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Natural Monuments

Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

Natural Monuments

Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

Highlight • Monument

Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

Hiking

4.8

(75)

Cycling

5.0

(1)

Location: Westerwolde, Groningen, Netherlands

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Tips

Pauline van der Waal

May 22, 2025

Hiking

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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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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Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

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Today

Sunday 15 November

11°C

3°C

94 %

Additional weather tips

It’s set to rain on your activity. Pack a waterproof jacket.

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See nearby routes

Location: Westerwolde, Groningen, Netherlands

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