Groningen City Game Walking Tour with Puzzles

Summary

Self-Guided Groningen Puzzle Walk & Local Stories

You’ll wander Groningen’s colorful streets solving puzzles on your own schedule, from museum mysteries to hidden alleyways. Expect laughter over tricky clues, moments of calm by canals, and glimpses into local life you might otherwise miss — all with nothing but your phone and some curiosity. It’s an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left those cobblestone paths behind.

What’s the experience like?

We started our Groningen city game tour right outside the Groninger Museum — that building is even wilder in person, all bright colors and odd angles. I didn’t expect to be squinting at a cartoon drawing instead of a painting, but that’s how the story kicked off. My friend tried to read the Dutch clue out loud (she got about halfway before giving up), and we both laughed. There was this faint smell of coffee drifting from somewhere nearby, mixing with the damp stone after last night’s rain.

The route took us through Folkingestraat, which I’d only ever rushed down before — but this time we actually stopped and looked around. Our phones buzzed with riddles about old family names and tiny details on shopfronts I’d never noticed. A local walked by and nodded at us like he knew exactly what we were up to (maybe he did). At Academy Minerva, we had to count something on the facade — I lost track twice because a group of students came out, laughing way too loudly for a Monday morning.

There was this moment behind the Groningsch Museum where everything went quiet except for distant bike bells and our own voices echoing off the canal. The puzzles weren’t always easy (I’ll admit we needed a hint or two), but it felt good when we finally cracked one together. We wandered past Der Aa church and then along Broerstraat toward the university library — you can almost feel how old these places are under your feet, even if you’re just following clues on your phone.

By the time we reached the Martini graveyard — which really does feel like a green heart tucked away in all that brick — I realized I’d seen more of Groningen in two hours than in months of living here. The tour ended near terraces full of people chatting over drinks; honestly, I kind of wanted to sit down and keep playing. Even now, I still think about that quiet spot by the canal whenever someone mentions Groningen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Groningen's Historic and Cultural Sites

• The Groninger Museum
• Visit Folkingestraat street
• See Academy Minerva art school
• Walk to the back of Groningsch Museum
• Visit Der Aa church
• Tour University of Groningen Library
• Explore Martini graveyard
• Visit modern library building with cinema and coffee bar
• Relax at old city terraces

Top questions

How long does the Groningen city game walking tour take?

The city game tour takes around 2 hours to complete.

Is this self-guided tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for ages 15 and older; younger players should have supervision.

Do I need to book a guide or join a group?

No guide is needed; this is a self-guided walking tour you do at your own pace.

What do I need to bring for the Groningen puzzle walk?

You only need a smartphone with mobile data for instructions and clues.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces along the route are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join in strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this city game tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your experience includes detailed online instructions sent straight to your phone with riddles and hints along every stop—no extra fees or bookings required during the tour itself. You can start whenever you like; just gather your team (up to six people) and set off through Groningen’s historic center at your own pace.