Sherlock Holmes
Gouda

Gouda Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

About Vare

1.5-2 hours of play time

3-4 km walking distance

Start at Gouda, Markt

Start, pause & continue whenever you want

Play on your smartphone, use the Loquiz app

1-4 people per smartphone

What you’ll experience during the game

Du træder ind i en gribende detektivhistorie, der udspiller sig i hjertet af Gouda, hvor et mord kaster en skygge over den festlige atmosfære ved Liberty Festival. Mens sagen udfolder sig, navigerer du byen, og hvert sted afslører skjulte spor, nysgerrige karakterer og udfoldende hemmeligheder. For hver gade du går, dybere mysteriet sig, og trækker dig længere ind i en efterforskning fyldt med drejninger, modsigelser og uventede afsløringer.

Som den ledende detektiv vil du afhøre digitale mistænkte, analysere deres alibier og optrevle uoverensstemmelser for at afdække, hvad der virkelig skete. Ved at løse smarte gåder og følge et spor af subtile detaljer, stoler du på dine observationsevner, logiske deduktion og kritiske tænkning for at holde dig foran. Hele oplevelsen er fuldt historiedrevet, så du kan fordybe dig i forbrydelsen, holde pause, når du vil, og fortsætte i dit eget tempo. For dem, der arbejder i teams, tilføjer en konkurrencedygtig kant til udfordringen uden at tage fra narrativet.

Who is it for?

This City Game is perfect for anyone who loves mystery, puzzles and a good challenge. It’s ideal for:

  • Solo detectives looking for a flexible and immersive adventure
  • Couples who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering a thrilling story together
  • Families with curious kids who like interactive tasks and teamwork
  • Friends searching for a fun, exciting and story-driven activity
  • Groups and teams wanting a competitive, self-guided experience full of mystery

Whether you’re visiting Gouda or already know the city well, this story-based detective game offers a memorable way to connect, think creatively and unravel a thrilling case together.

What’s included?

Included

  • Self-guided Murder Mystery Game
    Play independently on your own smartphone.
  • Login credentials & instructions
    Simple steps to start the activity.
  • Puzzles, clues & interactive challenges
    Crack codes, analyse alibis and solve tasks to uncover the murderer.
  • Digital characters & storyline progression
    Meet suspects, follow the narrative and unlock new twists as you play.

Excluded

  • Smartphone or other devices (bring your own to play)
    You only need one phone per team.
  • In-person guide (digital guide in-game only)
    Everything is fully self-guided inside the game.
  • City information or sightseeing content
    The experience focuses entirely on the detective storyline.

Good to know

  • Flexible start, pause & continue
  • 1-year access from purchase date
  • 1–4 people per smartphone
  • Difficulty: Easy-moderate
  • Recommended age: 8+
  • Internet & GPS required
  • Available languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch
  • Start location: Gouda, Markt

How to play

Spil alene eller med venner, familie eller kolleger i hold på op til fire personer per enhed. Efter booking modtager du en e-mail med instruktioner, der indeholder alt, hvad du har brug for.

Book your Vare experience now

Per group

€ 25,95

Book your Vare experience now

A 1.5–2 hour self-guided murder mystery City Game in Gouda: follow a story-driven detective trail, solve puzzles and uncover the murderer at your own pace.

  • 1.5 – 2 hours
  • 3 – 4 km
  • Gouda, Markt
  • Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch

Per group

€ 25,95

  • Cancel anytime for full refund
  • Instant confirmation
  • Accessible for 1 year from the purchase date
  • Payments are secure & encrypted
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The story of Vare

During the annual Liberty Festival, the celebration takes a dark turn when a high-ranking official named Balthazar is found dead with a knife in his back. With four suspects in custody and a case full of conflicting alibis and hidden motives, the police turn to the world’s most famous detective for help: Sherlock Holmes. As part of Sherlock’s trusted team, you are tasked with investigating the crime, examining the suspects’ statements and uncovering the truth behind the murder.

Your mission is to piece together clues, analyze evidence and uncover inconsistencies as the story unfolds around you. Each suspect, Maggie, Dean, Jonathan and Charlotte, has something to hide, and only by carefully evaluating their alibis and motives will you discover who is responsible. Work together, think like a detective and race against other teams to reveal the killer before it is too late.

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Your start location

After booking, you will receive an email with your login details and simple instructions to begin the game. On the day you want to play, just head to the start location at Gouda, Markt, log in on your smartphone and begin your investigation. From there, the story unfolds as you move through the city, solve puzzles and follow the clues at your own pace.

Gouda, Markt

Get directions

How The Sherlock Holmes City Game works

Discover how this self-guided city escape game guides your team through the mission, step by step.

Start whenever you want

Begin the mission the moment you arrive at the starting location, with no fixed departure time.

Follow the GPS route

Move between investigation checkpoints as new clues and assignments unlock.

Solve puzzles and examine evidence

Analyse alibis, connect motives and solve challenges to uncover the truth.

Interrogate suspects and unlock clues

Investigate Maggie, Dean, Jonathan and Charlotte to determine who is lying.

Track your progress on the suspect board

Monitor the evidence and narrow down the killer as the case unfolds.

Play at your own pace

Pause the investigation whenever you like and continue when your team is ready.

Book now

How The Sherlock Holmes City Game works

Discover how this self-guided city escape game guides your team through the mission, step by step.

  • Start whenever you want

    Begin the mission the moment you arrive at the starting location, with no fixed departure time.

  • Follow the GPS route

    Move between investigation checkpoints as new clues and assignments unlock.

  • Solve puzzles and examine evidence

    Analyse alibis, connect motives and solve challenges to uncover the truth.

  • Interrogate suspects and unlock clues

    Investigate Maggie, Dean, Jonathan and Charlotte to determine who is lying.

  • Track your progress on the suspect board

    Monitor the evidence and narrow down the killer as the case unfolds.

  • Play at your own pace

    Pause the investigation whenever you like and continue when your team is ready.

Book now

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Do you have questions? We have answers!

Check out our frequently asked questions and find out everything you want to know. Is your question not among them? Feel free to contact us.

View all fequently asked questions Get support

The Sherlock Holmes City Game in Gouda takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. There is no strict time limit, so you can play entirely at your own pace and decide how fast or slow you want to progress through the story.

Most teams finish within this time frame, but you’re free to take longer if you want to pause the game, grab a drink or discuss clues together while exploring Gouda!

The game starts at Gouda, Markt. After booking, you’ll receive an email with clear instructions and login details so you know exactly where and how to begin.

Once you arrive at the starting location in Gouda, you can log in on your smartphone and start the game whenever it suits you!

You can play the Sherlock Holmes City Game in Gouda with 1 to 4 people per smartphone using one ticket. Everyone plays together on the same device, making teamwork and discussion an important part of the experience.

If you’re visiting Gouda with a larger group, you can divide into multiple teams by purchasing additional tickets and compete to see who solves the mystery first!

No, you don’t need to book a specific time slot. You can start the Sherlock Holmes City Game in Gouda at any time on your chosen date.

This flexibility makes it easy to combine the game with other plans during your stay in Gouda.

Yes, the game is suitable for families and children aged 8 and up. The puzzles are designed to be challenging but accessible, with a focus on logic, observation and teamwork rather than scary elements.

Families visiting Gouda often enjoy solving the mystery together, as different ages can contribute in their own way to uncovering the truth.

The Sherlock Holmes City Game in Gouda is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch. You can select your preferred language during booking the game.

This makes the experience in Gouda accessible for international visitors and mixed-language groups!

To play the game in Gouda, you’ll need a charged smartphone with mobile internet access and GPS enabled. Everything else is provided digitally after booking.

You’ll receive login details and instructions by email, so no additional preparation is required before starting your adventure in Gouda!

The game uses Gouda as the setting for the story, but the focus is entirely on the murder mystery and detective gameplay. You follow a narrative, solve puzzles and analyse clues rather than learning about historical sights.

This makes the experience ideal for players who enjoy immersive stories while exploring the atmosphere of Gouda!

Yes, you can pause the game at any moment and continue later. This gives you full control over your playing pace and schedule while exploring Gouda.

Whether you want to take a short break or continue at another moment, the game easily adapts to your plans in Gouda!

Your favourite City Games, professionally hosted by our team

Enjoy the same City Games as our self-guided version, but with full on-site support from our professional hosts. We take care of the briefing, tablets, coordination and technical support, so your group can focus entirely on the fun and competition.

What’s included:

  • Same City Game, fully hosted
    You play the exact same experience as our self-guided version, now with our hosts guiding your group.
  • Live ranking & prize ceremony
    For larger groups, our hosts reveal the final scores and announce the winning team with a fun award moment.
  • Hosted start & finish
    We welcome your group, explain the game clearly and end with an exciting wrap-up.
  • Real-time support during the game
    Our team assists with devices, app issues and coordination throughout the experience.
  • Tablets included (optional)
    Available for groups who prefer using our devices instead of their own.

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    Ready for an unforgettable adventure?

    Explore Gouda in a unique and interactive way with our Vare City Game. Play today and create lasting memories!