First Crossing Of Greenland – Fridtjof Nansen

Source: www.frammuseum.no/

Interested in learning about the polar history of Norway? This is an excellent book following explorer and scientist Fridtjof Nansen, together with his crew of five, across the inland ice of Greenland. After many failed attempts by other explorers he became the first one to do so back in 1888. I’ve re-read this book several times, and it never stops to amaze me the hardship and bravery it took to complete such a journey. Nansen was of course a good skier, and what we in Norway call a “friluftsmann” (man of the outdoors), and during this journey all his knowledge was put to a test. They traversed mountains of ice and skied over an endless desert of white, while withstand the biting cold. This is pure adventurous reading for both adults and the younger ones!

“In 1888 Fridtjof Nansen embarked on a journey of exploration so audacious that it attracted almost universal ridicule. Described by one critic as ‘absolute recklessness’, Nansen’s plan involved approaching Greenland’s eastern coast through treacherous ice floes before crossing the vast expanse of inland ice by sledge and ski. However, in large part due to Nansen’s detailed planning, this expedition, unlike eight previous attempts, was a resounding success. Even Greenland’s Eskimos regared his achievement with awe, and Nansen received a hero’s welcome when he returned to Oslo.”

You might also like to read my blog article about the Fram Museum in Oslo.