achterland

Achterland is a Dutch term used in geography and urban planning to refer to the inland area that lies behind a coast, river mouth, or major transport hub. It is the inland counterpart to the coastal or metropolitan zone and corresponds to the English concept of hinterland. The term is often used to describe the region that sustains or is served by a port, airport, or city center.

In economic geography, the hinterland is the market and supply area connected to a central node such as a port or rail hub. Its size and character depend on transport accessibility, travel times, and economic activity. Infrastructure like roads, railways, waterways, and logistic networks extend the hinterland by lowering transportation costs and shortening delivery times.

Hinterland analysis helps explain economic dependencies, resource flows, and regional development potential. It is a dynamic concept: improvements in logistics, trade links, or new routes can enlarge the hinterland, while congestion, policy changes, or shifts in demand can limit it.

The term is widely used in the Netherlands but is also applied internationally to describe inland regions linked to a central node, such as a port city or airport. Beyond transportation, it can refer to historical or strategic considerations in defining spheres of influence and regional significance.