Industrial QUEST: Europe's first gamified scavenger hunt focused on industrial heritage

At Industrial Quest, children, teens, and families discover industrial culture in a fun and interactive way. In the Traunsee-Almtal region, the digital scavenger hunt “In the Footsteps of Salt” takes participants on a journey through the history of salt transportation.

For the first time, industrial museums and cultural sites across Europe are joining forces to host a digital treasure hunt: Industrial Quest, an innovative event organized by the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH), will take place on September 12 and 13, 2026, at numerous locations throughout Europe.

Children, teens, and families—whether alone, in pairs, or in groups—will solve tricky puzzles on-site, uncover the secrets behind historic machines, and learn in a fun way how industrialization has shaped our world. Whether it’s a former coal mine, a historic textile factory, or an imposing steel mill—each location offers specially designed quests that combine knowledge and creativity.

To participate, teams simply scan a QR code at the entrance, solve the challenges on-site, and upload a team photo. Points are updated in real time on a European scoreboard. A playful competition that brings generations together.

Industrial Quest combines two trends that ERIH actively promotes: the digitization of cultural sites and gaming as an authentic medium for Gen Z. The pilot project demonstrates how industrial culture can be conveyed in a contemporary and entertaining way.