Uppsala Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game: A Deep Dive
If you’re looking for a novel way to explore Uppsala beyond the usual sights, this self-guided Sherlock Holmes murder mystery might catch your eye. Designed as a fun, story-driven adventure you complete at your own pace, it promises a mix of puzzles, surprises, and city scenery that turns sightseeing into a detective story. While it may not suit everyone, especially if you prefer guided tours or detailed local insights, it offers a refreshing twist for those who enjoy puzzles and a bit of role-playing.
We really like the flexibility it offers—you can start whenever you want, and it works well for small groups or even solo travelers. Plus, the game’s easy difficulty level makes it accessible for families with kids, which is a big plus. However, be aware that some travelers found the route planning a bit off, with one noting “nothing happens” at the first stop and a long walk back and forth. That said, if you’re a fan of detective stories and interactive experiences, this could be a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in Uppsala.
This tour is best suited for puzzle enthusiasts, story lovers, or groups who want a fun, independent activity. If you’re after detailed historical commentary or guided sightseeing, this probably isn’t the right fit. But if you enjoy decoding clues, playing detective, and exploring at your own pace, you’ll likely find this game a rewarding pick.
Key Points

- Flexible start times and self-paced gameplay suit spontaneous travelers.
- Affordable price of around $31, for up to 4 people per group, offers good value for a two-hour activity.
- Story-driven game with puzzles, digital characters, and photo tasks makes it engaging.
- Route and planning might have some hiccups, as some players experienced less interesting stretches.
- Suitable for families and children due to its easy difficulty level.
- No tour guide or city commentary included—it’s all about puzzle-solving.
What to Expect from the Sherlock Holmes City Game in Uppsala
Imagine stepping into the shoes of a detective, ready to solve a mysterious murder in a city full of clues. That’s exactly what you get with this self-guided game, which uses your smartphone to guide you through the story. It’s essentially a real-life escape room, but on the streets of Uppsala, with the added bonus of discovering the city’s sights along the way.
The adventure centers around the murder of Balthasar, with your task being to follow clues, crack codes, and interact with digital characters to uncover the truth. The game is designed to be story-driven and immersive, with twists and puzzles woven into the cityscape. You’ll meet characters (via your phone), solve riddles, complete photo tasks, and follow a suspenseful storyline that keeps you guessing. The game lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect afternoon activity, especially if you want to combine sightseeing and fun.
Planning more time in Uppsala? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Starting Your Detective Quest
Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive instructions via email—no need for a physical guide or group leader. You download the Loquiz app, and then you’re ready to go. The start point is at Uppsala Cathedral, a beautiful historic site. From there, the game leads you through various stops, including the Town Hall, with a total route that involves walking around the city’s central areas.
The flexibility of the start time is a major plus—you can begin whenever suits you, and you play at your own pace. This makes it a good choice for last-minute plans or spontaneous adventures. The game is designed to be easy, suitable even for families with children, which adds to its appeal as an inclusive activity.
The Route and Its Challenges
While the concept is engaging, some players have voiced mixed feelings about the route. One reviewer mentioned that the first stop at Uppsala Cathedral leads to a walk to the Town Hall, which is about a kilometer away, with “nothing happening” along that stretch. They felt it was “really bad planned,” which suggests that the route might have some less exciting parts or detours. But, since the activity is self-guided, you can choose to skip parts or adjust your pace if you find certain sections less engaging.
The game involves digital interactions—meeting virtual characters, decoding puzzles, completing photo challenges—which keeps the activity lively. The puzzles are rated as easy, making this a fun experience rather than a stressful puzzle marathon, and it’s ideal for those who enjoy light detective work.
Cost and Value
At just over $31 for a group of up to four, this activity is reasonably priced, especially considering the two-hour entertainment and the chance to explore the city in a playful way. Compared to guided tours, which often cost more and may involve waiting around for a guide, a self-guided game like this offers great flexibility and independence.
However, it’s worth noting that the experience doesn’t include any highlights or in-depth information about the city—it’s purely puzzle-based. If you’re looking for educational content or guided commentary, this might feel a bit limited. But if your priority is fun, challenge, and discovering clues, it hits the right note.
The Experience in Practice
Some travelers have rated this experience at 4.0/5, indicating they found it enjoyable, though not a perfect tour. One review from Erik_S was quite critical, pointing out that the route was poorly planned, with a lot of walking and little happening along the way. He remarked, “First stop is the Town Hall, a 1 km walk. There nothing happens. Then you are directed back to the city for the first challenge.” This highlights that for some, the route might feel a bit disconnected or inefficient.
On the upside, the storytelling and digital characters are often praised, with participants appreciating the interactive element that adds a layer of fun beyond just walking around. The game also offers the advantage of being played solo or in teams, which makes it adaptable whether you’re traveling alone or with friends or family.
The Practicalities
The activity starts at Uppsala Cathedral and ends back at the same point, so you can plan your day accordingly. It’s suitable for public transportation access, making it easy to reach the start location. The game is available in several languages, including English, which is handy for international travelers.
Since the activity is private, only your group participates, giving you a personalized experience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, perfect for flexible planning.
Who Will Love This Experience

This Sherlock Holmes murder mystery game is perfect for puzzle lovers, story enthusiasts, and those who enjoy self-guided adventures. It’s great if you want an activity that combines city exploration with a bit of detective fun, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a small group. The easy difficulty makes it accessible for most ages, and the fact that it’s flexible allows you to fit it into any schedule.
But if you’re someone who prefers guided experiences with detailed historical insights, or if you’re looking for a route that’s tightly planned and scenic throughout, this might fall short. The lack of interaction with the city beyond puzzles means it’s more about the game than sightseeing.
Final Thoughts

The Uppsala Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game offers a playful, flexible way to see the city through a detective’s lens. It’s an inexpensive activity, packed with puzzles and digital storytelling, which can turn a typical sightseeing day into something memorable and interactive. While some may find the route a bit uneven or the activity light on city commentary, many will appreciate the independence and fun of solving clues at their own pace.
If you love puzzles, stories, or just want a different way to explore Uppsala, this game is worth considering. It’s particularly suited for families and small groups looking for an engaging afternoon activity that’s both entertaining and a little challenging.
Uppsala Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
“You are supposed to start at Uppsala Cathedral. First stop is the Town Hall, a 1 km walk. There nothing happens. Then you are directed back to the …”
FAQ
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the game is rated as easy, making it suitable for families with kids. Its story-driven nature and puzzles are designed to be accessible to younger players as well.
Do I need to bring anything besides my phone?
No, just your smartphone and a willingness to solve puzzles. The game is played via the Loquiz app, which you download after booking.
Can I start the game at any time?
Absolutely. You pick your start time on your chosen date, making it very flexible for any schedule.
Is there a guided tour involved?
No, this is a self-guided experience. You receive instructions in your email and explore independently.
How long does the activity last?
It takes approximately 2 hours, but you can take more or less time depending on your pace.
Is the activity expensive?
At about $31.24 per group (up to 4), it’s fairly priced for a two-hour, story-based adventure. It offers good value if you enjoy puzzle games and city exploration.
Are there multiple language options?
Yes, the game can be played in several languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Dutch.
If you’re after a unique, puzzle-focused way to glimpse Uppsala and enjoy a detective story, this game could be a hit. Just be prepared for some parts that might feel less exciting, and plan your route accordingly. Happy sleuthing!

