Escape game at Žužemberk Castle

The Witch’s Verdict

The Middle Ages and Early Modern Period were times when people were often accused and condemned for witchcraft.

In Žužemberk, a nearby hill called Klek was believed to be a gathering place for witches — women accused of casting spells and causing misfortune out of jealousy or spite. Many were sentenced to death.

The escape game The Witch’s Verdict focuses on the story of Mica, a well-known woman from Žužemberk who was accused of witchcraft in 1639.
The story reflects real historical witch trials, when people were often condemned for events they could not explain — from illness to weather anomalies.

Designing the Escape Game

At first, the client wanted the escape room to be placed in a single room of the castle.
However, after visiting the location, we realized the castle’s many beautiful spaces offered much greater potential.

So, we suggested transforming the concept from a single-room escape experience into a multi-location escape game — a longer adventure spread across several castle areas, where the story and challenges naturally blend with the environment.

Using a booklet and a “Crystal Charter” map, visitors must solve seven witch trials to prove whether Mica is guilty or innocent.
Each trial includes a proclamation, a short story, and a task. By solving them all, players collect crystals that unlock the final room — where Mica’s verdict is decided.

Game Development

The idea began with the true story of Mica from Žužemberk, accused of witchcraft in 1639.
The client provided numerous local stories, which we used as inspiration for the narrative.
We studied the history of witch trials to understand the accusations of that period and designed puzzles that reflect real historical beliefs.

Each location within the castle was carefully analyzed, and we created tasks and props that fit both the story and the setting of each trial.

How This Escape Game Is Different

Unlike some of our other projects (Russian Chapel, Kostel Castle, Kajžnkova Hiša, Planica …), this game does not directly incorporate existing castle exhibits.
Instead, it’s a fictional adventure set in the real historical atmosphere of Žužemberk — focused on witchcraft stories rather than the castle’s artifacts.
An exception is the lynx exhibition room, which inspired one of the trials.

Physical Elements and Thematic Rooms

Each room contains at least one physical puzzle element linked to a specific witch trial.
For example:

• In the castle garden, a metal sculpture represents the Ice Age phenomenon — a natural event once blamed on witchcraft.
• In a chapel-like room, we recreated a scene of faith and superstition with an altar, holy water, a crucifix, and even a Ouija board — all part of a puzzle tied to religion and belief.
• In the lynx room, hidden pairs of glowing lynx eyes guide players to clues and encourage them to explore the exhibition in detail.
• In the lady’s chamber, the “Bloody Verdict” takes place — players must connect clues between a wardrobe and a barrel with a hole on top to find the next crystal.
• How exactly each element leads to the right crystal?

You’ll have to find out on-site.

Finale

After completing all seven trials, players reach the final room — the grand courtroom — where Mica’s fate is revealed.
Beside the judge’s bench and jury stand two symbols — the bird and the fire — representing her possible destiny.

What is her final verdict?

That’s for you to discover.
Visit Žužemberk Castle and uncover the truth — Mica’s fate is in your hands!