Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 63 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game worth booking?
Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game is a 1.5-hour experience in Vienna, Austria, from $9 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 63 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (63)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $9 per person
Look behind the mask of Imperial Vienna. Beyond palaces and Mozart, travel back to the Middle Ages on this interactive tour. Explore narrow alleys and hidden courtyards to uncover legends of Basilisks, the Plague, and T
What you get
About this experience
Look behind the mask of Imperial Vienna. Beyond palaces and Mozart, travel back to the Middle Ages on this interactive tour. Explore narrow alleys and hidden courtyards to uncover legends of Basilisks, the Plague, and Teutonic Knights. Why travelers love this Questo experience: Gothic Grandeur: Solve riddles by St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) and find secret signs in its walls. The City’s Oldest Streets: Navigate Schönlaterngasse (Beautiful Lantern Alley) and see the legendary Basilisk House. Myths & Music: Visit the Mozarthaus exterior and learn how the medieval city influenced great composers. Hidden Courtyards: Find peaceful Pawlatschen (courtyards) that most tourists miss. 100% Flexible: Start anytime. Pause for a Melange (coffee) and Sacher Torte, then resume instantly. The Mission: Can you separate history from myth and unlock the secrets of Medieval Vienna?
What's included
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
Not included
- A physical tour guide
What you'll see and do
St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche)
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:)
10 minutes here
Griechenbeisl
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.
15 minutes here
Backerstrasse No. 2
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.
5 minutes here
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.
Pass by without stopping
Stephansplatz
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.
10 minutes here
Stock im Eisen
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.
10 minutes here
St. Stephen's Cathedral
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.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
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.
Pass by without stopping
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 minutes here · Admission not included
The Hofburg
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.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vienna
Close to Schwedenplatz Metro Station
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Questo
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
Traveler reviews
63 verified traveler reviews for Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Discover Vienna with culture of its past
Step by step instructions are very clear, the adventure is very well organized and I learned a few things with the descriptions.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I am so glad to hear that the step-by-step instructions were clear and that you enjoyed the organized adventure while learning a few things about Vienna's past. We hope you will explore another city with us soon!
via Tripadvisor
Plague Quest - conquered
Storyline was clever way to wander and see parts of the city not on other tours. And time to dig deeper into locations as self paced. Tour reminded me to look up when in these old cities to see details and things hidden in plain site.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! I'm thrilled you conquered the Vienna Plague Quest. Guiding you off the beaten path and reminding explorers to "look up" to spot hidden details is exactly what we aim for with our self-paced games. Email explore@questoapp.com so we can offer you a free quest for your next adventure!
via Tripadvisor
It was a fun way of wandering around the city and getting a snippet of its history. Doing something interactive was fun
It was a fun way of wandering around the city and getting a snippet of its history. Doing something interactive was fun too
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We’re glad you enjoyed exploring Vienna and its history in an interactive way. We hope to see you on another quest soon.
via Tripadvisor
Quest through Vienna
My wife and our teenage daughter did the quest together. It was a lot of fun and we saw areas of the city we might not have visited otherwise. What was especially fun was getting distracted and finding new things to visit along the way.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear your family enjoyed the Plague Quest and that it helped you discover parts of Vienna you might have otherwise missed. Getting pleasantly “distracted” along the way is exactly the kind of adventure we love to inspire. We hope to welcome you on another quest soon!
via Viator
Steps, sightseeing, solve
Was a great way to explore and sightsee the city while getting some good steps in! I have been to Vienna many times but first time doing a quest so it was good fun with a friend who has never been!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your great review! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring Vienna in a new way—even after visiting many times. It's wonderful to hear the quest added something fresh to your experience and made it fun to share the city with a friend. Hope you'll join us for another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $9 to $10
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vienna.
How much does Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game cost?
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Prices start at $9 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vienna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Vienna is not rushed.
Is Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 63 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Vienna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game?
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Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Vienna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Vienna and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Vienna Highlights: The Great Plague Exploration Game start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Vienna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Vienna?
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On Outty we rank every Vienna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Authentic Vienna Food Tour inc. lunch, street food, 3 drinks, Vienna Food Tour: Coffeehouses, Markets, Lunch & Street Food, Budapest Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Vienna?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Vienna?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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