(2008) MiNr. 1936-1937 ** - Finland - BLOCK 52 - Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld

Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld - the polar explorer who sailed the Northeast Passage

Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (1832-1901) was one of the most important figures in 19th century geographical and natural history research. This Swedish-Finnish scientist, geographer and polar explorer is best known for being the first person to successfully navigate the entire Northeast Passage, a maritime route connecting Europe and Asia along the northern coast of Siberia.

Nordenskiöld was born in Finland, then part of the Russian Empire, into a family of scientists and scholars. His father, Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, was a renowned mineralogist, which influenced Erik's path to the study of natural sciences. After emigrating to Sweden for political reasons, Erik settled in Stockholm, where he worked as a professor and head of the Swedish Geological Survey.

The Road to Discovery

Nordenskiöld took part in several expeditions to the Arctic, especially to Svalbard and New Earth. His greatest fame, however, came in 1878, when he sailed on the Vega with the aim of sailing the entire Arctic belt along northern Russia. The expedition was carefully prepared, using the most advanced knowledge of the time and logistics based on scientific cooperation. Nevertheless, the ship had to stop during the winter of 1878-1879 because of the frozen sea off Chukotka, and Nordenskiöld wintered in difficult conditions.

In the spring, Vega resumed her voyage and arrived in the Pacific Ocean in July 1879. Nordenskiöld thus confirmed that the Northeast Passage was navigable, albeit considerably difficult. Its success was not only of scientific importance, but also had geopolitical implications, as it demonstrated the possibility of connecting Europe to Asia by a route other than the southern route.

Scientific paper and reference

In addition to geographical and climatic observations, Nordenskiöld also paid attention to botany, geology and ethnography. He had a deep interest in the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and documented their way of life. His expeditions produced an extensive collection of data that enriched European scientific knowledge of the northern regions.

Nordenskiöld was a member of several academies of science and the recipient of numerous honours. His books, especially "Voyage of the Vega", have become important sources for further research in the Arctic. Even today, his name is associated with pioneering, courage and an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the unknown.