Do I need to book a specific time to start playing?

You select a date when booking, but you're free to start the game whenever you want on that day. There's no fixed start time — it's entirely self-guided.

Can I play this alone, or is it better in a group?

The game works equally well solo or with friends and family. One ticket covers up to 4 people, so it's flexible depending on your preference.

What do I need to bring to play?

A smartphone with GPS capability and a full charge. You'll use it throughout the 2-hour adventure to solve puzzles, track clues, and complete photo challenges.

Is this an outdoor walking tour or indoor experience?

It's primarily outdoors — you'll explore Zaandam's docks, alleyways, and landmarks on foot. Expect to walk continuously over roughly 2 hours.

What's the difficulty level, and will I get stuck?

It's intermediate difficulty. You may encounter challenging riddles, but the game is designed for curious explorers without prior knowledge. Group brainstorming often helps if you're puzzled.

Does this tell me about Zaandam's real history, or is it purely fictional?

It blends both. The mystery of Tsar Peter the Great and the Shtandart ship anchor the narrative in real history, while the theft plot is fictional. You'll learn genuine stories about Zaandam's culture, landmarks, and maritime past as you play.

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour 1

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour 2

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour 3

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour 4

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour 5

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour 6

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour 7

1 / 7

Secrets of Zaandam Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour

Zaandam, Netherlands

Cultural ToursWalking ToursAdventure ToursCity ToursEducational Tour

Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Zaandam's industrial heritage comes alive in this GPS-guided mystery game where you race to recover stolen blueprints of Peter the Great's ship. Combining puzzle-solving, photo challenges, and storytelling, you'll explore the city's hidden corners and waterfront history while uncovering secrets only fresh eyes can spot.

Zaandam hums with industry and wind, a city shaped by water and willpower. But today, something vital has vanished. Tsar Peter the Great, emperor, shipbuilder, and restless visionary, is in crisis. The blueprints for his newest ship have been stolen, just hours before they are to be revealed. Without them, his grand plans might sink before they ever sail.

From the quiet docks to the thrum of hidden alleyways, you must chase whispers, dodge saboteurs, and follow clues only fresh eyes can see. This isn't just about wood and sails. It's about legacy, pride, and a ship called Shtandart that must not be lost to time.

You came to explore. You stayed to save the story.

What is the Secrets of Zaandam Exploration Game?

The Secrets of Zaandam City Game is a self-guided, GPS-based adventure that takes you straight into the historic heart of the city. Designed for curious explorers, this interactive game invites you to uncover Zaandam’s past and present by solving clever puzzles, cracking riddles, and completing photo challenges. Along the way you will discover fascinating stories about the city’s culture, hidden corners, and unique landmarks. Perfect for both visitors and locals, the game is equally enjoyable when played solo or with friends and family.

Important Information

Difficulty level: intermediate
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: 1 ticket per group (1–4 people, for more players buy additional tickets)
Choose a start date/time when booking, but start the game whenever you want
Required: smartphone with internet connection

What makes this game unique?

This exploration game transforms sightseeing into an adventure, turning Zaandam into your personal playground of secrets and surprises. Highlights include the striking Inntel Hotel with its stacked Zaan house façades, the historic Tsar Peter House where the emperor once stayed, the symbolic Monument Februaristaking honoring courage during World War II, and the lively Gedempte Gracht shopping street that blends history with modern life. Whether you are discovering hidden alleys or admiring iconic landmarks, the game offers a unique mix of culture, history, and playful discovery.

Play alone for an exciting personal quest, or gather your group for a shared adventure. As you progress you will face riddles, puzzles, tricky questions, and photo tasks to score points, collect extra clues, and finally solve the grand mystery. You can pause at any time and continue later, making it flexible to fit your schedule. Compete for the leaderboard, or use the game as a fun team-building challenge with friends, colleagues, or family.

How to play

After booking, you will receive an email with a direct play link. Simply head to the start location at the Monument Februaristaking 1941 and begin the game whenever you are ready. The GPS-based City Game can be paused at any moment, so you are free to continue later at your own pace.

Embark on the Secrets of Zaandam City Game and turn your exploration into an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

✓Self-guided GPS adventure solving riddles tied to Zaandam's real history
✓Uncover the mystery of Tsar Peter the Great and the legendary Shtandart ship
✓Discover hidden alleyways, docks, and cultural landmarks at your own pace
✓Photo challenges and interactive puzzles that deepen exploration
✓Works solo or in groups of up to 4 people per ticket

Insider tips

★Start early morning to avoid crowds and have quiet time exploring the waterfront docks where clues are densest
★Bring a smartphone fully charged — the GPS-based game requires it, and battery drains faster in Dutch wind
★The puzzle difficulty peaks mid-game; team brainstorming works better than solo play if you get stuck

Good to know

•One ticket covers 1–4 people; larger groups need multiple tickets
•You control the start time — book a date but begin playing whenever suits you within that day
•Intermediate difficulty; expect lateral thinking and local history knowledge to help
•Bring comfortable walking shoes; the route covers docks and narrow streets over approximately 2 hours

Who it's for

Curious explorers and history buffs drawn to Dutch maritime heritageFamilies and friend groups seeking interactive sightseeing beyond traditional toursPuzzle enthusiasts who enjoy gamified learning and escape-game mechanicsVisitors wanting to discover Zaandam's hidden corners independently

Best time to visit

Play on a clear morning or early afternoon when natural light helps with photo challenges and you can appreciate Zaandam's windmills and waterfront. Avoid peak tourist hours (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) for a more immersive experience.