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Natural Monuments

Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

Natural Monuments

Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

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Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

Recommended by 61 hikers out of 62

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Location: Westerwolde, Groningen, Netherlands

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Best Hikes to Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

4.8

(27)

hikers

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

16.3km

04:07

30m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(29)

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2. Ter Wupping Observation Tower – Oosterholtsdiep Nature Trail loop from Wedde

12.6km

03:12

30m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(6)

hikers

3. De Gasterij Smeerling – Path Along the Ruiten Aa loop from Vlagtwedde

25.5km

06:27

50m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

Pauline van der Waal

May 22, 2025

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

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

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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Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 26 October

11°C

7°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Westerwolde, Groningen, Netherlands

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Weddermeer

Benches with a View of the Ruiten A Valley

Ruiten Aa Stream

Bruggetje Over Het Water bij Smeerling

Bosvennetje

Scenic Route Through Farmlands

Mussel-A-Kanaal Zuid

Fish Passage Wessinghuizen

Weddermarke Windmill (Wedderbergen)

Picnic Table by the Ruiten Aa near Smeerling

Veelerdiep Wooden Bridge Over the Ruiten Aa

Westerwoldsche Aa at Wedde

Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

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

2. Ter Wupping Observation Tower – Oosterholtsdiep Nature Trail loop from Wedde

3. De Gasterij Smeerling – Path Along the Ruiten Aa loop from Vlagtwedde

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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