Frankfurt: Criminal hunt at night

If you’re looking for an unusual way to explore Frankfurt after dark, the “Criminal Hunt at Night” by Epic Escape offers a unique blend of mystery, sightseeing, and teamwork. This 1.5-hour activity uses a tablet and puzzle kit to guide you through some of Frankfurt’s most iconic spots—think Römer, Kaiserdom, and Kleinmarkthalle—while chasing down a mischievous thief. It’s not a traditional tour; instead, it’s a lively, interactive experience that combines light-hearted problem-solving with the chance to see Frankfurt’s charming old town lit up at night.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its engagement factor. It encourages you to move around and actively participate rather than just listen to a guide. Plus, it’s a fantastic way for groups—whether friends, colleagues, or even large family parties—to bond over puzzles and a little friendly competition. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that some puzzles can be tricky, and the GPS guidance isn’t perfect, so a sense of patience and teamwork is helpful.

This activity will suit travelers who enjoy puzzles, sightseeing, and a bit of adrenaline. It’s especially good for groups that want to make their night in Frankfurt memorable and interactive, rather than just passively observing.

Key Points

• Interactive Night Tour: Combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving, perfect for those who enjoy a challenge.
• Iconic Landmarks: You’ll visit well-known sites like Römer and Kaiserdom, with clues linking their stories.
• Group-Friendly: Designed to foster teamwork, making it ideal for friends, families, or colleagues.
• Timing & Duration: Lasts about 1.5 hours, with some reviews mentioning that the experience could end unexpectedly if time runs out.
• Cost & Value: At $34 per person, it offers a budget-friendly, fun alternative to traditional guided tours.
• Practicality: Includes a tablet and mystery kit; no inside visits to museums or churches are included.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Point: Restaurant MyFrankfurt

Your evening begins at the centrally located MyFrankfurt restaurant on Liebfrauenberg. This spot is conveniently situated in Frankfurt’s old town area, making it easy to find and perfect for kicking off your adventure. Check-in is straightforward—simply report to the staff, who will hand you the tablet and mystery kit. From here, the journey kicks off with an initial puzzle at the outset, setting the tone for an engaging night ahead.

Navigating Frankfurt’s Historic Streets

Once underway, the activity takes you through the Altstadt—Frankfurt’s charming old town filled with cobblestones, timber-framed buildings, and bustling squares. The puzzles are designed to be linked to the history and architecture of the city, although the focus is mainly on solving riddles rather than in-depth historical storytelling.

Your first stop is the Römer, Frankfurt’s iconic city hall, where you’ll find your initial clue. This landmark is particularly photogenic at night, with its medieval-style façade illuminated, making it a great backdrop for photos. However, some reviewers noted that the puzzles can be quite tricky; one traveler mentioned that GPS guidance failed on one task, costing them time. That suggests you’ll want to stay patient and work together closely, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Clues and Landmarks Along the Route

As you follow the guided route, you’ll encounter a variety of locations—each with its own puzzle. The Paulsplatz offers a lively setting, surrounded by historic buildings and a vibrant atmosphere. The Kaiserdom (Cathedral of St. Bartholomew) stands out for its impressive architecture, and solving puzzles here can be particularly satisfying.

The activity also takes you to the Kleinmarkthalle, a covered market full of local produce and crafts. While inside, you might find clues related to Frankfurt’s food scene or market history, adding a flavor of local life to the puzzle hunt. Other notable stops include the Alte Oper, a stunning concert hall, and the Eiserner Steg, a famous pedestrian bridge over the Main River, where riders have commented on the stunning views of Frankfurt’s skyline at night.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The activity package includes a tablet for navigation, a riddle package, and support from event organizers. This means you’re not left to figure out the route on your own, although some reviews suggest GPS guidance isn’t flawless. Notably, entry to museums or interior sightseeing of churches is not included—the focus is on the outdoor puzzle hunt.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The puzzles are engaging and make you think, which adds an element of excitement.
– The route covers major landmarks, offering a scenic night walk through Frankfurt’s historic center.
– The activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most groups.
– The activity’s flexible start times and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance add convenience.

Cons:
– Some puzzles are quite tricky, and GPS guidance can falter, leading to potential frustration or lost time.
– The experience ends back at the starting point, which might feel abrupt if you’re hoping for a comprehensive tour or guided commentary.
– At €34 ($34), it’s affordable but may seem steep if you’re expecting a guided tour rather than an interactive game.

Authenticity and Real Visitor Feedback

From reviews, it’s clear that the activity appeals most to those wanting a fun, interactive evening. One traveler mentioned, “We wanted to try something new and were pleasantly surprised,” although they wished for a better ending since the tablet just turned off. Another remarked that puzzles can be tricky and GPS guidance was inconsistent. Interestingly, a reviewer expected a guided tour rather than a self-guided puzzle, which highlights the importance of understanding the activity’s nature beforehand.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This criminal hunt is best suited for groups that enjoy puzzles, outdoor activities, and a touch of adventure. It’s ideal for friends wanting a lively night out, bachelor parties, or even team-building events. If you’re after a relaxing, in-depth historical tour, this probably isn’t the best fit. But if you’re looking for something playful that combines sightseeing with brainteasers, this will keep you engaged and entertained.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking about 1.5 hours on cobblestones and uneven streets.
• Keep your phones charged, as GPS guidance may not always be reliable.
• Be prepared for quick puzzle solving; some challenges are intentionally tricky and may require teamwork.
• Expect the activity to end back at the start point, so plan accordingly if you want to explore more afterward.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For the cost of around $34, this experience offers a cost-effective, engaging way to see Frankfurt at night. It’s a playful alternative to traditional sightseeing, especially if you enjoy solving riddles and working as a team. While it may not be the most in-depth historical tour, it makes up for it with its fun, fast-paced format and the chance to see some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks lit up after dark.

Travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing and adventure, and those who don’t mind a few challenging puzzles, will find this activity a worthwhile addition to their Frankfurt itinerary. It’s especially suitable for groups wanting to share an interactive experience rather than just passively observing.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
While the activity is designed for groups, it’s generally suitable for teenagers and older, especially those comfortable with puzzles and walking. Younger children may find it less engaging.

Can I do this activity alone?
It’s primarily designed for groups, but solo travelers could join if they’re comfortable working with others or forming a team.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most groups.

What languages are available?
The activity is offered in German and English, so check availability if you prefer one language.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s best to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during busy periods, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Does the activity include inside visits?
No, the tour is outdoors and does not include entry into museums or inside churches.

How long does it take?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Some reviews mention that it can end abruptly if time runs out.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on cobblestone streets. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially at night.

Is it safe to do this activity at night?
Yes, the route is in well-lit areas of Frankfurt’s old town. However, always stay aware of your surroundings and stay in your group.

In summary, the Frankfurt Criminal Hunt at Night combines the thrill of a scavenger game with the opportunity to see Frankfurt’s historic sights in a new way. It’s a playful, budget-friendly activity perfect for groups seeking a memorable, active evening. While it has some minor caveats with puzzles and GPS guidance, the overall experience offers a lively and visual way to enjoy the city’s enchanting night atmosphere.