Zwolle scavenger hunt
Discover this compact Hanseatic city in an active, surprising way — cracking riddles and codes at real places across the old town. Or simply explore the route as a self-guided walking tour. In English.
A day out in Zwolle — as a puzzle
Zwolle is a true Hanseatic city (a member of the medieval Hanseatic League trade network): a compact historic centre wrapped in a star-shaped moat with green ramparts. That is exactly what makes it such a perfect playground for a scavenger hunt. Instead of walking past the well-known spots, you really start to look at them — because every stop comes with a puzzle about what you see in front of you.
You pass the imposing Sassenpoort (the last surviving medieval city gate) and the Peperbus (the landmark tower of the Basilica of Our Lady). Via the Grote Markt and the Grote or Sint-Michaëlskerk (St Michael's Church) you slip into hidden courtyards that most visitors never see. At each stop you decode a letter; together they spell the secret word that opens the treasure chest.
Good to know: the Zwolle route is our most fully developed tour — walked by the makers themselves and carefully fact-checked, with sources at every stop. We can never completely rule out the odd mistake, so if you spot something that isn't right, do let us know in the app.
Prefer to just look around? You can also explore this route freely — without questions, with the story, the background and the sources at every stop. That makes it just as much a free self-guided walking tour.
- 1.5–2.5 hoursat your own pace
- Freeduring the launch
- All agesfamily-friendly
- In the browsernothing to download
What you'll see along the way
The Sassenpoort
The richly decorated 15th-century city gate — the symbol of Zwolle and the starting point of many stories.
The Peperbus
The distinctive domed tower of the Basilica of Our Lady, watching over the whole old town.
The Grote Markt
The beating heart of the city, with the Grote or Sint-Michaëlskerk and terraces that are always buzzing.
Hidden courtyards
Quiet inner courtyards and alleyways just off the busy streets — the loveliest surprises on the route.
Frequently asked questions about the Zwolle hunt
Can I walk the Zwolle route without the puzzles?
Yes. Alongside the scavenger hunt with puzzles you can explore the Zwolle route freely: you walk the same route without questions and read the story, the background and the sources at every stop. That makes it a free self-guided walking tour of Zwolle, at your own pace and without an account.
Where does the Zwolle scavenger hunt start?
You pick the route in the app, where you will find the starting point — usually central in the historic old town. There is no fixed start time: you begin whenever it suits you.
How long does the Zwolle hunt take?
Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, at your own pace. You can always pause for a drink on a terrace along the way.
Is the Zwolle scavenger hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it is a fun day out for the whole family. The hunt is for all ages; some puzzles take a bit of detective work, so younger children have the most fun playing together with an adult.
What does the Zwolle scavenger hunt cost?
During the launch the hunt is free. Afterwards you can leave a small voluntary donation if you enjoyed it.
Ready to crack Zwolle?
Pick the route, head out and open the treasure chest. Today, completely free.
Start in Zwolle →