Hamburg: Self-guided scavenger hunt city tour by app

Summary

Wandering Hamburg’s streets with clues, laughter, and surprises

You’ll explore Hamburg on foot with only your phone and curiosity as guides. Solve riddles at landmarks like St. Michaelis and Alter Elbtunnel, snap creative photos, and wander at your own pace. With no time limits or crowds, you’ll find yourself laughing, learning, and seeing the city in ways you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start our day in Hamburg arguing over which one of us could read the map better — but that’s exactly how it went. The city was just waking up, a bit of drizzle on the cobblestones near St. Michaelis, and we were already squinting at our phones, trying to figure out the first riddle. There’s something about being handed a clue instead of a guidebook that makes you look at things differently — suddenly every statue or street sign felt like it might be hiding an answer.

We wandered through the old tunnel under the Elbe (the Alter Elbtunnel), voices echoing off the tiles while we tried to guess how many steps it would take to cross. At Davidwache, I got distracted by a street musician playing accordion — totally missed the hint on the police station plaque until my partner nudged me back into “scavenger mode.” The app kept us moving but never rushed; we stopped for coffee when we wanted, and even tried saying “Moin!” to a local who grinned and replied with something much longer (I’m still not sure what he said).

The best part? Solving those little puzzles together made us notice things I’d have walked right past otherwise — like carvings above doorways or tiny details in murals. And yeah, some photo tasks made us look ridiculous (there’s now a picture of me pretending to be a ship captain that I hope never surfaces). The whole day felt less like sightseeing and more like playing around in someone else’s backyard — Hamburg’s backyard, I guess.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hamburg Scavenger Hunt Highlights

• Start scavenger hunt at city center
• Find Hauptkirche St. Michaelis
• Solve questions about Davidwache
• Explore Alter Elbtunnel
• Complete photo tasks for points

Top questions

How long does the Hamburg scavenger hunt tour take?

The self-guided tour usually lasts about 1–2 hours, but you can go at your own pace.

Do I need to join a group or is this private?

This is a self-guided experience; you do it on your own or with friends using your smartphone.

What do I need to bring for the scavenger hunt?

You’ll need a smartphone with the Explorial App installed and an access code (sent after booking).

Is there a guide during the tour?

No live guide; all instructions and clues are provided through the app.

Can I do this tour in English?

Yes, the scavenger hunt is available in both English and German.

Are there any physical requirements?

The walk is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

Which sights are included in the route?

You’ll visit places like Hauptkirche St. Michaelis, Davidwache police station, Alter Elbtunnel, and other city highlights.

Is public transportation nearby if I need it?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to most parts of the route.

What’s included

Your day includes full access to the Explorial App for a self-guided walking tour across Hamburg’s main sights and hidden corners—just download the app after booking and use your access code to start whenever you’re ready.