There's nothing like a warm sauna full of hot men to thwart winter's chill, and it's even better if the sauna is at a sexy travel destination.

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The Naked Traveler
by JRG DeMarco


“Get your ass to Copenhagen!” That’s one of the advertising slogans for the 2009 World Outgames to be held in the Danish capital. Home to some of the most gorgeous men you’ll ever see, Denmark is a destination you won’t want to miss. So, get your ass there, get your whole body in gear for a nakedly good time.

Though you may have visions of rough, tough Vikings rumbling through your mind, you’ll find that modern Danes are lots more genteel, though still as dashing and hunky as their conquering ancestors. And they’re a lot more accommodating. When you get down to bare facts, Danes are just plain hot.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, draws an international crowd for a reason. The country is more than just tolerant, it’s accepting. Gay marriage has been legal in this Scandinavian stronghold since 1989. Amazingly, the nation has survived unscathed. In fact, it’s instituted a number of gay events which do a lot for the naked traveler in you.

Most gay nightlife is centered around City Hall (Rådhus) Square in the old city. It’s all walkable but there are other modes of transport if you find yourself in need. There are a number of bars to choose from and they all have what you’re looking for. The Jailhouse (jailhousecph.dk) is a cute place with a funky bar with bars. That’s right, the uniformed bartenders are literally behind bars. Too bad, as some of them are so nakedly cuddly that you’ll want to stage a jailbreak. The Jailhouse sponsors special nights with hot men to entertain — sailors, construction workers, you get the idea. And you’ll find your fantasy.

There’s also a white tablecloth restaurant upstairs, which offers great food. The decor is spare and there are bars on the windows in keeping with the theme. The staff is friendly and cute, and if Gisli is still working when you get there, give him a look-see. Of course, someone may have already freed him from his life behind bars and set him up in something more in keeping with what he deserves.

The Men’s Bar (mensbar.dk) is a leather bar and an opportunity to get your naked antennae all atwitter. From men in kilts to men in a variety of uniforms to men who wear just a hint of leather and nothing else, this is one of the places a naked traveler will want to spend some time. If you’re not into leather, at least you can have an ocular adventure and see how the leather set spends some quality time. Crowds are friendly and events are frequent.

Scandinavian Leather Men or SLM (slm-cph.dk/149) is another spot where you’ll be able to shine a light on some flesh and actually get to touch (as serious sex play goes on here). SLM is a huge place where you’ll get to satisfy your naked desires. Bring a suit and tie if you want to be worshiped on Suit & Tie night (also a formal leather attire night) or just kneel at the altar of business. There are Skinhead nights, wanking evenings (don’t pretend you don’t know what that means) and other themes. The theme nights are thought up, organized and run by members. And these guys go all the way in trying to provide a great time for everyone.

The Never Mind Bar (nevermindbar.dk) is a dance bar. If you want to watch hot Danish hunks dancing and stripping off their shirts as the night wears on, this is one spot to hit. Friendly and cozy, there is a charm about this bar and the men who hang out here that you won’t want to miss. It’s a late night affair with doors opening at 10 PM and closing at 6 AM, so catch that disco nap. Club Foxy (foxyclub.dk) is another dance venue — and another late night out.

A few other places you’ll want to see: Code (code.dk) is a drag bar with attitude. And shows — not just stand up comedy but great shows with comedic talent you’ll enjoy even if you can’t understand a word. This is another bar with a restaurant and is a convenient, gay atmosphere in which to take a break, eat a meal, and ogle the cute bartenders. The Oscar Bar (oscarbarcafe.dk) is a small, friendly bar/café with great atmosphere, good food and pretty men to fill your need for eye candy. Café Intime (cafeintime.dk) is a wonderful piano bar. Intimate, as the name implies, this place is big on friendly and on good people. You’ll be entertained and enchanted at this bar which draws both young and old. If it’s cute young things you’re looking for, then Masken Bar (maskenbar.dk) is the place for you. Lots of entertainment here, from drag to lots more, and hot young men to entrance you.

Of course, seeing all those Danish hotties without seeing enough skin, doesn’t make a naked traveler happy. Getting to a sauna will change that.

Amigo Sauna (amigo-sauna.dk) is large and busy and has been in operation for over 25 years. It has lockers and spacious private rooms with low-slung beds. There’s a small exercise area, a big lounge with a juice bar, a conversation area, an internet station, and more. The communal showers are elegantly appointed. The dry sauna is large and has lots of spaces and places to play. A spacious video room with different viewing areas will also accommodate lots of naked play. Then there’s the appropriately dungeon-like sling room. It looks so intimidating, even the Naked Traveler shivered at the sight. There are other equipment rooms with equally interesting tools. Best of all, it’s a place with lots of traffic, especially on weekends.

The Gay Center (copenhagengaycenter.dk) is located near the train station and is smaller than the Amigo. But it has lots to offer. Only six rooms (if you want one, be there early or be prepared to wait), quite a few lockers, a dry sauna and four small theaters. There are plenty of places to play naked and lots of hidden corners for a delightful afternoon or evening. Dark rooms, separate playrooms and a lounge with refreshments complete the picture.

Copenhagen is also a city which supports gay festivals to the max. This summer Copenhagen is hosting the World Outgames from July 25 to Aug. 2. The Out In Leather celebration will take place simultaneously. The city is also set to host an Out Cities Project. Berlin, Cape Town, Istanbul, Madrid, Melbourne, New York, Riga, Rio de Janeiro, Stockholm, Tokyo and Århus have been invited by Copenhagen to participate in an exhibition promoting urban diversity and tolerance during the Outgames.

Other events include: Queer Festival, first held in 2006. Performers, musicians, DJs, activists, drag kings and queens and more gather to challenge convention and tradition. On the last Sunday in May, the city holds an annual torch-light procession in memory of those who have died from AIDS. The St. Hans Midsummer Bonfire and beach party on the island of Amager in June is by LBL, the National Gay and Lesbian Organization. And, of course, there is Copenhagen Pride, where thousands turn out for a gay pride parade and celebration. This year the festivities begin July 25.

Don’t miss Denmark. It’s a lot gayer than you might have imagined.