Vienna: The Great Plague Exploration Game
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Vienna: The Great Plague Exploration Game

Active
(60 reviews)
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Go on a quest around Vienna by solving clues playing the role of the famous Marx Augustin in 1679 during the Great Plague, all with the help of your smartphone. Unlock new stories as you discover on your own the Historic Center of Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg, and more.

Ready to travel back in time?

+ Explore Vienna's old taverns that Mozart and Beethoven used to go to
+ Walk along Vienna's medieval streets
+ Discover the legend of the most famous balladeer in Vienna
Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg, and the oldest restaurant in Vienna

After you buy the quest, you will receive instructions on how to start playing in the Questo app. Each clue will lead you from one place to another, giving you exact directions, so you won’t need a map or GPS.

You won’t need a guide, just download the app, go to the starting point and you’re ready to go on a city exploration adventure.

Available options

Vienna: The Great Plague Exploration Game

What's included

Audio stories
Full flexibility: play at any hour, take a break, have a coffee and continue whenever you want
This experience can be played anytime after booking without rescheduling
If your group is larger than 15 people, no worries. Just make multiple bookings.
Free for kids

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

St Rupert’s Church is 13 centuries-old and is made from stone taken from an ancient Roman settlement. Home to the oldest stained-glass window and the oldest bells in Vienna, the church is dedicated to St. Rupert of Salzburg, the patron saint of the Danube's salt merchants. Though the church went through several renovations, one window, which depicts Christ on the cross with the Madonna and Child standing below, has been standing since the 13th century in the vaulted apse. The church houses a series of atmospheric concerts of ancient music in the summertime, with evening performances in July.

Here you will have to look around to find the answer to a question to advance to the new location and learn the story of this cafe. It's fun. You will love it:)

2

The tavern Griechenbeisl is one iconic musical landmark, because Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert dined here at one point. You could check out the framed signatures of the famous persons who have been served in this place by visiting the Mark Twain room (celebrities also include Luciano Pavarotti and Johnny Cash).
Situated near the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the restaurant is one of the oldest in Vienna and got its name (‘Greek Inn’) from the Greek tradesmen and the Levant travelers who settled in that area.

Here you will have to look around to find the answer to a question/challenge/puzzle to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.

3

One peculiar and incredibly old mural to check out can be found on Bäckerstrasse, a street with charming interior courtyards. In the 15th century, many houses presented religious and historic portraiture, but some were decorated with humorous imagery. Found on the façade of the Hasenaus (“Hare House”), the mural shows a wolf and a cow that wears spectacles playing a game of backgammon. Some say the scene is actually part of a previous painting depicting medieval life, while others think that the mural is an allegory for the conflict between Protestants and Catholics.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

The Bäckerstrasse has beautiful 17th and 18th century façades, such as No. 2, surmounted by a 17th-century tower, No. 8, Palace of Count Seilern (1722) and No. 16, At number 7 the "Schwanenfeld Haus", with a beautiful Renaissance courtyard, with its arcades and galleries.

5
Stop 5

You will get to this place by following a clue and solving a puzzle. Once there, you will get indications on how to continue the game, while also learning about the place you've discovered.

6

Probably extremely intriguing at first sight, the legendary Nails Tree Vienna (Stock im Eisen), located on the corner of Karntner Strasse, has once been thought to be the work of Satan. In reality, the hundreds of nails that have been stuck into the tree’s trunk over the course of generations pertain to a tradition: hammering nails into the tree was believed to bring good luck. The mid-section of this Medieval tree trunk stands on a 1.5-meter high pedestal and is surrounded by an iron ring with a lock dummy.

You will get to this place by following a clue and solving a puzzle. Once here, you can spend as much time as you wish until starting to follow the next clue.

7
Stop 7

An iconic landmark of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) has been standing since the 12th century and it’s one of the most important Gothic buildings in Austria. The tower room, which offers a breathtaking view of Vienna, includes 13 bells. You’ll be amazed by the colourful roof, which is 38m high and is made of 230,000 glazed tiles that form various patterns. The mosaics showcase the image of a double-headed eagle, which was the symbol of the Austrian empire during Habsburgs’ rule. The other two eagles, on the north side of the roof, each carry coats of arms that represent the City of Vienna and the Republic of Austria.

Here you will have to look around to find the answer to a question/challenge/puzzle to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

A stop at Café Frauenhuber on Rauhensteingasse will give you a taste of the Viennese coffeehouse culture. Besides being the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna (dating back to 1746), this welcoming and unpretentious place is also known for having had W.A. Mozart and L. van Beethoven play table music for the dining guests several times between 1782–1791. With a past reputation of one of the most peaceful coffeehouses in Vienna, Frauenhuber still preserves the atmosphere of a traditional Viennese coffee shop.

9
Stop 9

With over 50,000 drawings and over 1 million master prints on a rotational display, the Albertina Museum has been part of the history and culture of Vienna since 1805. Situated in the largest Habsburg residential palace, Hofburg Palace, the Albertina displays four collections, dedicated to modern art, graphic art, architecture, and photography. Notable works of art include paintings and sculptures from different artistic currents: Impressionism, Fauvism, German Expressionism and Russian avant-garde. Visiting one of Austria’s most popular museums allows you to see Monet’s The Water Lily Pond, and to experience the luxury of the imperial Habsburgs as well.

Here you will have to look around to find the answer to a question/challenge/puzzle to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.

10
Stop 10

The current home and workplace of the President of Austria, the Hofburg Palace has been the heart of power in Vienna since the 13th century. As a former residence and seat of government of the Habsburg emperors until 1918, the palace still reflects the Imperial past through its richly decorated Imperial apartments (a total of 24 rooms), the Sisi Museum (dedicated to Empress Elizabeth), and the lavish silver collections. The National Library can also be found in the Hofburg Palace. Built in the 19th century, the Hall of Ceremonies continues to be used nowadays for Viennese balls.

Here you will have to look around to find the answer to a question/challenge/puzzle to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place. This is where the city game ends and you can continue exploring the city at your own pace.

What's not included

A physical tour guide

Available languages

Written guide
DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2
11 reviews
5★
6
4★
2
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.6
49 reviews
5★
38
4★
6
3★
2
2★
2
1★
1

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Close to Schwedenplatz Metro Station

Important notes

To unlock the experience in the Questo app, go to https://www.questoapp.com/unlock, and add your booking number and e-mail address. Then, download the Questo app and create a new account with the e-mail address you used for unlocking.

About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.

Top Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour

St. Stephen's Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury

Belvedere Palace

A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.

Historical/Art/Museum 2-3 hours €16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere

Vienna State Opera

One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-4 hours (performance length) €10-200 depending on performance and seat

Hofburg Palace

The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours €14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wiener Schnitzel

A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.

Dinner Gluten-free, dairy-free

Sachertorte

A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Apfelstrudel

A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Vienna Woods Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Coffee house hopping Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending opera or concert performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: German
  • Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
  • English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air
  • Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center
By train

Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof

By bus

Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Innere Stadt Leopoldstadt Wieden Hietzing

Day trips

Bratislava
80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Salzburg
300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight

The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Hallstatt
200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.

Festivals

Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26

Pro tips

  • Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
  • Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
  • Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
  • Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 1-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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