It is a part of the municipality of Stichtse Vecht, and lies about 7 km (4.3 mi) north of Utrecht.

[3] The village was first mentioned in 1243 as "decem mansorum sitorum in Marsenvene", and means "ten parcels of land (in the moorland of Maarssen)" which were sold by Herman van Maarssen to the chapter of Saint Peter.

[4] Tienhoven started as a peat excavation village to the east of the Vecht River.

[6] On 14 May 1940, after the German invasion, the land was inundated and the villagers were evacuated to Twisk.

They returned after the capitulation on 20 May, and were able to pump the water away thereby limiting the damage caused.