It is located in the municipality of Rhenen, Utrecht, about 5 km southwest of Veenendaal.

Until 1 January 2006, the western tip of the village was in the municipality of Amerongen.

[3][4] The village was first mentioned in 1448 as "op Elscher maelstat", and means "place where alder trees grow".

The economy during the 19th century was mainly based on the growth of tobacco plants.

Between 1980 and 1981, it was restored and functioned for several bakeries, but ran into technical difficulties.