Naturism in Poland: laws and customs

At a glance

What the law says

No Polish law explicitly bans nudity. The Code of Petty Offences (art. 140), however, punishes anyone who "commits an indecent act in public" (nieobyczajny wybryk): detention, restriction of liberty, a fine of up to 1,500 złoty or a reprimand (Dziennik Ustaw 2025 poz. 734). The rule can be used against nudists and topless sunbathers.

The Supreme Court explained in 1992 what such an act is: behaviour that, in that place, time and setting, "was not to be expected" and that causes disgust, anger or outrage. Anything accepted in context, even if only tacitly, does not count (Rzeczpospolita).

In 2007 the Ministry of Justice told Parliament that the mere possibility of a passer-by seeing is enough, that the behaviour must be intentional, and that whether to punish a naturist or a topless person is decided by an independent judge (Sejm, interpellation no. 9436). According to Rzeczpospolita, the law does not ban nude beaches, but nor does it explicitly allow them to be created.

Where you can be naked

• Naturist beaches: "In Poland there are separate beaches for naturists, appropriately signposted", and they are regulated by the local authorities of each resort (Sejm, interpellation no. 9436). Regular visitors mention, on the Baltic, Międzyzdroje, Dębki ("semi-official"), Grzybowo near Kołobrzeg and the stretch of Gdańsk between Stogi and Górki Zachodnie; on the lakes, Kryspinów near Kraków (divided into areas for families, gay men and couples), Sulejów and Lake Kowalskie near Poznań (Reddit r/Polska, 2023; Reddit r/Polska, 2024).
• Naturist stays: you'll find them in the list of naturist stays in Poland.

Tolerated beaches and bans

Polish nude beaches are generally tolerated rather than authorised: the 2026 bathing regulations of Międzyzdroje, for example, don't mention any. In theory the Supreme Court's test applies there: if nudity is accepted in context, it is not an indecent act. As one user points out, being naked is not banned in itself, "only when someone feels offended".

It is not clear how often people get fined.

Topless, towns and saunas

• Topless: the same rule of art. 140 applies, and a judge decides (Sejm). In 2007, 63% of Poles accepted women going topless (41% only in dedicated areas, 22% on any beach), 37% did not.
• In town and on ordinary beaches: nudity is clearly rejected (see below) and risks the art. 140 fine.
• Sauna: we have no information.

The local mood

Poland is a Catholic and fairly traditional country: nudity is accepted on naturist beaches, but not elsewhere. The most complete survey is old but clear: 90% rejected nudity on any beach, while 62% accepted it on dedicated beaches, with young people and big-city dwellers the most in favour (CBOS, 2007).

On the Baltic and the lakes there is a network of traditional beaches, described as quiet and clean and visited mostly by older people; some report men watching from the bushes (Reddit r/Polska). Away from the well-known beaches, it's best to be discreet.

Naturist associations

The national federation that is a member of the INF-FNI, the international federation, is listed as POLAND Naturist Federation, based in Silesia (INF-FNI). The naturyzm.info.pl portal has a forum about beaches. We don't know whether venues ask for a membership card: it's best to ask beforehand.

LGBTQ+ travellers

No offence linked to orientation: same-sex relations have been legal since 1932. Protections are few, though: the Constitution does not protect sexual orientation and same-sex couples cannot adopt (ILGA World Database).