Viewpoint Eiland Dode Hond - Zeewolde

De Dode Hond is the oldest island in the Randmeren, originally created as a work island. From the beginning, it has been a true nature paradise where various animal species can live undisturbed. Here, you can find otters, deer, beavers, the white-tailed eagle, and numerous other bird species.

The island is part of the Natura 2000 area. Despite this, the island has a peculiar name, doesn't it? There are many interpretations, such as that the dog of the workers who managed the land reclamation suddenly died and that the carcass was buried on this island. But the story from the mayor of Bunschoten-Spakenburg fits the history best.

"My 'groof' (Spakenburg dialect for 'grandfather') Melis got along well with all that lived on and from the water. He was very interested in the work of the dredging ships and regularly chatted with the captain of the dredger. He wanted to know if it was worthwhile to become a dredger. The captain's dog always wagged its tail during these conversations.

One day, Groof Melis made his decision. His own fishing boat no longer yielded anything, so he resolutely burned it. He would become a dredger on the Randmeren. During the negotiation with the dredger about the wages, the dog was nowhere to be found. When he asked about the dog, it had, as usual, gone ashore via the gangplank to run on the ring dike. The dog made a leap and tragically disappeared into the quicksand! The captain marked that spot on the map, which was later submitted to the client, now Rijkswaterstaat. On that map, it said: 'Dead Dog.' And that's how this island got its name."

You can sail here and dock at the small harbor to view this paradise up close. But be careful; due to the vegetation, some parts can be difficult to walk through!