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.

Translated by

•

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)

Translated by

•

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.

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Routes here

Best Hikes to Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

4.8

(27)

hikers

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

16.3km

04:07

30m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(29)

hikers

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

12.6km

03:12

30m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(6)

hikers

3. The Smeerling Inn – Trail along the Ruiten Aa loop from Veelerveen

25.3km

06:24

50m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Wednesday 28 January

1°C

-2°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

Location: Westerwolde, Groningen, Netherlands

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Mussel-A-Kanaal Zuid

Benches with a View of the Ruiten A Valley

Weddermeer

Weddermarke Windmill (Wedderbergen)

Ruiten Aa Stream

Bruggetje Over Het Water bij Smeerling

Bosvennetje

Scenic Route Through Farmlands

Fish Passage Wessinghuizen

Picnic Table by the Ruiten Aa near Smeerling

Westerwoldsche Aa at Wedde

Bridge Over the Mussel Aa

Giezelbaarg Witch Trials Memorial

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

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

3. The Smeerling Inn – Trail along the Ruiten Aa loop from Veelerveen

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️