Zwolle: City escape game with app & flexible start

Summary

Step into Zwolle’s past as you race to find the secret key

You’ll step into Zwolle’s streets as part of an interactive escape game, solving riddles with your phone and discovering hidden corners along the way. Expect small surprises — like locals offering tips or catching scents from bakeries — as you race to find the secret key within two hours. It’s playful and immersive in ways you might not expect… and you’ll remember those little moments long after.

What’s the experience like?

We started the Zwolle escape game right by Sassenpoort — just the two of us, phones out, a bit unsure if we’d get swept up in this 1787 story or just end up lost. The city was quieter than I expected, even with the usual bikes zipping past. The app set us off as Gerrit Jan Pijman, which honestly made me laugh because I’d never heard of him before (sorry to any Dutch history buffs). But soon enough, we were following his footsteps, trying to outsmart imaginary soldiers and find this secret key before time ran out.

Each stop had its own little riddle — some easy, a couple that made us double back because we missed a detail on a plaque or statue. At one point near the old city walls, I caught the smell of fresh stroopwafels from a nearby café and almost got distracted (okay, I did get distracted). A local woman noticed us puzzling over our phones and asked if we were “on that escape thing” — apparently it’s become a bit of a thing here. She gave us a tip about an alley shortcut, which actually helped shave off some minutes.

The weather kept shifting — sun one minute, then clouds rolling over the old rooftops. We didn’t mind though; it kind of fit the whole revolutionary mood. By the time we reached the last clue at the Grote Kerk square, I realized how much ground we’d covered without really noticing. There was this weird satisfaction in piecing together bits of Zwolle’s history while racing against our own clock. We finished just under two hours (with a little help from that extra time option in the app), and honestly? I still think about how that final puzzle stumped us for way too long — but it felt good when it clicked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Escape Xperience Zwolle Puzzle Walk

• Solve puzzle at location 1
• Solve puzzle at location 2
• Solve puzzle at location 3
• Solve puzzle at location 4

Top questions

How long does the Zwolle escape game take?

The game is designed to be completed within 2 hours, but extra playing time is included if needed.

Is the escape experience in Zwolle suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and children can join in prams or strollers.

Do I need to join a group or guide for this tour?

No guide is needed; it’s self-guided using an app so you can start whenever you want.

Are service animals allowed on this city escape game?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the experience.

Is public transportation nearby for starting or ending?

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

What’s included

Your day includes use of the escape game app for exploring Zwolle at your own pace plus extra playing time if you don’t finish within two hours — no rush if you need those extra minutes.