Route 39: Witch tour Sellingen

The route starts along the Ruiten Aa and you’ll soon pass the ‘Wijvebrug’ (point 4). In a dark past, a ‘sinister woman’ used to stand here, pushing unsuspecting passers-by into the water. The woman has never been seen since, but you might still come across the ‘white women’ here. They, too, behave sinisterly and are regularly spotted in this area. So be on your guard.

The legend begins: ‘A very, very long time ago, when Westerwolde was still all marsh, peat bog and meadow…’. Much has changed in this area over the years; you won’t come across any marshes or meadows during this walk. The peat has since been excavated, creating ponds. After leaving the Ruiten Aa, you’ll walk along an authentic little dyke and pass one of these ponds on your right. You’ll then emerge onto the largest heathland in the province of Groningen.

Once you have crossed the Beetserweg, walk towards 'De Ruiters Dennen' (points 12-13). These pines between Lageweg and Dennenweg were the private property of master De Ruiter, head teacher in Sellingen. They were later transferred to the Forestry Commission.

From point 16 you walk along a section of the gnome trail. Chances are that you will encounter a gnome here and there. Do not be afraid, the gnomes are just as friendly as Heksje Hasje and good friends with her. Witches and gnomes go very well together.

At point 17 you pass the ramparts of the small forest theatre that used to belong to the former youth camp (popularly called "boefjeskamp"). At the back, you can still see the outline of the football and playing field that also belonged to the complex, where the camp's residents and village youth played football. The youth camp existed from 1945 to 1974. It was located across the street from the theatre. The former director's house is all that remains of the complex in the forest and is still occupied. The little theatre was used for Master Panneman's maths lessons. However, the theatre was never used as such because shortly after its completion, the youth camp was closed and demolished.

In later years, campfires were regularly organised here.

The famous campfires of Heksje Hasje are no longer lit here; it’s becoming too dangerous. The trees have grown right up to the little theatre, and the ramparts themselves are now overgrown. However, smoke does rise from time to time from the next little pond you see, when Hasje comes to wash and dry her socks and wants to warm herself up during her visits to Westerwolde.

Click on the ‘hedgehog’ to return to the starting point.

This is a route of Stichting Wandelen in Westerwolde in cooperation with Stichting Heksje Hasje. You can still sign up as a sponsor for this route. Mail to info@wandeleninwesterwolde.nl

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