ペケラの天然記念物・トップ12

A quiet and pleasant path

The Gieselbarg, a place of death and destruction. A dark chapter in the history of Westerwolde.

Great view from the hill of the Blauwestad and Winschoten.

The "De Tjamme" nature reserve is one of the first areas in the Netherlands where farmland was converted into natural land. In 1983, the area was purchased by the Dutch Forestry Commission and declared a nature reserve. Forests were planted on higher elevations, the nutrient-rich topsoil was removed, and ditches were dug and filled in. Weirs and dams were built to retain rainwater, and hiking and cycling trails were created. This created a diverse landscape with marsh, grassland, forest, and open water. In 2023, the Dutch Forestry Commission planted new forest behind the artwork. This area was species-poor grassland in poor condition and with low biodiversity. By planting trees, this place will once again become attractive to various animal and plant species. The artwork (viewpoint) in the "De Tjamme" nature reserve dates from 1995 and is called "Remembering a Place."

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.

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.

A table with two benches was set up there. From the memorial you have a beautiful view of the church and the surrounding nature.

Beautiful view of the wide countryside.