Since its launch on July 7, 2025, under the patronage of Hesse’s Minister of Social Affairs, Heike Hofmann, and Wiesbaden’s Mayor, Gert-Uwe Mende, numerous companies and organizations have been working to create a less stimulating environment for people with invisible disabilities.

“I am delighted that, thanks to the many different stakeholders, the ‘Quiet Hour’ has grown steadily over the past year and has become a hallmark of the city of Wiesbaden,” said Mayor Mende, welcoming the initiative. “The ‘Quiet Hour’ creates spaces where greater participation is possible—a benefit for the entire urban community.”

Wiesbaden plays a special role in this regard nationwide: The state capital is the first city in Germany to coordinate the “Quiet Hour” citywide and implement it in collaboration with partners from various sectors.

Just in time for the anniversary, the initiative has gained another important partner in Antenne Wiesbaden. Under the title “The Quiet Hour on the Radio,” a new special program launched on Monday, June 29, and will air four times a week—Mondays through Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. The program is designed to offer a deliberately low-stimulus listening experience. The music selection focuses on calm timbres without strong dynamics, shrill elements, or sudden acoustic changes. The concept is complemented by calm narration, smooth transitions, and the deliberate omission of traditional jingles and loud sound bites. In addition, editorial segments on inclusion and sensory sensitivity are planned. Short interviews with participants and partners of the “Quiet Hour,” as well as thought-provoking segments, are intended to raise awareness of the topic and highlight concrete ways to increase participation in everyday life.

“With the ‘Quiet Hour on the Radio,’ we’re creating a deliberately low-stimulus and reliable listening experience. This isn’t just about lower volume, but about an overall sensitive and relaxed soundscape. As a city radio station, we want to make Wiesbaden’s diversity audible and help ensure that all residents of Wiesbaden feel at home at Antenne Wiesbaden. With this new format, we’re setting an example for greater inclusion and participation,” says Corinna Sievert, managing director of Antenne Wiesbaden.

Starting Thursday, July 2, the “Stille Stunde” will gain another new partner in the Evangelical Marktkirche. For the first time, a church is participating in the Wiesbaden initiative, thereby sending a clear signal of inclusion, mindfulness, and social participation. Every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m., the Marktkirche is transformed into a thoughtfully designed “church space of silence.” In doing so, the parish goes far beyond simply creating a quiet retreat: During the “Quiet Hour,” both the distinctive tower carillon and the church bells remain completely silent. Organ and choir rehearsals are suspended, conversations are deliberately kept quiet, and visitors are greeted in a calm tone. Where possible, the lighting is also dimmed to create an atmosphere with as few distractions as possible.

“These measures create a special place of tranquility right in the heart of downtown—open to anyone seeking a break from the noise, hustle and bustle, and the myriad sensory impressions of everyday life,” explains Dr. Margot Klee, chair of the church council of the Evangelical Marktkirche parish. “This also means that we will not ring the church bells for two hours—a powerful symbol of this important commitment for us.”

Interest in participating in the “Quiet Hour” remains high. As early as September, additional partners will join the initiative, including the mattiaqua facilities Freizeitbad Mainzer Straße and the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme. In the future, these locations will offer a special bathing and sauna experience focused on tranquility. Discussions are already underway with other interested parties.

Companies, institutions, and organizations wishing to participate in the “Quiet Hour” can contact the City of Wiesbaden at the email addresses citymanagementwiesbadende and inklusionsbeauftragtewiesbadende.