Middelburg Self-Guided City Detective Game: Stolen Tapestry
Middelburg is the historic capital of Zeeland, with monumental façades, quiet canals and picturesque squares packed into a compact, walkable city centre. Its Gothic town hall, old trading houses and hidden passageways make it a city that rewards anyone willing to look a little closer.
City Detective Middelburg gives you a reason to do exactly that. Instead of joining a guided group, you explore independently while investigating a fictional crime connected to the city.
No guide. No fixed departure time. Just your team, the Qugato app and a stolen Zeeland tapestry waiting to be recovered.
The story: a Zeeland tapestry has been stolen
In the game, one of Zeeland’s famous tapestries has been stolen from the Zeeuws Museum. Chief Inspector Camila of the City Detective Corps needs your help to identify the thief.
Fifteen suspects are connected to the case. During your investigation, you will question virtual witnesses, verify alibis, solve location-based puzzles and search for clues hidden throughout the city.
Every answer provides new information and allows you to eliminate another suspect. Once you have completed the route, it is up to your team to decide who stole the tapestry.
What makes City Detective different from a regular city tour
A traditional walking tour tells you where to look. City Detective challenges you to discover the details yourself.
Buildings, statues, signs and unusual architectural features become part of the investigation. Rather than simply reading historical facts, you use your surroundings to answer questions, solve puzzles and collect evidence.
The 3.7-kilometre route takes you through Middelburg’s historic centre. Along the way, you will explore the Markt with its Gothic town hall and former Vleeshal, as well as places such as Kloveniersdoelen, Nieuwe Haven, Gistpoort and Sint Jorisdoelen. The route also leads you towards quieter streets and overlooked details that many visitors walk straight past.
The complete game takes approximately two hours, but you can set your own pace. Pause for coffee on the Markt, have lunch near Plein 1940 or take a break at one of the terraces around Pottenmarkt. When you are ready, reopen the app and continue where you left off.
Perfect for independent travellers
City Detective Middelburg is designed for travellers who want a ready-made route without being tied to a guide or departure time.
Book your ticket online, receive your login details by email and download the free Qugato app. On your booked date, you can begin at any marked location shown on the map. Markt, Plein 1940 and Pottenmarkt are convenient starting points with plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.
The route is circular, so you will finish in the same area where you started.
For couples, the game adds a shared challenge to a day of sightseeing. Explore Middelburg together, discuss possible answers and see whether you agree about the identity of the thief.
For families and groups of friends, every player can contribute. Some challenges require careful observation, while others involve searching, reasoning or simple calculations. One ticket covers up to six players, and up to six smartphones can log in simultaneously.
Larger groups can book additional tickets and play in separate teams. Teams can start in opposite directions or at short intervals before comparing their final scores.
Solo travellers can complete the investigation independently. The app provides a clear route and purpose while leaving you completely free to decide how quickly you explore the city.
Practical information
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Distance: approximately 3.7 kilometres
- Players: 1–6 per ticket
- Languages: English and Dutch
- Recommended age: 10+
- Start time: any time on your booked date
- Starting point: any marked location in Middelburg city centre
- Recommended starting points: Markt, Plein 1940 or Pottenmarkt
- Flexibility: pause and resume after starting
- Completion period: up to one year after starting
The game is played outdoors in Middelburg’s historic centre. You will need a fully charged smartphone with the Qugato app installed, an internet connection and GPS enabled. A power bank can be useful, particularly when several players use their own phones.
The investigation does not require entry to the Zeeuws Museum or any other attraction. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before your booked date, and changing your date is always free.
How to book
- Click the booking button below
- Select your team size and preferred date
- Receive your login details by email
- Download the Qugato app
- Go to any marked game location in Middelburg
- Start your investigation whenever you are ready
Ready to recover the stolen tapestry? Middelburg is waiting.