leave the A57 at Krefeld-Gartenstadt, turn right at the first traffic lights and follow signs for 'Müllverbrennungsanlage / Elfrather See'. There is plenty of parking, charged in summer; car parks close in the evening. By bus, take line 058 to the 'Elfrather See' stop. The park paths are mostly level and wide; the nude spots are on the shore and on the hill above it.
What visitors say
Reports describe an easy-to-reach, free park where nude sunbathers gather on a strip of about 150 m and on the hill above. Voyeurs are mentioned, and the hill area is used mostly by men. In later years visitors ask whether FKK still happens here, and some complain about goose and duck droppings and poor upkeep of the park, so conditions vary from season to season.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
No official FKK designation by the city of Krefeld was found. Nude sunbathing is tolerated in less accessible, bush-screened shore areas and along the regatta course, according to seen.de and Wikipedia. Swimming in the regatta lake is not permitted because of boat traffic.
Naturism at Elfrather See sits under Germany's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 51.3889, 6.6215
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude area at the Elfrather See?
Opposite the sailing club by the surf lake, along roughly 150 m of shore, plus a meadow on the hill above it.
Can I swim there?
Swimming in the regatta lake is not allowed because of boat traffic; the area is mainly used for sunbathing.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take bus line 058 to the 'Elfrather See' stop.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the park is free; parking is charged in summer.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…