CITY QUEST
The Canal Cipher
In 1672 a merchant hid his fortune and left only a coded will: seven places, seven words. Nobody has read it since. You walk the canal ring and try.
What you will learn
You will learn to read the canal belt the way a Golden Age merchant did. Each riddle points at something still in the street. We will not name what.
What you will do
Seven riddles, about 90 minutes and 2.4 km. Walk there; the question opens only in the circle. Alone or with up to six people. Tricky — look up, and look twice.
People who like codes, canals and not being handed the answer. Good for a small group that will argue in the street.
- City
- Amsterdam
- Area
- Amsterdam · Canal ring
- Riddles
- 7
- Time
- 1 h 30 min
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Price
- Free
- Players
- 1–6
- Difficulty
- Tricky
- Reviews
- 52 reviews · 4.9
- A coded will: seven places, seven words
- The canal ring, read like a merchant
- Answers unlock only on the spot
- Tricky · 1–6 players · about 90 minutes
The riddles
Titles only — the clues stay hidden until you walk there.
-
The tower that made money
-
The flower worth more than a house
-
The bend they plated in gold
-
Nine little streets
-
The crown on the tower
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Where the brewers took their water
-
The stone that reads back
How a quest works
- Create a free account on your phone — no app to install.
- Read the first riddle and walk to that place.
- The question unlocks only when you are there. Look around, type what you see.
- Play alone or with friends. Answers stay hidden until you arrive.
Where it starts
The first riddle starts near this pin. The rest of the route stays off the map so you do not spoil it.
What people say
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Questions before you walk
What is The Canal Cipher?
The Canal Cipher is a free walking city quest in Amsterdam. Each riddle points at a real place and only unlocks when you are standing there.
What will I learn?
You will learn to read the canal belt the way a Golden Age merchant did. Each riddle points at something still in the street. We will not name what.
What will I do?
Seven riddles, about 90 minutes and 2.4 km. Walk there; the question opens only in the circle. Alone or with up to six people. Tricky — look up, and look twice.
Is it free?
Yes. The walk is free. You create a free account to start, so your progress stays with you.
Do I need an app?
No. Open it in your phone browser and walk. DiscoverAround is not a booking site or a ticket shop.
When do the answers unlock?
Only on the spot. Each riddle sends you somewhere; the question opens when you walk into the circle. You cannot finish it from the sofa.
More city quests in Amsterdam
All city quests ›
Start free quest
Riddles unlock on the street. Bring a phone and start walking.