Vienna is setting an unusual example for World Sleep Day on March 13: With Vienna Gold Noise, Vienna Tourism presents a playlist that translates the shimmering gold of iconic sights into immersive soundscapes to help you fall asleep. The initiative is a response to a recent study by the University of Pennsylvania, according to which the "pink noise" used in many sleep apps can actually be detrimental to sleep.

From light to sound

The idea is based on a scientifically precise approach: researchers at TU Wien used high-resolution spectrometry to measure the reflected light frequencies of gold surfaces at four important locations in Vienna. These light frequencies were then translated into audible sound waves - a process known as sonification.

The locations "set to music" include the Vienna State Opera, Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" in the Belvedere Museum, the Imperial Crown in the Imperial Treasury and the church at Steinhof by Otto Wagner. Each of these gold surfaces has a unique spectral signature, which is now accessible as an acoustic experience.

Science meets Viennese tradition

The four five-minute tracks combine the "golden" frequencies with a typically Viennese element: newly recorded humming passages by the Vienna Boys' Choir and the Vienna Girls' Choir. Their slowed-down, wordless interpretation of Brahms' lullaby is enriched with gentle breathing noises and subtle human sound textures.

"Peace and quiet has become a new luxury good. Especially when traveling, we are looking for experiences that enrich us - not exhaust us," explains Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board. Vienna Gold Noise positions Vienna as a city of deceleration and cultural depth and authentically picks up on a global wellness trend.

Walter Werzowa, composer, university professor and founder of Health Tunes, adds: "By translating these light frequencies into audible sounds, we enable people to hear what they normally only see - and transform Vienna's cultural icons into an immersive sound experience."

Integration in the hotel industry and mobility

Vienna Gold Noise has been on the market since March 5, 2026. Spotify available. Selected luxury hotels in Vienna integrate the playlist directly into their room systems, digital guest folders, turn-down rituals and pillow menus. The Almanac Palais Vienna hotel offers a special "Gold Sleep Ritual" package that combines relaxation rituals, aromatherapy and the Vienna Gold Noise soundscape.

Vienna Gold Noise has also been integrated into the Railnet system of all Austrian Federal Railways Nightjet trains and can be accessed via a QR code. From June, the playlist will also be available in Austrian Airlines' in-flight service.

For more information goldnoise.vienna.info

Vienna Tourist Board presents "Vienna Bites", a three-minute short film that opens the 2026 culinary theme "Vienna Bites. Cuisine, culture, character". Instead of staging food in a classic advertising format, the film tells a fictional story: a vampire clan roams through Vienna at night, convinced that the blood of the Viennese is particularly delicious because of Viennese cuisine. The narrative turns iconic dishes from Wiener Schnitzel to Kaiserschmarrn into visual and symbolic elements of a stylized, atmospheric film world.

Historical connection to vampirism

The concept ties in with Vienna's little-known historical connection to vampirism, which was first documented in the city in 1725. The campaign links this history with the current worldwide interest in vampire and horror narratives. This is currently also reflected in the strong presence of corresponding, award-winning films, including "Sinner", which received several Oscar nominations this year.

International production with Viennese roots

The film was developed by the Viennese agency Seite Zwei, which is responsible for the idea, concept and creative direction. The film was directed by the renowned Los Angeles-based advertising and film director Bianca Poletti. The project was produced by Muellers Bureau. The production combines Viennese locations such as the Hotel Sacher, Café Schwarzenberg and the Kunsthistorisches Museum with an international aesthetic. The soundtrack was created in collaboration with US-based composer and songwriter Morgan Kibby, who has already worked with Lady Gaga and Harry Styles, and the band The Graveyard Club.

Strong international response

Designed for digital playout, "Vienna Bites" will be released internationally in central core markets such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom and the USA. On YouTube, the film is aimed specifically at target groups with an interest in culture, cuisine and cinematic storytelling. Since its launch at the beginning of February, the film has had over 16 million views, demonstrating a strong international response.

The film features prominent representatives of Viennese cuisine, including Anton Pozeg, Culinary Director at the Hotel Sacher, Lukas Mraz from the two-star restaurant Mraz & Sohn, Stefanie Herkner from "Zur Herknerin" and Parvin Razavi from the restaurant &flora.

Further information on the campaign can be found at vampires.vienna.info and on the annual theme at viennabites.vienna.info.

Responsible at the Vienna Tourist Board: Norbert Kettner (Managing Director), Claudia Wieland (Director Brand Management), Lukas Merl (Team Leader Brand Communication), Patrick Hilz (Creative Director Brand), Isabella Graf and Janine Hartl (Project Management). Responsible for page two: Romane Basquine, Christian Begusch, Benedict Dorndorf, Lucas Guizetti, Iris Karl, Irene Martínez, Stefan Mayer, Michael Niedermair, Christoph Schörkhuber, Stefanie Wurnitsch (idea, creative direction & graphic design). Responsible at Muellers Bureau: Bianca Poletti (Director), Adrian Bidron (Director of Photography), Claudia Hofmeister (Executive Producer), Rita Hofmeister (Producer). Set photography: Herman Höger.