It is a part of the municipality of Wijk bij Duurstede, and lies about 10 km (6 mi) southeast of Houten.

The skyline of Cothen is characterized by a church and a windmill called Oog In 't Zeil.

[3] Cothen developed into a stretched out esdorp along the Kromme Rijn.

Castle Rhijnestein [nl] was located on the other side of the river.

The oldest parts of the Dutch Reformed Church are from the 13th century.