On a modest hill between Wedde and Wessinghuizen lies the Giezelbaarg, a place with a dark history. At the end of the 16th century, at least 21 alleged witches were burned at the stake here, a tragic result of fear and suspicion. Today, a memorial stone commemorates this time and the landscape invites you to contemplate. A historical place that makes you quiet and makes you think.

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Theo

November 13, 2020

Hiking

No place that makes you happy: Until 1803, sentences were carried out here, which were passed in the nearby castle in Wedde. On this sand hill, convicts were whipped, hanged or burned. At the end of the 16th century, 22 men and women were killed on charges of sorcery. You will now find a sand hill with a monument, with the names of the victims of these witch persecutions in Westerwolde. (source: Staatsbosbeheer.nl)

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Niklas 🥾🚲🛶🛼😀

May 28, 2025

Hiking

The story of the 21 "witches" sentenced to death touched me. When I look at the suffering of civilians in Ukraine and Palestine, not everything has changed for the better in the last 400 years.

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2. Ruige Berg Landscape – Oosterholtsdiep Nature Trail loop from Onstwedde

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3. Oosterholtsdiep Nature Trail – Wedde Castle loop from Smeerling

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Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Monday 16 March

11°C

3°C

32 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Westerwolde, Groningen, Netherlands

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Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

1. Ter Wupping Observation Tower – Wedde Castle loop from Onstwedde

2. Ruige Berg Landscape – Oosterholtsdiep Nature Trail loop from Onstwedde

3. Oosterholtsdiep Nature Trail – Wedde Castle loop from Smeerling

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