Between the 16th and 18th centuries, countless people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft. Oudewater obtained the unique right from Emperor Charles V to weigh witches on the city scales in 1545.
In the scales, they were weighed fairly and could prove their innocence. If you were found not to be a witch after the weighing, you received a 'Certificaet van Weghinge' and were free from further accusations for the rest of your life. People all over the world come here to get their certificates.
At the museum, you can stand on the scales yourself. Do you dare?
Museum de Heksenwaag (The Witch Weigher)
Leeuweringerstraat 2
3421 AC
Oudewater
Contact details
T: +31 348-563400
E: info@heksenwaag.nl
W: http://www.heksenwaag.nl/
Opening hours | |
---|---|
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Wednesday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Friday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Saturday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Times apply for 1 April to 1 November. In the months of July and August, the museum is also open on Mondays. 1 November to 1 April, the museum is only open on Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00 -17:00.