Vienna turns golden landmarks into sleep soundscapes

The Vienna Tourist Board has launched an audio campaign that transforms the gold surfaces of the city’s cultural landmarks into sleep soundscapes.

Created with agency Jung von Matt DONAU, the project introduces Vienna Gold Noise, a Spotify playlist released ahead of World Sleep Day on March 13.

The initiative converts the reflective light frequencies of gold found on historic sites and artworks into audible sound. The result is a set of calming tracks designed to support rest while promoting Vienna as a destination connected to culture and wellbeing.

Campaign blends science, culture and audio trends

The concept draws on growing interest in relaxation and sleep audio while introducing a scientific process to shape the sound design. Researchers at TU Wien’s Research Group “Novel Electronic Materials and Concepts” used high-resolution spectrometry to measure the light reflected from gold surfaces on several Viennese landmarks.

These measurements were translated into audible frequencies, effectively turning reflected light into sound waves. The process allowed the team to create distinct audio profiles linked to specific cultural icons across the city.

Landmarks and artworks become sound sources

The playlist features audio interpretations inspired by several prominent Viennese sites and works, including the Vienna State Opera, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt at the Belvedere Museum, the Imperial Crown housed in the Imperial Treasury and Otto Wagner’s Church at Steinhof.

Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board: "Rest has become a new luxury good. Especially when we travel, we seek experiences that enrich us, not exhaust us. Vienna Gold Noise positions Vienna as a city of deceleration and cultural depth, meeting a global wellness trend with authenticity and innovation. With Vienna Gold Noise, Vienna does not just invite travelers to see the city. It invites them to hear it — and fall asleep to its gold."

Stefan Bauernberger, Creative Director, Jung von Matt DONAU: "By using Vienna's golden treasures as instruments, we're offering the world an unheard-of perspective that will potentially enrich people's lives. From a creative's perspective, this is the work we live for."

Choir recordings add human element

Each of the four tracks runs for five minutes and layers the converted gold frequencies with additional audio elements. These include humming passages recorded by the Vienna Boys Choir and the Vienna Girls Choir performing a slowed, wordless interpretation of Brahms’ Lullaby.

Composer Walter Werzowa, founder of HealthTunes and a university music professor, contributed to the sound design.

Walter Werzowa, founder of HealthTunes: "Every gold surface has a unique spectral signature. By translating those light frequencies into audible sound, we're allowing people to hear what they normally only see, turning Vienna's cultural icons into an immersive sonic experience."

Hotels and transport services extend the experience

The playlist became available on Spotify on March 5, supported by placements on Spotify and Instagram ahead of World Sleep Day. The Vienna Tourist Board also plans to expand the concept beyond personal listening.

Several luxury hotels in Vienna will integrate the playlist into in-room systems, digital guest directories, turndown rituals and pillow menus. The ALMANAC Palais Vienna has introduced a Sleep Sanctuary package that includes relaxation rituals, aromatherapy and the Vienna Gold Noise soundtrack.

The audio experience will also reach travellers in transit. Austrian Federal Railways has added the playlist to the Railnet system on Nightjet services via QR code access, and Austrian Airlines plans to introduce it to its onboard service from June.