Buzz
We live in an age where the news cycle is constant, and stories that would once have been considered monumental are quickly forgotten as new headlines emerge. (Though, with a global pandemic, a new president, and the impending impeachment trial of the former president following his role in the insurrection, there certainly is a lot happening.)
While everyone has their own go-to for relaxation, some people find that 'slow TV' provides a unique sense of calm—especially when you need something low-key to play in the background while working or reading. If you're unsure where to find it, be sure to save the Slow TV Map. Here's a breakdown of what it is and how it works.
Introduction to Slow TV
So, what exactly is 'slow TV'? Alan Henry explained it in a 2016 Mytour article like this:
It’s things like lengthy train journeys through picturesque landscapes, serene canal boat rides, crackling fireplaces, peaceful footage of people knitting, and similar activities. These are perfect to have on in the background while you work, concentrate, or just unwind... Essentially, it’s the broadcast of an ordinary event from beginning to end.
As per Recomendo—where we first learned about the Slow TV Map—the slow TV genre officially started in 2009, when the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation aired a seven-hour train ride, uninterrupted.
How to navigate the map
The Slow TV Map works exactly as you'd expect: It’s an interactive world map that lets users zoom into different regions and explore a variety of slow TV videos filmed in those areas.
At the top of the map, there’s a filter that lets you search for videos based on various modes of transportation, such as boats, trains, airplanes, and bicycles. You can also set the video length, ranging from 30 minutes to over 10 hours. Some examples include a bike ride through the Julian Alps in Slovenia, a scenic drive along Turkey’s coastal highway, and a sailing adventure to Borneo.
While the map promotes itself as 'a soothing virtual journey,' it’s not the type of experience where you need to click around inside a museum or navigate a landmark. These are simply videos meant to play in the background, allowing you to relax and enjoy with no extra effort needed.
