Melbourne, Apr 27 : Votes in the Swiss Alps have passed legislation banning naked hiking after dozens of mostly German nudists started rambling through their region.

The government recommended the ban after citizens objected to seeing the nude walkers, wearing nothing more than boots.

"The reactions of the population have shown that such appearances over a large area are perceived as thoroughly disturbing and irritating," News. com. au quoted the government as saying.

There were only a few people who disagreed when citizens of Appenzell Inner Rhodes, a region regarded as a favourite among nude hikers, voted to impose a 200 Swiss franc fine on violators.

A similar law is expected to be passed in nearby Appenzell Outer Rhodes in a move to rid the area of "this shameless behaviour". (ANI)