Deventer City Game: Self-Guided Walking Tour & Puzzles

Summary

Walk Deventer’s old town solving clues and stories as you go

You’ll step into medieval Deventer with just your phone and curiosity—solving puzzles at your own pace as you explore The Brink, peek inside ancient churches, and hunt for clues around hidden courtyards. With no guide or schedule to rush you, every discovery feels personal—like finding your own secret side of the city that lingers long after you finish.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to chase a mystery through cobbled streets? That’s pretty much how our day in Deventer started — not with a plan, but with a phone in hand and this city game buzzing on the screen. We stood at The Brink, still half-awake from the train ride, and tried to figure out the first riddle. A local couple passed by with their dog and gave us a curious look — maybe they knew we were about to get lost (in a good way).

The story pulls you back to 1435, which I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. Suddenly we were looking for clues about fake coins near De Waag Museum, squinting at old stonework while someone nearby ate fresh stroopwafels (the smell was distracting, honestly). Our group kept arguing over who had the best guess — my friend Li insisted she’d cracked the code, but then our app nudged us in another direction. It’s funny how you start noticing things you’d normally just walk past: little carvings on doors, faded shop signs, even the way sunlight hit the sandstone at Town Hall.

We wandered into quieter alleys behind Saint Nicholas Church where it felt cooler and almost echoey — I could hear my own footsteps on the stones. At one point we got stuck on a puzzle about an old coin mint; I tried asking a shopkeeper for help but she just grinned and said “You’ll figure it out.” She was right. There’s something satisfying about piecing together bits of history while actually standing where it happened. The whole route is only about 2.5 kilometers but somehow it felt like we covered more ground — maybe because every stop had its own little surprise.

I still think about that moment outside the old monastery complex when we finally solved the last clue — we all cheered way too loudly for grown adults. No guide hovering or rushing us; just our group, some friendly locals along the way, and this weird sense of having seen Deventer from inside out. If you’re up for wandering with purpose (and don’t mind getting sidetracked by pastries), this city game tour is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Deventer's Historic Highlights

• Visit The Brink central square
• Explore De Waag Museum
• See the old coin production building
• Tour the Mountain Church
• Visit the 15th-century kloostercomplex
• Pass by MIMIK theater and café
• View the historic Town Hall façade

Top questions

How long does the Deventer city game tour take?

The self-guided city game tour takes around 2 hours to complete.

Is there a guide during the Deventer city game?

No, this is a self-guided walking tour using your smartphone.

How far will I walk during the tour?

The route covers approximately 2.5 kilometers through central Deventer.

Can I start the tour at any time?

Yes, you can begin your adventure whenever suits you best.

Is this city game suitable for children?

The game is recommended for ages 15+, though younger players can join with supervision.

Are prams or wheelchairs allowed on this tour?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and prams are welcome.

Do I need anything special for the tour?

You’ll need a smartphone with mobile data to access instructions and riddles.

What’s included

Your experience includes detailed online instructions sent straight to your phone—complete with riddles and hints—so there are no extra fees or surprises along the way. Just bring your group (up to six people), pick any time that works for you, and set off exploring Deventer’s historic center at your own pace.