Born: 10 October 1891, Norway
Died: 18 June 1976
Country most active: Antarctica
Also known as: NA
Though Caroline Mikkelsen was the first woman to set foot in Antarctica, Ingrid Christensen was the first to do so on the continent itself (Mikkelsen had reached one of the continent’s islands, not the mainland). Christensen was followed by her daughter Augusta Sofie Christensen, and two other women, Lillemor Rachlew, and Solveig Widerøe. Because the women believed the landing wasn’t an actual “first,” they didn’t make much of their accomplishment
Making four trips with her husband during the 1930s, Christensen was also the first woman to see Antarctica from a ship (with her friend, Mathilde Wegger), as well as the first to fly over it. Some even consider her the first to have traveled there, more so than Mikkelsen.
Christensen was not just a site-seer – she was a vital member of her husband’s expeditions. She was known for being fearless, with a bold demeanor. In 1946, she received Norway’s top knighthood, the Order of St Olav, for her contributions.