Secrets of · Scavenger hunt
Secrets of Essen Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour
1.5–2 hours · 1–4 players per team · free Loquiz app€19.95 per team
City games in Essen
City games in Essen (3) ↓City Game Essen is a set of three self-guided games you play on your own smartphone while you walk through Essen: a scavenger hunt, a murder mystery and an outdoor escape game. Each takes about 2 hours over 3–4 km, starts at the Burgplatz whenever you want, and costs €19.95 per ticket for one phone and team. No guide, no fixed departure time and no group to keep up with.
€19.95 per team≈ €5 per personFree cancellation until you start
City games in Essen
Sherlock Holmes · Murder mystery
Essen Self-Guided Detective Murder Mystery Game
1.5–2 hours · 1–4 players per team · free Loquiz app€19.95 per team
The Syndicate · Outdoor escape game
Self-Guided The Essen Syndicate City Escape Game
1.5–2 hours · 1–5 players per team · free Loquiz app€19.95 per team
Group games: teams against each other
City ConquestRace Through EssenA city game where teams play against each other: at least 2 teams of 1–4 players, each team on its own phone.Expected soon in EssenWhat players in other cities say
- ★★★★★
Had great fun playing secrets of Haarlem!
Martin M.March 2026 · via google - ★★★★★
Game in Amsterdam was fun!
Enzo L.March 2026 · via google - ★★★★★
Had So much fun playing while exploring the city
Philip C.March 2026 · via google - ★★★★★
I had a fantastic experience with CityGame! The concept is creative, engaging, and a great way to explore a city in a completely new way. The games are well-designed, combining puzzles, storytelling, and adventure so you’re constantly discovering something interesting around every corner. What I especially love is how CityGame turns a normal walk through the city into an interactive experience. It’s perfect for friends, families, or team outings, and it makes sightseeing much more exciting than the usual tours. Everything was easy to use, the challenges were fun and clever, and it really encouraged us to look closer at the city and its hidden details. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a unique and memorable way to explore!
Jessica S.March 2026 · via google - ★★★★★
This is an interesting way to conduct a self-guided Amsterdam city tour. It used the GPS on your phone to guide you to stops on a route. There are mini quizzes once you arrive at the stops on the path. The quizzes draw your attention to features in front of you or to a brief history of the place. In many cases, we visited a spot that would not have been obvious as a regular passer by. The tour as a whole was interesting to us as newcomers, but I would have liked more information on many locations we visited - a few links outside of the app for each place would have been helpful. Beyond that, the interface was a bit clunky and sometimes awkward to navigate. We definitely don't regret trying this out and feel like we got our money's worth on the experience.
JaibhijaiJune 2024 · via google - ★★★★★
This was a fun game! It had a few challenges which was good and surprises. It got me to go around and explore Queenstown, New Zealand. I got to places in Queenstown, New Zealand I hadn’t been to before while on holiday here. Thank you for that and it gave a feel what it would be like to be the actual Sherlock Holmes!
Dylan J.February 2024 · via google
How we check reviews
These reviews were left by players on Google and other review sites and are copied from there as they are, with their source.
Leaderboard: Essen
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Exploring Essen
Essen grew from an abbey into a coal and steel city, and the cathedral at its heart still keeps the Golden Madonna, the oldest surviving sculpture of the Virgin in the world. The walking routes pass the Essener Dom with its cloister, the Marktkirche, the Kreuzeskirche, the Alte Synagoge, the Kettwiger Straße and the Kennedyplatz.
Which City Game in Essen should you choose?
Secrets of Essen – a scavenger hunt and walking tour: riddles, puzzles and photo tasks at each stop, for up to 4 players on one phone. Languages: English.
Essen Murder Mystery – a Sherlock Holmes-style detective game: gather clues, question digital characters, crack codes and name the killer, for up to 4 players on one phone. Languages: English, Dutch, German, French, Italian and Spanish.
The Essen Syndicate – an outdoor escape game in which every player takes a role in the mission, for 2 to 4 players on one phone. Languages: English.
Good to know before you play
Start: The Burgplatz (the murder mystery starts at the Marktkirche).
Duration and distance: About 2 hours and 3–4 km on foot. Pause for coffee whenever you like; there is no clock running.
Price: €19.95 per ticket. One ticket covers one phone and the team playing on it.
What you need: A charged smartphone with mobile internet. The game runs in the free Loquiz app, and you can start on any day, at any time.
Good for: Families with children, friends, couples, stag and hen parties and team outings. Bigger groups split into teams of four or five and play the same route against each other.
Planning a trip? See all City Games in Germany or read how City Game works.
How City Game works in Essen
Booking your self-guided City Game is simple: just reserve online and receive a confirmation email with all the start instructions. Your adventure begins at Kennedyplatz, where you can open the game on your smartphone and explore Essen at your own pace. Discover the intriguing stories behind landmarks like the Zollverein Coal Mine and the serene Grugapark as you wander through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, making every step a new experience in this dynamic urban landscape.
Who is City Game in Essen for?
City Game is perfect for families looking to explore Essen in a fun and engaging way. The pedestrian-friendly streets and lush parks make it easy for kids to enjoy while learning about the city's rich history. Couples can also take advantage of the romantic spots in Rüttenscheid, discovering charming cafés and scenic parks together. Solo travellers will appreciate the flexibility of the game, allowing them to dive deep into Essen's culture at their own pace. Additionally, corporate teams can use this immersive experience to bond and encourage teamwork while navigating the city's unique blend of industrial heritage and modern attractions.
How much is a scavenger hunt in Essen?
€19.95 per team of up to 4 players (about a quarter of that per person). The ticket stays valid for 12 months and cancelling is free until you start.
Which city games can you play in Essen?
Secrets of Essen Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour, Essen Self-Guided Detective Murder Mystery Game, Self-Guided The Essen Syndicate City Escape Game. Each one is a self-guided route through the city that you play as a team on your own phone.
Do I need a guide or an app?
No. You play in the browser of your own phone, without a guide and without installing an app. Start whenever you like.
How long does a city game in Essen take?
About 2 hours, at your own pace.
Is there a murder mystery game in Essen?
Yes: Essen Self-Guided Detective Murder Mystery Game. You solve a murder as a team by questioning witnesses and collecting clues on the way.
Can you play an outdoor escape game in Essen?
Yes: Self-Guided The Essen Syndicate City Escape Game, an escape game in the open air. You crack codes and puzzles at real places in the city.
