1. Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930)
Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, and humanitarian. He led the first crossing of the Greenland interior and later became a key figure in the League of Nations, advocating for the welfare of refugees and displaced persons. His Arctic expeditions and scientific work earned him international acclaim.
2. Edvard Munch (1863–1944)
Edvard Munch was a renowned Norwegian painter and printmaker best known for his iconic painting, "The Scream." His work explores themes of existential angst, love, and death, influencing the Symbolist and Expressionist movements.
3. Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906)
Henrik Ibsen was a playwright and poet, often referred to as the "father of modern realism." His plays, such as "A Doll's House" and "Hedda Gabler," are still performed worldwide and explore social issues, psychology, and human rights.
4. Roald Amundsen (1872–1928)
Roald Amundsen was a pioneering Norwegian explorer best known for being the first person to reach the South Pole. He also led the first successful expedition through the Northwest Passage, achieving major milestones in polar exploration.
5. Gro Harlem Brundtland (1939–)
Gro Harlem Brundtland is a Norwegian politician and the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Norway. She is also known for her leadership in the World Commission on Environment and Development, which produced the landmark "Brundtland Report" on sustainable development.
6. Sonja Henie (1912–1969)
Sonja Henie was a Norwegian figure skater and actress, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a world champion. She revolutionized figure skating with her innovative techniques and went on to become a major film star in Hollywood.
7. Knut Hamsun (1859–1952)
Knut Hamsun was a Norwegian author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920. His work, such as "Hunger" and "Growth of the Soil," explores themes of human psychology, existentialism, and nature, contributing significantly to modernist literature.
8. Sigrid Undset (1882–1949)
Sigrid Undset was a Norwegian author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928 for her historical novels, particularly the trilogy "Kristin Lavransdatter," which explores medieval Norway and themes of love, faith, and personal conflict.
9. Magnus Carlsen (1990–)
Magnus Carlsen is a Norwegian chess grandmaster and the youngest player to be ranked world No. 1. He became the World Chess Champion in 2013 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time.
10. Leif Erikson (c. 970–1020)
Leif Erikson was a Norse explorer from Iceland, credited with being the first European to set foot in North America, long before Columbus. He established a settlement called Vinland, likely in present-day Newfoundland, Canada.