The magazine generally centers on the promotion of health, physical culture, and sun-focused recreation. Typical content in a special edition includes:

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, select "Pressefach" outlets in larger train stations (like Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Zurich HB) and specialty erotic/naturist bookstores carry the new issue. Look for the distinctive yellow and orange sunburst logo on the cover.

The Sonnenfreunde Sonderhefte quickly became the subject of intense legal scrutiny and public debate in Germany. Over the course of its publication, the series faced multiple attempts by the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons ( Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Schriften , or BPjS) to have it "indexed," i.e., placed on a list of media deemed harmful to minors.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the "new" aspect of this magazine is particularly exciting. It isn’t just a reprint of old material; it’s a fresh look at the movement. It covers the latest trends in naturist travel, including eco-friendly nude resorts and clothing-optional hiking trails that are gaining popularity across Europe and North America. The publication also addresses the challenges of the digital era, offering advice on how to maintain privacy while participating in a lifestyle that is often misunderstood by the mainstream.

Whether you are tracing the roots of the European naturist movement or looking to understand the modern revival of historic nudist media, exploring vintage and new iterations of these publications offers an insightful window into a globally influential lifestyle. The Heritage of Sonnenfreunde and FKK Media

To give you a taste of the new issue’s content, consider one of its most talked-about articles: a 12-page spread on nude hiking in the Austrian and Bavarian Alps. The author, a veteran FKK hiker named Klaus V., details:

The issues were produced for over 17 years, ultimately culminating in more than 200 different special editions. The series eventually came to an end in 1997, following increasing public and legal pressure.

While vintage issues are popular collectibles, finding a "new" physical issue can be tricky as much of the market has shifted to or second-hand collectors :

Extended features detailing remote nudist beaches, Mediterranean campgrounds, and European wellness resorts.

The magazine's editor and publisher was Gerd Berendt, a writer, journalist, and publisher who steered the publication for many years. Under his direction, "Sonnenfreunde" became an influential platform for naturist ideas, encompassing not just photography but also articles on healthy living, travel, and philosophy. The magazine was part of a larger movement that flourished in the post-war period, with countless similar publications like Sonnenstrahl and Humana appearing throughout West Germany. A 1970 issue of the magazine, for instance, features a standard monthly array of content, from reader letters to book reviews.

Family-oriented community life, philosophy, and sauna culture Eco-tourism, travel reviews, nude yoga, and body positivity Out-of-print archival items found via collectors Subscription-based new monthly releases Why Collectors Search for "New" Vintage Editions