Exploring Zutphen with a Self-Guided e-Scavenger Hunt: A Practical, Fun Alternative to Guided Tours
If you’re looking for a way to see Zutphen without the constraints of a traditional guided tour, this e-Scavenger hunt might just be your perfect fit. Designed for those who prefer to set their own pace while still enjoying some structure and discovery, this experience offers a modern twist on sightseeing—using your smartphone to navigate, solve riddles, and learn about this charming Dutch city.
What we really appreciate about this tour is its flexibility—you can start whenever you choose, pause when you want, and go at a rhythm that suits your day. Plus, the price point is quite reasonable, especially considering it’s for a group of up to six. However, it’s worth noting that some users found the app’s visuals a bit outdated and the GPS accuracy could occasionally lead you slightly off-course. Still, for independent travelers or small groups who enjoy a bit of indoor-outdoor activity, this is a solid, budget-friendly option.
This kind of experience is particularly well-suited for people who want a personalized, no-pressure way to explore. If you’re traveling with friends or a family who enjoy interactive activities and self-guided adventures, you’ll find it gives you enough structure without the feeling of being tied to a schedule. It’s also a good pick if you’re short on time but want to hit the highlights of Zutphen’s old town comfortably.
Key Points
- Complete control over your schedule: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.
- Affordable group experience: Just around $37 for up to 6 people.
- Interactive and family-friendly: Answer questions and solve clues at your own pace.
- Coverage of main sights: Follows GPS markers to the city’s top landmarks.
- Self-guided flexibility: No guided tour timings, just the app guiding your way.
- Potential GPS inaccuracies: A few reviews mention minor off-target directions, so keep an eye on your surroundings.
What is the e-Scavenger Hunt Zutphen Experience?

This isn’t your typical guided walking tour. Instead, it’s a self-guided adventure that you control via an app on your smartphone. Once you arrive at the starting point in Waterstraat, you log in and follow clues that lead you through Zutphen’s streets, squares, and landmarks. The app uses GPS to help you locate what’s next, while you answer questions, complete tasks, and learn facts along the way.
You don’t need to worry about following a guide or sticking to a rigid timetable. If you want to linger at a particular spot, you just pause the game. When you’re ready to move on, simply pick up where you left off. This makes it ideal if you’re traveling with kids, friends, or a small group who prefer a bit of freedom in their sightseeing.
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How the Itinerary Works

The tour begins at Waterstraat, a central spot in Zutphen, and continues through the old town’s most interesting sights. While the exact route isn’t publicly detailed, the description suggests it covers the key squares, streets, and monuments that define Zutphen’s character.
As you follow the clues, you get to learn about the city’s history and landmarks in an engaging way. Instead of just looking at buildings, you’re actively involved—answering questions and performing small tasks on your phone. The experience typically takes about 2 hours if you go straight through, but you can extend it by taking breaks or exploring particular spots more thoroughly.
The ending point is back at your starting location, making it easy to hop onto another activity or grab a meal afterward.
What Do You Get and What’s Missing?

Included with your booking is access to a super exciting city trail for a group of up to six, which makes it great for friends, small families, or couples traveling together. The price is quite reasonable, especially considering you’re paying per group rather than per person.
However, you’ll need to bring your own smartphone and data plan, as these aren’t included. This is a typical requirement for app-based tours, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling internationally—download the necessary app before you leave or ensure you have a good data connection.
The User Experience: What Travelers Say

While most reviews are quite positive, a few highlight areas for improvement. One reviewer mentioned that “the platform and the map looked a bit outdated in aesthetic,” which can affect immersion but doesn’t detract from the fun of solving clues. They also pointed out some minor GPS inaccuracies, where the app led them close but not exactly to the indicated spot. It’s worth noting that these issues are common in phone-based navigation, so patience and a bit of curiosity about your surroundings will serve you well.
Another reviewer found the engagement “highly fun and interactive,” praising it as a “familly-friendly game.” This suggests it’s suitable for all ages, as long as participants enjoy a bit of an active puzzle challenge.
Pricing and Value

At just under $37 for a group of six, this tour offers solid value. It’s a budget-friendly way to explore without the costs of guided tours or museum entries. Plus, since you’re in control of the timing, it works well if you prefer to avoid long guided group sessions or want to incorporate sightseeing into a flexible day.
Keep in mind, the experience is most suited to those comfortable with smartphones and GPS navigation. If you’re someone who prefers traditional tours, this might feel a little less immersive, but for tech-savvy travelers or those who enjoy interactive activities, it hits the right notes.
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Who Is This Tour Best For?
This self-guided scavenger hunt suits independent travelers, small groups, or families who want an active, engaging way to see Zutphen on their own terms. It’s perfect if you tick those boxes and are comfortable with smartphones and some minor technical hiccups. Also, if you’re on a budget but still want a meaningful sightseeing experience, this offers a lot of value compared to traditional guided tours.
It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive, in-depth guided history tour or if you prefer expert-led commentary. However, if you enjoy puzzle-solving and exploring at your own pace, this game adds a playful element to your visit.
Final Thoughts
The Zutphen e-Scavenger hunt offers a smart, budget-friendly way to get acquainted with the city’s highlights without the pressure of a guided group. It encourages exploration, curiosity, and a bit of friendly competition among friends or family members. While some may find the app’s visuals a bit dated and GPS a tad imperfect, these are minor inconveniences in what is otherwise a well-designed, flexible sightseeing tool.
If you’re someone who values independence, loves interactive experiences, and appreciates discovering local spots at your own speed, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile addition to your Zutphen visit. Just keep your expectations realistic about the tech’s current limitations—and remember, the best parts of any city adventure are often the spontaneous discoveries along the way.
e-Scavenger hunt Zutphen: Explore the city at your own pace
“It was highly engaging and fun for sure, but the platform and the map looked a bit outdated in aesthetic. Also, the geo indicator at times led us n…”
FAQ
Do I need a guide or group to do this tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience. You and your group can enjoy it independently at your own pace.
Can I start this tour whenever I want?
Yes, you can begin at any time during the tour’s open hours, which are daily from noon to late evening.
What do I need to participate?
You only need your smartphone and a data connection; the tour is accessed through a free app.
Is this experience suitable for children?
While it is family-friendly and involves fun questions and tasks, it’s best suited for those comfortable with smartphones and some navigation.
How long does the tour last?
The main route takes about 2 hours, but you can extend or shorten the experience by taking breaks or exploring in more detail.
What if the GPS isn’t accurate?
Some users reported minor inaccuracies, leading them close but not exactly to the indicated spots. Staying aware of your surroundings helps.
Can I do this tour in bad weather?
Since it’s an outdoor activity that relies on your phone’s GPS and screen, it’s best suited for clear days, but you can adapt it if you’re prepared.
Is the app’s design modern?
Some reviews noted the platform looks a bit outdated visually, but it functions well enough to keep the game engaging.
If self-guided, flexible sightseeing sounds appealing and you’re comfortable with a little tech, this Zutphen scavenger hunt could be a fun way to uncover the city’s charm on your own terms.
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