Escape Xperience in Amersfoort: the Hidden Coins

Imagine wandering through an charming Dutch city, not just sightseeing but actively piecing together a story from its streets. That’s what Escape Xperience’s The Hidden Coins promises — a self-guided adventure that combines history, exploration, and puzzle-solving for a fun twist on sightseeing. Using an app, you navigate 20 notable locations around Amersfoort, solving riddles inspired by a 17th-century painter’s race against time.

One thing we really appreciate about this experience is its flexibility. Since it’s self-guided, you can start when you want, take your time, and even extend your game if you get caught up or want to linger longer in certain spots. However, a potential snag is that some players have found the app’s technical performance less than smooth, which could slow down the fun. This tour best suits those who enjoy interactive history, puzzles, and independent exploration — perfect for travelers who like to shape their own adventure.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility allows you to start anytime and explore at your own pace
• The route covers 20 historic and lesser-known sites in Amersfoort
• The experience is based on a vivid storyline set during a turbulent 1672, helping you connect with the city’s past
• The tour is budget-friendly, costing around $32 for up to 4 people, with extra time included if needed
• Some users report technical issues with the app, so patience may be required
• Ideal for history buffs, puzzle enthusiasts, and independent travelers seeking a unique way to see Amersfoort

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Escape Xperience: The Hidden Coins takes you on a journey through some of Amersfoort’s most charming and historically significant spots. The game’s premise is rooted in a story from 1672, where you step into the shoes of Matthias Withoos, a painter caught in the chaos of a French invasion. His mission? To find some hidden coins his master concealed around the city before he flees. This narrative offers a playful context that turns sightseeing into an urgent treasure hunt.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Kleine Spui, a lively spot in the city center, where you’ll receive instructions via the app. From there, you’re free to explore the city’s most iconic sites, starting with the Koppelpoort, one of the Netherlands’ most famous gateways. The app directs you to the next stop, guiding you through local landmarks, with each location offering a quick puzzle to solve or a question to answer. The total route spans 20 locations, including the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, Muurhuizen, Hofje de Armen de Poth, and the square with Sint Joris church.

What to Expect at Each Stop

At each site, you’ll encounter a puzzle that enhances your understanding of the location’s significance. For example, at the Koppelpoort, the first stop, you’ll need to solve a puzzle related to this impressive medieval gate. The nearby Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, a tall church tower, offers a short challenge that might involve a bit of local lore or visual clues.

Moving through the Muurhuizen, the ancient houses built from remnant parts of the original city wall, the puzzles become more than just brain teasers — they become a window into the city’s past. Hofje de Armen de Poth provides insight into social history, while the square featuring Sint Joris Church introduces you to Amersfoort’s religious architecture and community life. Each stop takes around 10 minutes, making the entire experience a manageable 1 to 2 hours.

The App and Technical Experience

The app is the core of this experience, but here’s where some travelers have expressed mixed feelings. According to reviews, app reliability is hit-or-miss. Several users, including one reviewer named Chris H, experienced delays with clues loading, sometimes taking between 5 to 10 minutes before the clues appeared. Such issues can disrupt the flow, especially if you’re trying to complete the experience within the two-hour window. That said, the app does offer extra playing time if you don’t finish in the initial period, which is considerate.

Despite these technical hiccups, many find the concept engaging and enjoy the narrative-driven challenges. The story of Matthias and the hidden coins adds a layer of excitement that turns the city into a game board.

Cost and Value

At roughly $32.38 for a group of up to four people, this tour is quite affordable considering it offers a personalized experience that combines sightseeing with interactive storytelling. You’re essentially paying for the app access and the chance to discover Amersfoort in a way that’s different from traditional guided tours. If you and your travel companions are puzzle lovers or history enthusiasts, this can be a very worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours.

However, given the app issues reported by some users, the value depends largely on your patience and your expectation for technical smoothness. For travelers who prefer guided tours with live explanations, this might feel a bit lacking, but for those who enjoy taking control of their sightseeing, it’s a charming and budget-friendly option.

The Route Breakdown and Highlights

Koppelpoort – The Gateway to History

Starting at the Koppelpoort, you’ll immediately get a taste of Amersfoort’s medieval charm. The puzzle here is simple but effective, setting the tone for the adventure. This iconic structure, built in the late 13th century, is one of the few combined water and land gates in the Netherlands, making it a must-see. The app’s challenge makes you look more closely at the details, encouraging appreciation of the craftsmanship.

Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren – Towering Above

Next, you’ll visit the towering Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, which dates back to the 14th century. The short puzzle at the square encourages you to think about the tower’s history and significance. It’s a great way to stop and absorb the atmosphere of this historic spot, while also testing your problem-solving skills.

Muurhuizen – Living History

Walking through Muurhuizen, you’ll see beautifully preserved houses built from the remnants of the original city wall. The puzzle in this area helps connect you to the defensive history of the city, offering insights that you may not get from a traditional photo walk. The architecture here is a highlight, with the narrow streets and centuries-old facades.

Hofje de Armen de Poth – Social History

This quaint courtyard provides a peek into social welfare in early modern times. The puzzle here might involve understanding the purpose of this historical social housing. It’s a peaceful stop that offers a quiet moment to reflect on how communities cared for their vulnerable members.

Sint Joris Square and the Church

The final puzzle centers around the square with Sint Joris Church, a lively spot that showcases Amersfoort’s religious architecture. It’s a fitting conclusion, as the church has been a spiritual center for centuries. The story culminates here, adding a sense of closure to your city adventure.

Authenticity and Challenges

While the concept is creative, the experience’s success hinges on the app’s functionality. As one reviewer noted, “The idea of the game is great but it is let down by the fact that the app does not work well enough.” Such issues may cause frustration but don’t necessarily ruin the overall idea. If you’re prepared for some technical hiccups, you’ll find the story engaging and the locations fascinating.

Reviewers also mention that the tour is well-suited to independent explorers. It’s not a guided tour with a charismatic guide explaining each site, but rather an immersive, game-like adventure that offers a different kind of connection to the city. It’s particularly appealing if you’re comfortable with technology and patience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This self-guided experience is perfect for history buffs, puzzle fans, and independent travelers. If you’re seeking a unique way to explore Amersfoort beyond typical sightseeing, and you enjoy storytelling combined with active participation, this tour will suit you well. It’s also a budget-friendly option, especially if traveling with a small group of friends or family.

However, if you prefer guided commentary and flawless app performance, or if you’re traveling with very young children or those less comfortable with technology, you might find this experience a bit frustrating. It’s best enjoyed by those who are flexible and eager for a personal challenge.

The Sum Up

The Escape Xperience: The Hidden Coins offers a playful, interactive way to explore Amersfoort’s historic sites. With its engaging storyline and puzzles at key landmarks, it transforms a simple city walk into a mini adventure. The experience’s value is amplified by its affordability and the sense of discovery it fosters, especially for puzzle lovers and history enthusiasts.

That said, the technical performance of the app is a significant consideration. Some users have faced loading delays, which can hinder the flow of the game, especially if you’re trying to stick to the two-hour goal. Despite this, the concept remains charming and offers a fresh perspective on sightseeing.

In summary, this tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy self-guided adventures, storytelling, and exploring at their own pace. It’s a fun, cost-effective way to deepen your understanding of Amersfoort’s history while having some fun along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly activity, especially for kids who enjoy puzzles and storytelling. Just keep in mind that some of the app issues could be frustrating for younger children.

Do I need to download anything before starting?
Yes, you’ll use the provided app during the tour, so it’s best to download it in advance to ensure smooth access once you arrive at the starting point.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. Since it’s self-guided, you can begin whenever you’re ready and tailor the pace to your liking.

What if I don’t finish within two hours?
The app offers extra playing time if you need it, so you can extend your adventure and explore more of Amersfoort.

Is there an official guide available?
No, this is a self-guided activity, which means there’s no live guide. The story and puzzles are all managed through the app.

Where does the tour end?
The final location is in the city center, at EyeCare Amersfoort, Langestraat 60. During the experience, you’ll find the last clues to reach this endpoint.

If you’re after an interactive, affordable, and story-driven way to see Amersfoort’s highlights, The Hidden Coins offers a charming, if occasionally glitchy, option. Just pack some patience, and prepare for a fun, puzzle-filled exploration of this historic Dutch city.