The Witches Weighhouse

Much of Oudewater’s city centre is listed in the Register of Monuments. The 16th century Witches Weighhouse, located in the centre of this historic place, now serves as a museum. Here, visitors can see an audiovisual presentation and exhibition about witch hunting, and be weighed themselves, on the original scales dating from 1482. 

For almost one hundred years, visitors from all over the world, have been visiting the Witches Weighhouse in Oudewater. They take their place on the large scales and, as in the past, receive their personal certificate. In this building, already in the 16th century, this weighing took place. Then it was a matter of life or death for those accused of witchcraft: many men and women ended up on the pyre. The City of Oudewater was the only one in Europe that received the privilege for a fair weighing process, granted by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Consequently, nobody here was ever convicted of being a witch. 

In the Museum compelling audiovisual displays, an exhibition and of course the original scales, tell the story of the witch persecutions, and the role played by the Weighhouse. For children it is a museum where they can play as well as learn. 

Do you know whether or not you are a witch, light enough to fly on a broomstick? Find out for yourself, weighed on ancient scales, and take away the proof, when you receive our ‘Certificaet of Weginghe’. 

We are preparing an application for nomination on the Unesco World Heritage List.