Discover Ghent while playing! Escape game – The Walter case

Imagine wandering through the scenic streets of Ghent, Belgium, but instead of just sightseeing, you’re stepping into a detective story that unfolds around you. For about $23.16 per group, you and up to five friends or family members can spend roughly 2 hours 30 minutes swooping through the city, solving puzzles, and experiencing Ghent from an entirely different perspective. This is The Walter Case, an urban escape game that combines adventure, storytelling, and a dash of mystery—all driven by your smartphone.

Two things we especially love about this experience are the interactive storytelling—which makes you feel like a real detective—and the flexibility it offers, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the game’s puzzles can be tricky or not always straightforward, which might frustrate those expecting a more puzzle-driven experience from the start. Still, it’s ideal for those who enjoy a story and a challenge in equal measure, particularly families or groups of friends wanting a fun, engaging way to learn about Ghent.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this game suits adventurers who appreciate storytelling, puzzles, and a bit of friendly competition. If you like the idea of exploring a city while actively engaging with it, this experience offers a refreshing alternative to typical sightseeing.

Key Points

• Interactive Storytelling: You take on the role of a private detective in a suspenseful story involving a bomb threat.
• Self-Guided Flexibility: Play at your own pace with a mobile app guiding your adventure along Ghent’s streets.
• Affordable Fun: For under $25, you get a two-and-a-half-hour activity that combines sightseeing and puzzle-solving.
• Family & Group Friendly: Suitable for groups of up to six and great for families seeking a fun, educational outing.
• Real City Exploration: While the game involves sightseeing, the reviews highlight that it’s more about the story than deep cultural insights.
• Mixed Experience: Some players found the puzzles challenging, but many enjoyed the immersive story and the city’s atmosphere.

What to Expect from the Walter Case Experience

This urban escape game begins in the heart of Ghent, at Jakobijnenstraat, where your team receives a story that keeps you hooked from the start. You’re investigating a seemingly trivial case of blackmail involving a billionaire CEO, but things quickly escalate when a bomb is discovered to be hidden somewhere in the city. The stakes are high—you have only two hours before it explodes—and your task is to find and defuse it.

The game is designed to guide you across Ghent’s streets using a mobile app, which directs you from one point of interest to another. As you move from historic corners to modern squares, you’ll receive clues, question suspects, and perform missions—much like real detectives. One reviewer mentioned that the story builds gradually, with “the first part quite long,” but once questions start aligning and puzzle pieces fall into place, it becomes a “top experience with a surprising ending.”

The Route and Points of Interest

While the specific stops aren’t detailed here, you can expect the game to include prominent parts of Ghent’s cityscape. The app prompts you to explore different locations, making this a flexible way to see the city beyond the usual tourist spots. Many reviews note that the route passes by well-known landmarks and the city’s “most famous sights,” which can be ideal if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Ghent’s charm.

The Puzzles & Missions

The puzzles are integrated into the environment, but some players have found them less intuitive than hoped. One reviewer remarked, “We found the logic of the puzzles difficult to imitate,” and that they didn’t get very far. This suggests the game leans more towards a narrative adventure rather than a straightforward puzzle challenge. However, this variability can be part of the fun—if you enjoy piecing together clues and making decisions that affect the story’s outcome.

The Story & Atmosphere

The storyline, involving blackmail and a ticking clock, adds tension and excitement to your walk. One reviewer noted that once the story’s “puzzle pieces in elkaar vielen,” they had a “top experience,” hinting that patience and teamwork pay off. You’ll feel like real detectives in the midst of Ghent’s picturesque streets—an engaging way to experience the city’s ambiance.

Practical Details & Logistics

Meeting Point & Duration

Your adventure kicks off in Jakobijnenstraat, a central and accessible location. It’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere. The activity lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your sightseeing plans.

Price & Value

At $23.16 per group, this experience offers a very reasonable price for a fun, interactive activity that blends sightseeing and puzzle-solving. Since it caters to groups of up to six, the per-person cost is quite affordable, especially considering the entertainment value and the opportunity to explore Ghent uniquely.

Accessibility & Booking

The experience is available daily from noon until late evening, with no restrictions on confirmation once booked. It’s accessible via public transportation, which is handy if you’re staying in or near the city center.

What Reviewers Say

Reviews are generally positive, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from four travelers. One called it a “super family outing,” praising the route that passes by Ghent’s famous sights while also saying the puzzles are suitable for children. However, there was a less favorable review noting that some puzzles were difficult and didn’t lead to completing the game, emphasizing that this activity might not be for everyone.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This urban escape game is perfect for families with children, groups of friends, or couples looking for something more engaging than traditional sightseeing. It suits those who enjoy stories and puzzles but are flexible about their level of challenge. If you’re interested in a self-guided adventure that mixes city exploration with a storyline, this game delivers fun and memorable moments.

For around $23, you get a unique way to explore Ghent that’s both entertaining and interactive. It’s especially appealing if you like stories, detective work, or simply want a break from standard sightseeing. The flexible nature of the game allows you to set your own pace, making it suitable for families, friends, or curious travelers eager for a different perspective on this historic city.

While some puzzles might leave you scratching your head, the overall experience offers a fresh, participatory way to learn about Ghent’s streets and landmarks. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of mystery and exploration but also appreciate a story-driven approach.

If you’re in Ghent and looking for something engaging, different, and fun, this urban escape game could be just right for your group—turning your walk through the city into an adventure you won’t forget.

What is the starting point of the game?
The game begins at Jakobijnenstraat in Ghent, a central and easy-to-find location.

How long does the activity last?
It takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable and fun activity that fits into your day.

How many people can participate?
Up to six people can join a group, which makes it ideal for families or small groups.

What is the price for the activity?
The cost is $23.16 per group, which is quite affordable given the entertainment and exploration involved.

Do I need special equipment?
No, just your smartphone. The game is guided via the mobile app, so no extra gear is required.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that it’s a good experience for families with kids, with puzzles that are not too difficult.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

Is the activity available all year round?
Yes, it operates daily from noon until late evening, so you can plan around your schedule.

Will I learn about Ghent’s culture and monuments?
While the route passes by notable sights, the focus is on the story and puzzles rather than detailed cultural or historical learning.