Basel: Self-guided scavenger hunt city walk with app

Summary

Wandering Basel’s streets, solving clues & laughing at ourselves

You’ll explore Basel’s old town with your phone as your guide, solving riddles and searching for clues around landmarks like City Hall and the Tinguely fountain. Expect spontaneous laughs, creative photo tasks, and small discoveries you’d probably miss otherwise — plus plenty of freedom to wander or pause for coffee whenever you want. It’s an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left Basel behind.

What’s the experience like?

We started the Basel scavenger hunt right outside the Minster — I’d only half read the instructions, but my friend was already poking at her phone, so off we went. The first clue had us squinting at a statue’s plaque while a group of teenagers zipped by on bikes, shouting in Swiss German. I didn’t expect to laugh so much just trying to find a date carved into stone. The city felt different when you’re looking for tiny details instead of just walking through it.

The app nudged us toward City Hall next, and I got distracted by the red facade and all those painted figures — almost missed the riddle entirely. A local woman noticed us circling the fountain and asked if we were “on that game thing.” She grinned and pointed out something we’d never have spotted (I won’t spoil it). There was this faint smell of roasted chestnuts from a nearby stand, which made me wish we’d taken a snack break, but we kept going because suddenly we were both weirdly competitive about our points.

By the time we reached the Tinguely fountain, my friend insisted on doing one of those silly photo challenges — I’m not showing anyone that picture. The best part was how nobody cared that we were acting like tourists; people just smiled or nodded as they passed. We took our time, stopped for coffee halfway (the tour isn’t timed), and honestly, I still think about how seeing Basel this way made me notice things I’d usually miss. The scavenger hunt ended somewhere near the river, but it kind of felt like it could’ve gone on all afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Basel Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights

• Interactive scavenger hunt in Basel
• Find sights using app hints
• Solve questions about landmarks
• Complete creative photo tasks
• Visit Tinguely Fountain, Minster, City Hall

Top questions

How long does the Basel scavenger hunt take?

The tour usually lasts 1–2 hours but isn’t limited in time; you can go at your own pace.

Is there a guide during the scavenger hunt?

No, it’s fully self-guided using an app on your smartphone.

What do I need to start the scavenger hunt in Basel?

You’ll need to download the app and use an access code sent after booking.

Can I take breaks during the tour?

Yes, you can pause anytime for snacks or sightseeing since there’s no set schedule.

Which sights are included in the scavenger hunt?

You’ll visit places like City Hall, Minster, Tinguely fountain, and other highlights in Basel.

Is this suitable for families or groups?

Yes, it works well for friends or families since you can play together at your own pace.

Are there any physical requirements?

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

What’s included

Your experience includes full access to the Explorial App for a self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt around Basel’s main sights — just download the app after booking and start whenever you’re ready.