The Battle for Haarlem: Defend the City
🔒 Instant Access: Book now and start immediately. No need to wait for a guide.
⏱️ Total Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.
🧩 Gamified Discovery: Solve 11 location-based puzzles to unlock hidden stories and secret spots.
📍 Starting Point: the Commander, Kruisweg 32Z, 2011 LC Haarlem, Nederland
🛡️ Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before your planned start for a full refund.
🌐 Available In: 🇬🇧 English 🇳🇱 Nederlands 🇩🇪 Deutsch
Places you will visit
11
It will take you
110-140 mins
You will walk
5120 steps
Total distance
3.9 km
Route you will explore
Starting point the Commander
Kruisweg 32Z, 2011 LC Haarlem, NederlandFinish point City square
Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD Haarlem, NederlandAbout this quest
Haarlem, 1573. The city stands tense under siege, its fate hanging by a thread. As dawn breaks over silent streets, you walk in the footsteps of Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer - summoned by a shadowy stranger beyond the northern gate. What secret task lies ahead? And how could your steps shape the course of history?
In this immersive real-world quest, you’ll explore Haarlem’s storied past while solving puzzles, decoding clues, and uncovering hidden corners of the city. Walk the path of resistance with your companions, bond through challenge and discovery, and experience the courage of a city that dared to fight.
The Battle for Haarlem has begun, will you answer the call?
What to Expect
This self-guided walking tour in Haarlem combines exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving into one unique experience. As you navigate through the city, you will discover 11 carefully selected locations, each revealing a piece of the story.
The entire quest takes approximately 7500 minutes to complete and covers 3.9km on foot. You will move at your own pace, with the freedom to pause whenever you want to take photos, grab a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Each location features a challenge or puzzle that unlocks the next chapter of your story. These challenges are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you about the history, culture, and hidden gems of Haarlem.
No tour guide needed – your smartphone becomes your guide. The Questo app provides directions, shares stories, and presents challenges along the way.
Highlights
Walk along the river that runs right through Haarlem
Visit the only remaining city gate of Haarlem
Walk through the picturesque streets of Haarlem
Visit the church where the Dutch proverb "the bullet through the church" comes from.
The mission: Your story in Haarlem
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Bridge over te river
Wall Tower
Papentorenvest 42Z
the Commander
- Route open 24/7 but better during daylight hours
- No attractions ticket(s) required
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.
Important Information
Duration
Approximately 7500 minutes
Distance
3.9km walking
Group Size
Unlimited
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (stairs and uneven surfaces)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time
Need to Know Before Booking
- •You will need the Questo app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- •Each ticket can be used by a group (share one device or play separately)
- •Internet connection required to download the quest initially
- •Once downloaded, you can play offline if needed
Ratings and Reviews
227 ratings
Leonie Annen
Henk Eisema
Beat the best: Top Haarlem explorers
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Affordable per-group pricing |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
