As part of Chemnitz’s celebration as the European Capital of Culture 2025, this project proposes a free soundwalking experience along the Culture Trail Höhenweg 2025. This initiative will bring participants closer to the acoustic and cultural identity of this remarkable space.
Soundwalking, a practice developed by researcher Hildegard Westerkamp, combines active listening and walking to explore the auditory environment. Before each walk, participants will receive a brief introduction to the methodology and theory, fostering deeper engagement with the surrounding soundscape.
During the soundwalk, participants will be provided with paper and pencil to describe some of the spaces heard. In this way, active participation is invited, involving them in the creation of different narratives associated with listening. The recorded material will be published on a public VR and 360° digital platform, enabling anyone, anywhere, to virtually experience the soundwalks and the unique auditory landscape of Chemnitz’s Culture Trail Höhenweg. This digital archive will not only extend the project’s reach but also contribute to the global dialogue on soundscapes and cultural heritage.
By engaging residents and visitors with the Culture Trail Höhenweg 2025 through soundwalking, this project highlights the importance of listening as a tool for cultural appreciation and community connection. It fosters an innovative and accessible approach to urban cultural exploration, creating lasting value for Chemnitz and its role as a European cultural hub. "Soundwalking the Culture Trail Höhenweg 2025" celebrates the intersection of sound, culture, and technology. Through immersive walks, cutting-edge documentation, and digital dissemination, this project invites the world to listen to Chemnitz’s cultural heart.
This project was funded as part of the second round of the EUJA funding programme for the 2025 Capital of Culture year in a public space.
