About “World Sound Walk Day”

 
 
 

At Quiet Parks International, we believe that protecting quiet is essential for the well-being of people and nature. That’s why we’re launching World Sound Walk Day —a global invitation for everyone to step outside, connect to nature and listen mindfully to their environment.

Today, true quiet is rare. Noise pollution threatens our health, disrupts wildlife, and disconnects us from the natural world. Taking a sound walk helps us rediscover the beauty of natural soundscapes, reduce stress, step out of our egocentric mind and connect with nature.

World Sound Walk Day raises awareness about the importance of preserving quiet. By listening together, we inspire a global movement to protect the world’s remaining quiet places—for ourselves and for future generations.

 

What is a Sound Walk?

 

A sound walk is an invitation to listen with fresh ears. As you move slowly through a space, you tune into the world around you—the rustle of leaves, the rhythm of footsteps, the hum of the city, or the quiet between sounds. It’s less about getting somewhere and more about arriving in the present moment, discovering the hidden music of everyday life. Each walk becomes a unique journey shaped by the sounds that happen to unfold while you are there.

 

Participate in a Sound Walk

September 13 and 28, 2025

 

Anyone, anywhere, can join in for free:

1. Step Outside

On September 13, join one of our guided walks (see below) or take a short walk alone or with your loved ones in a park, forest, beach, or even a quiet street in your neighborhood.

2. Listen Mindfully

Put your phone away, slow down, and open your ears. Notice the sounds of birds, wind, water, insects, or even the subtle space of silence.

3. Connect & Reflect

Allow yourself to be fully present. A sound walk is not about talking, but about listening — to nature, to others, and to yourself.

4. Share the Experience

If you’re attending an organized walk, join others in reflecting afterward. If you’re walking alone, share your experience with the global community by using #WorldSoundWalkDay.

This event is free for all.

 

Find a Sound Walk

 

Seattle, Washington, USA

Photo by Liz Lehmans

  • Date: Sept 13, 2025

  • Park: Seward Park

  • Time: 9.00AM

  • Duration: 1 hour approx

  • Cost: Free

  • Details: The walk is 1.8 miles along a well-made forest trail with a few small ups and downs and roots and rocks.

  • Meeting Point: Trailhead off the upper parking lot of Seward Park (map)

  • Sound Walk Guide: Beth Glosten

  • Contact: bglosten@gmail.com

Taipei, Taiwan

Photo by Laila Fan

  • Date: Sept 13, 2025

  • Park: Yangmingshan National Park

  • Time: 8.45AM

  • Duration: 3 hours approx

  • Cost: Free

  • Details

    • 8:45–9:00  Check-in at Lengshuikeng

    • 9:00–10:00  Trail experience from Lengshuikeng to Menghuan Lake

    • 10:00–10:30  Deep listening to Yangmingshan

    • 10:30–11:00  Sharing heartfelt reflections

    • 11:00–12:00  Mindful walk back to Lengshuikeng Station

    • 12:00  Departure

  • Meeting Point: Check-in at Lengshuikeng

  • Sound Walk Guide: Laila Fan

  • Contact: lailafantw@gmail.com

 

Madrid, Spain

  • Fecha: 13 de Septiembre

  • Parque: Parque del Retiro, Madrid

  • Hora: 10 am / 12 :30 am

  • Duración: 1 hour, 30 minutes

  • Coste: Gratis

  • Detalles: Tu guía de caminata sonora es: Úrsula Cuevas. Trae tu curiosidad — no se necesita equipo especial. Trae un pañuelo para vendar los ojos. Camina, escucha y disfruta. (more)

  • Lugar de encuentro: Palacio de Cristal

  • Guía de la Caminata Sonora: Úrsula Cuevas

  • Cómo unirse: 0034633922832

Luleå, Sweden

  • Datum: 28 september 2025

  • Plats: Hertsöträsk

  • Tid: 10.00AM

  • Varaktighet: En timme

  • Kostnad: Gratis

  • Details: Har du någon gång verkligen "lyssnat" till naturen? Inte bara hört, utan verkligen lagt märke till alla ljud – vinden i träden, fåglarnas röster, vattnets rörelse, kanske till och med tystnaden mellan ljuden. Nu har du chansen! Quiet Parks Sverige bjuder in till en "ljudvandring vid Hertsöträsk i Luleå". Vi går tillsammans i stillhet och utforskar vad som händer när vi riktar vår uppmärksamhet mot naturens ljudlandskap. vandringen är en del av ett internationellt initiativ där människor runt om i världen samtidigt samlas för att uppmärksamma värdet av tystnad och naturliga ljudmiljöer. Ingen förkunskap krävs, och du behöver inte säga ett ord – det viktiga är att *lyssna*.

  • Mötesplats: Samling på parkeringen

  • Guide för ljudvandringen: Pontus Vikström

  • Kontakt: Facebook Page

 

Lead a Sound Walk

 
 

Host a sound walk in your community this World Sound Walk Day — in a park, by a river, or even in the heart of your city.

Quiet Parks International will give you the guidance and support you need. No special skills required — just a willingness to slow down and share the experience.

👉 Ready to lead? Contact us below to get started.

 
 

Questions?

Write to Ulf Bohman, Executive Director of Urban Quiet Parks, QPI: ulf@quietparks.org