Vienna: The Great Plague Exploration Game

Exploring Vienna in an unconventional way, Vienna: The Great Plague Exploration Game offers a unique experience that combines history, puzzles, and outdoor adventure for just $9 per person. This self-guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and it invites participants to uncover the city’s secrets without a guide, using only their smartphones. Designed to be flexible and engaging, it’s especially well-suited for families, groups, or anyone seeking a more interactive way to experience Vienna’s rich past. With a rating of 4.5 from 56 reviews, the tour is praised for its fun, self-paced nature and the opportunity to explore lesser-seen corners of the city.

While this tour offers a fresh alternative to traditional sightseeing, it’s important to note that it’s entirely self-guided—there’s no live guide involved. The emphasis is on solving riddles and following clues, which makes it a good choice for those comfortable with technology and seeking a more personalized exploration. It’s also priced very reasonably, with the ability to book 14 days in advance and group discounts available, making it accessible for larger parties or families.

Key Points

• Self-guided, smartphone-based adventure that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to complete.
• Explore Vienna’s medieval streets, taverns, and hidden corners without a traditional guide.
• Includes notable stops such as St. Rupert’s Church, Griechenbeisl, Bäckerstrasse murals, Stephansplatz, Stock im Eisen, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Albertina, and Hofburg.
• Perfect for families, history buffs, and those who enjoy puzzles and discovering lesser-known places.
• Cost is $9 per person, with full flexibility to start anytime and take breaks.
• No guide is needed, just your smartphone and curiosity.

Starting at the Historic St. Rupert’s Church

The tour kicks off at St. Rupert’s Church (Ruprechtskirche), which dates back to the 13th century. Built with stone from an ancient Roman settlement, this church hosts the oldest stained-glass window and bells in Vienna. Its Gothic architecture and historical significance make it an intriguing first stop. Here, participants are prompted to locate specific details, such as the depiction of Christ on the cross, to unlock the next clue. This interactive beginning sets the tone for a playful journey through Vienna’s past.

The church’s surroundings—often lively in summer with ancient music concerts—add to its charm, but the focus remains on uncovering secrets through clues and puzzles. The activity lasts around 10 minutes, and no admission fee is charged for this stop.

Exploring the Greek Tavern Griechenbeisl

Next, the game guides players to Griechenbeisl, one of Vienna’s oldest taverns, known for hosting legends like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. This historic restaurant, near the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, features framed signatures from celebrated visitors and the Mark Twain room, showcasing memorabilia from famous personalities. The tavern’s name—meaning Greek Inn—reflects its origins among Greek tradesmen and Levant travelers.

Participants search for visual or contextual clues to proceed, learning about a site that has been a hub for music and history for centuries. The challenge here is to find specific details or solve a riddle related to the place’s storied past within 15 minutes. This stop is free to visit and offers insight into Vienna’s musical heritage.

The Curious Murals of Bäckerstrasse

Moving along to Bäckerstrasse, the game introduces a remarkably old mural on the façade of the Hare House. Painted in the 15th century, this mural depicts a wolf and a cow with spectacles playing backgammon—an image that might also symbolize a religious or political allegory. The street itself is characterized by charming interior courtyards and 17th- and 18th-century façades, including the Palace of Count Seilern and the Schwanenfeld House with its Renaissance courtyard.

The mural puzzle encourages players to interpret its meaning while wandering past historic buildings. The entire stop lasts about 5 minutes, and no fee is involved. It’s a delightful peek into Vienna’s artistic and architectural history.

The Clues Lead to Stephansplatz

The next stop involves a clue-based puzzle leading to Stephansplatz, Vienna’s central square. Once there, participants receive instructions for the next phases of the game while discovering the lively atmosphere of this iconic location. Known for St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the square is a hub of activity and history, making it a fitting centerpiece for this exploration.

The game emphasizes puzzle solving and observation skills at this spot, which takes about 10 minutes. This stop is free, and it provides an opportunity to absorb the vibrant city life around the cathedral.

The Legendary Nails Tree at Stock im Eisen

A truly intriguing site, the Nails Tree (Stock im Eisen), features a trunk embedded with hundreds of nails—a tradition believed to bring good luck. Historically, people hammered nails into the tree for fortune, and the medieval tree trunk now stands on a pedestal surrounded by an iron ring. The story behind it traces back to superstitions, and the tree remains a popular curiosity.

Participants follow a clue to find this legendary tree, spending as much time as they wish before moving on. The visit lasts approximately 10 minutes, and there’s no charge. Its unusual appearance makes it one of the memorable highlights of the tour.

Discovering St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Viennese Coffeehouse

The next puzzle-based stop guides explorers to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), Vienna’s Gothic masterpiece. The tower offers panoramic views of the city, and the roof’s 38-meter height displays glazed tiles with imperial symbols, including the double-headed eagle of Austria. The cathedral’s history dates back to the 12th century, making it a must-see.

Near the cathedral, the tour points to Café Frauenhuber, the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna, dating from 1746. Known for hosting Mozart and Beethoven, this café retains its traditional atmosphere, making it a perfect place to relax after the puzzle challenge. The stop lasts about 15 minutes and is free to visit.

The Art and Power at Albertina and Hofburg Palace

Continuing the journey, the game brings participants to Albertina, home to over 50,000 drawings and more than a million master prints. Located in the Hofburg Palace, the collection features works from Impressionism, Fauvism, German Expressionism, and more. Famous paintings like Monet’s Water Lilies are part of the display, offering a glimpse into Vienna’s artistic richness.

Next, the Hofburg Palace itself becomes a puzzle stop. Once the seat of the Habsburg emperors, it now houses the president’s office, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial apartments. The palace’s 24 richly decorated rooms and the Silver Collection highlight Vienna’s imperial history. This stop involves searching for answers through the palace’s architecture and exhibits, lasting about 10 minutes.

Flexibility, Accessibility, and Overall Experience

The tour’s self-guided nature allows complete flexibility, enabling participants to start at any time after booking, pause, or explore additional sights at their leisure. The tour is designed to accommodate groups larger than 15 through multiple bookings and is free for kids, making it family-friendly.

All stops are reachable with public transportation, and the entire experience is suitable for most travelers, including those with easy mobility. The lack of a physical guide means participants need to be comfortable navigating independently, but the audio stories and clear clues help keep the journey engaging.

While some reviews mention initial challenges with the app’s setup, support is available to resolve issues quickly. The game’s storyline and puzzle design are highly praised, especially for revealing hidden corners and unusual details that typical tours often overlook.

The Sum Up: A Distinctive Way to Discover Vienna

Vienna: The Great Plague Exploration Game offers an affordable, interactive alternative to conventional sightseeing. Its focus on hidden places, historical puzzles, and personalized pacing appeals to those who enjoy engaging experiences outside the typical tourist routes. Priced at only $9, it provides excellent value for exploring Vienna’s medieval streets, legendary taverns, and iconic landmarks through a playful, self-guided adventure.

This tour is most suitable for families, history enthusiasts, and puzzle lovers who appreciate a flexible schedule and enjoy discovering offbeat locations. Though it requires a bit of comfort with technology and independent navigation, it rewards curiosity with a deeper, more personal connection to Vienna’s past. Overall, it stands out as a fun, accessible, and informative way to see the city from a different perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a guide included in this tour?
No, the tour is entirely self-guided and does not include a physical guide. All instructions and clues are accessed via your smartphone.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the experience can be played anytime after booking, offering full flexibility to begin at your convenience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can pause or extend your exploration as you wish.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is free for kids and designed to be engaging for families, especially those who enjoy puzzles and outdoor activities.

What locations are included in the tour?
Major stops include St. Rupert’s Church, Griechenbeisl, Bäckerstrasse murals, Stephansplatz, Stock im Eisen, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Café Frauenhuber, Albertina, and Hofburg Palace.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Most stops are free to visit, but some locations like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Albertina, and Hofburg do not include entrance fees in the tour price; entry is optional and separate.