Courland Peninsula

The Courland Peninsula (Latvian: Kurzemes pussala, German: Kurland), also sometimes known as the Couronian Peninsula, is a distinct geographical, historical and cultural region in western Latvia. It represents the north-westernmost part of the broader region of Courland (Latvian: Kurzeme). The peninsula is renowned for its unique coastline, significant natural areas, rich history, and as the primary homeland of the indigenous Livonian people. Fourteen coastal villages located along the peninsula's northern and western shores constitute the officially recognized Livonian Coast (Livonian: Līvõd Rānda), the core area of Livonian settlement and culture.

Geographically, the peninsula is clearly defined by major bodies of water. It is bordered by the open Baltic Sea to the west and northwest, the Irbe Strait (Latvian: Irbes jūras šaurums) to the north (separating it from the Estonian island of Saaremaa), and the large, shallow Gulf of Riga to the east. It covers a significant portion of northwestern Latvia, encompassing parts of the modern administrative regions of Ventspils Municipality, Talsi Municipality, and potentially small parts of Kuldīga Municipality.

The Courland Peninsula played a critical strategic role during the final stages of World War II on the Eastern Front, becoming the site of the fierce and prolonged battles of the Courland Pocket. German forces of Army Group Courland were trapped here by the advancing Red Army from October 1944 until the final German surrender in May 1945.