Discover Ghent while playing! Escape game – The Walter case

Discover Ghent while playing! Escape game – The Walter case

If you’re looking for a different way to explore Ghent, this urban escape game offers a playful twist on sightseeing. It’s designed for groups of up to six people, using just your smartphone to navigate through the city while solving puzzles and following a story. With a story that puts you in the shoes of a detective racing against the clock, it promises a fun, interactive experience that’s perfect for friends or families wanting to add a little adventure to their trip.

What I really like about this experience is its flexibility—playing at your own pace, in your own group, and on your own schedule. Plus, the story itself is engaging, with an exciting plot about a bomb in Ghent that you need to defuse. That sense of urgency definitely keeps things lively. On the flip side, one potential drawback is that some players might find the puzzles a bit tricky or not as intuitive as they’d like, which could lead to frustration or an unfinished game. It’s not a guided tour with fixed stops, so if you prefer learning about a city’s history or monuments along the way, this might feel a bit limited.

All in all, this activity suits travelers who enjoy games, puzzles, or storytelling and want to see Ghent from a different, more playful perspective. It’s especially good for those who want a flexible, private experience and don’t mind a challenge or two.

Key Points

• Interactive Storytelling: You step into a detective role in a high-stakes city adventure.
• Flexible Timing & Private: Play whenever it suits you, with only your group involved.
• Cost-Effective: At around $23 for up to 6 people, it offers a decent value for entertainment.
• Street-Level Exploration: Walk around Ghent, discovering points of interest all while working on puzzles.
• Potential Puzzle Difficulty: Some players have found the puzzles tricky or not clearly connected to the environment.
• Story & Puzzles: The game balances a compelling story with problem-solving, but the story’s length might feel slow initially.

An In-Depth Look at the Walter Case Urban Escape Game

When you first hear about this kind of activity, it might sound a bit gimmicky. But in reality, combining a story-driven game with a city walk can be surprisingly engaging. This Ghent-based experience is a private activity, so you won’t be part of a large group or guided tour, but rather, you and your friends or family. It takes approximately 2.5 hours, making it a decent-sized chunk of your day but still manageable, especially if you’re looking for something different from a standard sightseeing tour.

The journey kicks off at Jakobijnenstraat, a central location in Ghent, which is convenient for most travelers. Once you start, the mobile app guides you through different points of interest, which you’re supposed to investigate to gather clues. The storyline about a blackmailing billionaire CEO and a hidden bomb adds a layer of urgency and excitement. You’re tasked with investigating suspects, making decisions about which routes to take, and ultimately trying to defuse the threat—all within two hours.

What really makes this experience stand out is the way it flips the traditional sightseeing model. Instead of passingively viewing monuments, you become an active participant in a story, which can be highly engaging. The puzzles are designed to challenge your logic, but according to some reviews, they’re not always straightforward or clearly linked to the environment, which can lead to some difficulty. One reviewer mentioned that they started from clues in the environment but found the puzzles less intuitive, leading to an unfinished game.

The Story & Its Impact

The story’s evolution depends heavily on your choices—who you question, which routes you take, and where you search. This makes each experience potentially unique, especially if you play through it multiple times. For those who like story-based games, this could be a highlight. However, some reviews indicate that the initial buildup might feel a bit long—taking time to establish the characters and storyline before the puzzles really kick in. Once the puzzles start to fall into place, though, the experience can be quite satisfying and even surprising with an unexpected ending.

Exploring Ghent’s Streets

While the game encourages you to walk around the city, it doesn’t necessarily highlight specific cultural or historical sites in depth. One reviewer pointed out that it isn’t the best way to learn about Ghent’s monuments or culture since the main focus is on solving riddles and following clues. If your main goal is to learn about the city’s history, you might prefer guided tours or self-guided walks with more educational content.

Nevertheless, walking through Ghent’s streets while following the storyline is a good way to see the city’s architecture and lively neighborhoods. It’s like discovering a city through a puzzle adventure, which can be more memorable than just sightseeing from a bus or a guided tour.

Price & Value

At roughly $23.16 per group, this activity offers decent value. For that price, you get approximately two and a half hours of entertainment and exploration. It’s especially cost-effective if you’re traveling with a small group—up to six people can participate, making it an affordable group activity. Plus, since it’s private, you won’t be mixed with strangers, which enhances the experience’s intimacy and flexibility.

Keep in mind that the activity is designed to be played on your smartphone, so make sure your device has enough battery life or plan to bring a portable charger. Also, check the meeting point at Jakobijnenstraat as your start location, which is easily accessible via public transport.

The Practical Side: Needs & Considerations

The experience runs daily from midday until late evening, giving you plenty of flexibility. It’s suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and it doesn’t have any specific age restrictions—though the puzzles may be more enjoyable for older children and adults. If you’re traveling with young kids who might not be keen on puzzles or city walks, it could be less engaging.

The program is straightforward, with confirmation received at the time of booking. If you need to cancel, you can do so free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, which is handy if your plans change unexpectedly.

What the Reviews Say

Overall, reviews paint a mixed but generally positive picture. One reviewer called it “an interesting experience” with a route that passes by Ghent’s most well-known landmarks, making it a nice way to explore with children. Conversely, another found the puzzles challenging and the story less engaging, which could be frustrating if you’re not into riddles or if you prefer a more straightforward city tour.

The story’s length was also mentioned—some felt the buildup was a bit slow, but once the puzzles started clicking, many found it quite rewarding. The surprise ending was noted as a highlight, adding a bit of narrative excitement to the puzzle-solving.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you love storytelling, puzzles, or urban adventures, this Ghent escape game is a fun way to see the city from a different angle. It’s especially good for small groups, couples, or families who don’t mind a challenge and want to engage actively with their surroundings. Those seeking a relaxing, educational stroll might find this less ideal—though it does offer some glimpses of Ghent’s streets and atmosphere.

It’s also a terrific option if you’re on a tight schedule and want a contained activity that combines exploration with entertainment. Just be prepared for some puzzle-solving that might require patience and teamwork.

Final Thoughts

This activity offers a unique twist on sightseeing—blending storytelling, puzzles, and city exploration into a single experience. It’s well-suited for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of mystery and challenge, as well as groups looking for a private activity that’s different from traditional tours. While it might not be the best choice if you’re strictly interested in learning about Ghent’s cultural and historical sites, it’s a memorable way to add some adventure to your trip.

For the price, you get a flexible, story-driven experience that can be as relaxed or intense as you want. Just remember that the puzzles may not always be straightforward, and the primary focus is on solving riddles rather than cultural education. If that sounds like your kind of fun, then this could be a highlight of your Ghent visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s designed for groups of up to six. While not explicitly marketed as kid-friendly, the puzzles are not too difficult, making it suitable for older children and teenagers who enjoy games.

How long does the activity last?
The estimated duration is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace and follow the story.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Jakobijnenstraat in Ghent and ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to plan around.

Can I cancel this activity if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

What device do I need?
Just your smartphone, as the game is played through a mobile app that guides you through different points of interest.

Is this activity private?
Yes, it’s a private experience—only your group will participate, which allows for a more personalized adventure.

What if I find the puzzles too difficult?
Some reviewers have found the puzzles challenging or not clearly connected to the environment. It might require teamwork and patience. If you get stuck, consider reaching out to the support team for help.

Does the story incorporate Ghent’s culture or monuments?
Not explicitly. The focus is on the storyline and puzzle-solving, so it’s not the best way to learn about Ghent’s history or monuments.

Is the activity available all year round?
Yes, the activity runs from November 2021 through June 2026, daily from noon until late evening.

This urban escape game blends storytelling with city exploration, making it a fun, interactive way to see Ghent. Whether you enjoy puzzles, stories, or just a different kind of sightseeing, it’s worth considering if you’re after a memorable, private adventure in this lovely Belgian city.