Outdoor escape game | Vikings – The Relic of Odin

An Engaging City Adventure with a Viking Twist in Nantes

The Vikings – The Relic of Odin outdoor escape game offers a dynamic way to explore Nantes, France, at an accessible price of $17.20 per person. With a duration of around 2 hours, this activity combines physical movement, problem-solving, and storytelling, making it ideal for groups seeking a fun and interactive experience. It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness and is suitable for private groups, ensuring a personalized adventure.

Starting at Place du Bouffay, the game guides participants through central Nantes, revealing its history and hidden details. The activity is particularly popular, with most bookings made around 9 days in advance, highlighting its appeal for visitors and locals alike. Although the activity involves long periods on smartphones, it offers a unique chance to uncover the city’s Viking past and enjoy a lively outdoor pursuit.

What Makes Vikings – The Relic of Odin Stand Out?

This outdoor treasure hunt is more than just a game; it’s a history-infused adventure that invites players to help Ragnar Lodbrok, a Viking leader, recover Odin’s relic before Moriarty’s schemes take hold. The game utilizes a digital companion accessible via smartphones, making it easy to follow and highly interactive.

Participants explore Nantes’ streets, decoding runic alphabets, discovering Viking gods, and investigating clues that lead to the relic’s hiding place. The activity emphasizes teamwork and observation skills, offering an alternative way to experience the city’s streets beyond traditional sightseeing. Its flexibility allows the game to be enjoyed any day of the week between 12:00 PM and 11:59 PM.

Meeting Point: The Heart of Nantes at Place du Bouffay

The activity kicks off at Place du Bouffay, a lively square in the city center. This well-connected location is easy to access via public transportation, which adds convenience for participants arriving from different parts of Nantes. The meeting point is right in the middle of the action, making it simple to start the adventure on time.

The game ends back at the same location, allowing for seamless continuation of sightseeing or dining in the vibrant surroundings afterward. Since the activity is private, only your group participates, ensuring an intimate and tailored experience.

How the Digital Clues and Puzzle Elements Work

Once the game begins, the digital companion provides the mission details through a chat interface. Players are encouraged to observe their environment, looking out for clues embedded in the city’s architecture, statues, and street signs.

The puzzles are described as original and engaging, with many reviewers noting that the indices are helpful in guiding progress. However, some puzzles, like the one involving the basilica, are considered challenging and possibly difficult to decipher on-site, which might require creative thinking and patience.

The activity also involves interaction with the digital guide, adding a layer of gamification that enhances the overall experience. Its design ensures that players stay engaged for the full 2-hour duration, swapping between exploring, puzzle-solving, and team communication.

Equipment Required for a Smooth Adventure

Participants need to bring a charged smartphone with internet access, which is mandatory for one device per team and recommended for each player. A notebook and pencil are also advised to jot down clues or solutions during the game. These simple tools help keep track of puzzles and make the experience more immersive and organized.

Since the activity is outdoors, good walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing** are recommended, especially for moving around Nantes’ historic streets comfortably.

Discover the Vikings and Nantes’ Hidden Corners

The game cleverly incorporates Nantes’ Viking history, helping players learn about the invaders who came to the city in the 9th century. Throughout the activity, participants uncover stories about the Viking gods, their influence, and their symbols, adding an educational element to the fun.

The route is designed to highlight key landmarks and lesser-known areas, prompting players to look up and around to find clues or decode runes. This approach provides a fresh perspective on familiar streets, making it a rewarding experience for history buffs and curious explorers alike.

Pacing and Flexibility of the Tour

The 2-hour duration allows enough time to explore and solve puzzles without feeling rushed. The flexible opening hours—from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM every day—make it easy to fit into most schedules, whether as a daytime activity or an evening outing.

While the activity involves long periods on the phone, most reviewers note that using multiple devices per team improves the experience. It’s a balanced combination of outdoor walking, mental challenges, and collaborative interaction, with pacing that suits groups wanting an active yet manageable adventure.

Practical Tips for Participants

To maximize enjoyment, make sure smartphones are fully charged before starting, and have internet connectivity reliable throughout the game. Bringing a notebook and pencil can help with note-taking and puzzle tracking, especially for tougher riddles like the basilica cipher.

Given the modest price point, this activity offers good value—especially considering its private nature and the interactive storyline. It is ideal for families, friends, or corporate groups looking for something engaging and different in Nantes.

What Sets This Escape Game Apart from Others?

Unlike traditional indoor escape rooms, Vikings – The Relic of Odin takes players outdoors, blending history, city exploration, and puzzle-solving into one immersive experience. Its focus on Viking lore and Nantes’ streets provides a distinctive thematic twist that appeals to those interested in history and adventure.

The digital chat-based format offers a modern twist on the classic treasure hunt, making it accessible and easy to follow. The activity’s private booking option ensures a personalized journey that can be tailored for groups of friends, families, or colleagues.

Limitations and Considerations

A notable consideration is the long time on the phone, which might be less appealing for those who prefer more physical activity or outdoor exploration without screens. Some puzzles, like the basilica cipher, may prove difficult to solve on-site, requiring patience and teamwork.

While group discounts are available, the activity is primarily designed for small to medium-sized teams, and only one device per team is needed for the basic setup. Participants should also plan for weather conditions and be prepared for a moderate walk through Nantes’ streets.

Final Verdict: A Unique Blend of History, Puzzles, and City Walking

Vikings – The Relic of Odin provides a cost-effective, engaging, and educational way to discover Nantes. Its interactive storyline, centered around Viking legends and city secrets, makes it a compelling choice for those interested in history and adventure.

While it is not for those averse to screen time or seeking a purely physical experience, it excels in offering a personalized, story-driven treasure hunt in the heart of Nantes. This activity is especially suited for families, groups of friends, or corporate team-building sessions eager to combine fun with learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is accessible for most ages, although children should be comfortable walking and using smartphones.

How many people can participate in this escape game?
The activity is designed for private groups; the exact group size isn’t specified but is suitable for small to medium teams.

What equipment do I need?
A charged smartphone with internet access is required for each team, along with a notebook and pencil for puzzle solving.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, there is free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level; the activity involves walking around Nantes’ streets.

What is the best way to prepare for this activity?
Ensure your smartphone is charged and you have reliable internet. Wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing will enhance your experience.

Is there an age limit for participants?
The information does not specify age restrictions, but the activity is suitable for anyone comfortable walking and using a smartphone.

Can I do this activity multiple times?
Yes, as long as you book in advance, since most bookings are made about 9 days ahead, and it can be enjoyed repeatedly with different routes or teams.

What kind of puzzles are included?
The puzzles are original and engaging, including deciphering runic alphabets and solving riddles. Some, like the basilica cipher, are considered challenging.

How long does the game take?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, allowing ample time to explore Nantes while solving puzzles at a comfortable pace.