Step into the footsteps of a young Rembrandt and explore the historic streets of Leiden through an interactive walking quest! This self-guided adventure blends storytelling, puzzles, and real-world discovery, letting you uncover the city that shaped one of the world’s greatest painters.
As you stroll through the charming canals and cobbled lanes of Leiden, you'll solve location-based riddles that guide you to key sites from Rembrandt's early years. From his childhood home to the Latin School he attended, every stop reveals fascinating insights into the life and art of the Dutch master. Your phone becomes both guide and game, letting you explore at your own pace, pause for a coffee, or take photos along the way.
It transforms sightseeing into a captivating treasure hunt where every clue deepens your connection to Rembrandt and the city’s heritage.
Perfect for art lovers, couples, and curious families, this experience offers flexibility, fun, and a deeper way to explore Leiden.
Tucked beside a scenic canal, Park de Put is home to a charming windmill and a tranquil green escape right in the heart of Leiden. Once a vital site for the city’s defenses, it now invites travelers to slow down and soak in centuries of history. As part of your Questo quest, you'll follow clever clues to uncover this hidden gem. Once there, solve a puzzle tied to its past, reveal a secret story, and unlock your path to the next chapter in Rembrandt’s world.
Once the heart of Rembrandt’s childhood neighborhood, Rembrandtplein in Leiden is a quiet square steeped in artistic legacy. This unassuming spot marks where the young master once played, dreamed, and began shaping his view of the world. On your Questo quest, you’ll unravel clues that lead you here, stepping into the painter’s early footsteps. At the square, a puzzle awaits—crack it to reveal a hidden tale from Rembrandt’s youth, then continue your journey through the city that inspired a legend.
Standing proudly since the 17th century, Doelenpoort is one of Leiden’s most striking gateways—once the entrance to a shooting range for the city’s civic guards. Its ornate façade and rich symbolism whisper stories of honor, protection, and power. As part of your Questo quest, you’ll follow intriguing clues through Leiden’s streets to uncover this historic archway. Here, a clever puzzle awaits—solve it to unlock a hidden chapter of the city’s past before continuing your adventure into the world of young Rembrandt.
Nestled in the heart of Leiden, the Young Rembrandt School is where the future master took his first academic steps. Known then as the Latin School, it shaped Rembrandt’s early thinking and introduced him to the classical knowledge that would later influence his art. On your Questo quest, you’ll crack clues that guide you to this historic site. Once there, solve a riddle inspired by Rembrandt’s school days, uncover a lesser-known story from his youth, and journey onward through the city that nurtured his genius.
Founded in 1575, Universiteit Leiden is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a cornerstone of the city’s intellectual legacy. Great minds—including Einstein and Descartes—have walked its halls, and its influence shaped the world Rembrandt grew up in. During your Questo quest, you’ll follow a trail of clues to find this historic institution. Once there, a brain-teasing puzzle awaits. Solve it to reveal a fascinating story hidden within its scholarly past, then set off toward your next discovery in Rembrandt’s Leiden.
Towering over Leiden’s old town, Pieterskerk is a stunning Gothic church with centuries of stories carved into its stones. It’s not only a resting place for scholars and pilgrims but also deeply connected to Rembrandt’s family history—his father worked nearby as a miller. As part of your Questo quest, you’ll follow clues that guide you to this monumental site. Once there, solve a clever puzzle tied to its past, uncover a hidden tale, and continue your journey through the city that shaped a master.
Step into the world of a rising genius at the Young Rembrandt Studio, located in the very house where Rembrandt trained under master painter Jacob van Swanenburgh. Here, the young artist learned to mix pigments, master perspective, and spark imagination—skills that would later define his legendary career. During your Questo quest, clues will lead you to this remarkable spot. Once there, solve a puzzle inspired by Rembrandt’s early training, unlock a hidden story from his apprentice days, and continue your artistic adventure through Leiden.
Lined with elegant 17th-century houses and shaded by leafy trees, Hooglandse Kerkgracht is one of Leiden’s most picturesque streets—and a quiet witness to the city’s Golden Age. Just steps from the towering Hooglandse Kerk, this historic canal once bustled with merchants, artists, and scholars. On your Questo quest, clues will lead you to this charming location. Once there, a riddle rooted in the street’s rich past awaits. Solve it to reveal a hidden story from Rembrandt’s era, then continue your journey through Leiden’s living history.
Flowing gently through the heart of Leiden, the Stille Rijn is more than just a peaceful canal—it’s a quiet thread connecting centuries of city life. Along its banks, young Rembrandt once lived and sketched, inspired by the everyday scenes around him. As part of your Questo quest, you’ll follow clues that guide you to this serene spot. There, a clever puzzle awaits. Solve it to uncover a hidden story from Rembrandt’s early days, then drift onward to the next chapter of your adventure.
With its iconic windmill and waterside charm, Kort Galgewater offers one of Leiden’s most scenic and storied views. Once a bustling hub of trade and industry, it also played a part in Rembrandt’s youth—his father’s mill stood nearby, shaping the world the young artist observed so keenly. As part of your Questo quest, you’ll solve clues that lead you to this picturesque canal. There, a puzzle tied to Rembrandt’s family life awaits. Crack the code, uncover a hidden tale, and continue your artistic journey through the city.
To begin, make sure you've activated the quest using the instructions and link we sent by e-mail after purchase. Next, download the app, create and account, and head to the starting point at Molen De Put. Once there, follow the app.
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.
Leiden is a historic city in the Netherlands known for its beautiful canals, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It's the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, making it a hub for art, science, and education.
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, featuring a wide variety of plants, greenhouses, and a Japanese garden.
A national museum of antiquities with collections from the ancient Mediterranean and the Near East.
The oldest university in the Netherlands, known for its historic buildings, beautiful courtyards, and significant contributions to science and art.
A historic windmill that has been restored to its original condition and offers insights into Leiden's milling history.
A museum dedicated to the history of the Pilgrims who lived in Leiden before sailing to America on the Mayflower.
A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables, often served with sausage.
Raw herring fish, typically served with onions and pickles.
Miniature pancakes, often served with powdered sugar and butter.
This is the best time to visit Leiden for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and events.
Euro (EUR)
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
230VV, 50HzHz
Leiden is generally safe with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Leiden Centraal
Leiden Centraal, Rijksuniversiteit Leiden
Buses are the main form of public transport in Leiden. They are reliable and cover most parts of the city and surrounding areas.
Available • Apps: Uber, TaxiApp
Car, Bike, Scooter
The political capital of the Netherlands, known for its museums, beaches, and historic sites.
A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
One of the world's largest and most beautiful flower gardens, featuring stunning displays of tulips and other flowers.
Price varies by option