City treasure hunt: puzzles, geocaching or free exploration?

Decide what will guide your walk

A city treasure hunt can turn a walk into an investigation, a search or a way to explore a neighbourhood. These experiences need different preparation. Decide whether you want to follow a story, find something or walk with an objective you choose.

This guide was written by Nicolas Alauzet, the creator of Stepwars. It compares formats using the official geocaching sources linked below. It is not based on testing routes in every city and guarantees no local availability.

A puzzle trail follows a prepared story

Look for an organiser that clearly describes the route, starting point, expected duration, language and access conditions. Check whether you need a reservation, printed booklet or phone for each group: these details depend on the activity.

Choose the difficulty and time commitment with everyone taking part. A story can give the group a shared direction, but find out how to pause or leave the route before you start.

Geocaching searches for a real-world cache

The official Geocaching introduction describes finding a cache with a phone or GPS device. Cache types vary: a Traditional Cache leads to a container at published coordinates; other formats use stages or puzzles. Read the individual listing rather than assuming every cache works the same way.

Check difficulty, recent logs and permitted access. Stop if a route is impractical or off limits. An outing suited to the group is more useful than a detour driven by finding something at any cost.

• Official Geocaching introduction
• Official cache types
• Geocaching for beginners

Free exploration lets you choose your own loop

If you prefer choosing where to walk without puzzles or hidden objects, Stepwars offers territory progression. An explicitly started iPhone outing uses validated GPS movement to develop a map and camp. The objective is not to complete a prepared tourist story.

Adapt the loop to the time you have. The game map is not a recommended route: a cell does not confirm a usable path or permission to enter. Compare this format with collection and geocaching before deciding.

• The idea behind gamified walking
• Stepwars capture rules
• Walking game comparison

Before heading out

Stepwars is intended for iPhone; Android is deferred. This guide does not announce public App Store availability. The planned subscription is €4.99/month or €39.99/year for the same features, with a three-day trial for eligible new subscribers, followed by automatic renewal unless cancelled. Purchase activation remains under verification. Check current access with the creator before preparing an outing; a web account alone does not confirm an iOS download, subscription or access.

Once the app is available to you, prepare a simple first outing. For an observation activity with no account or hidden objects, use our printable treasure hunt instead.

• Choose a start and return point accessible to the group.
• Check actual game access and any cost of the route.
• Plan breaks, battery needs and the day’s conditions.
• Stop before checking the screen and respect private property.

• Check current access (French support page)
• Prepare your first Stepwars walk
• Free printable outdoor treasure hunt

Frequently asked questions