The Most Famous Dutch Explorer, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the explorer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:06

In the annals of history, the tales of Dutch explorers have often been overshadowed by their contemporaries from other seafaring nations. Yet, these intrepid individuals played pivotal roles in charting unknown waters and expanding the geographical knowledge of the time. By ranking the most renowned among them, we gain a clearer picture of their contributions and ensure their adventurous spirits are rightfully acknowledged. Each explorer's tale is a blend of bravery, discovery, and scientific achievement. As you engage with these rankings, you lend your voice to the celebration of their legacy. Your votes help to prioritize which stories resonate the most in our collective memory, fostering a deeper appreciation for the explorers who shaped our understanding of the world.

Who Is the Most Famous Dutch Explorer?

1

67
votes

Dit bestand heeft geen gegevens over de auteur. · Public domain

Willem Barentsz

Willem Barentsz - he is known for making three voyages to the Arctic region and attempting to find the Northeast Passage. He discovered Spitsbergen and Bear Island, and his expeditions paved the way for future Arctic exploration.
2

17
votes

Jacob Gerritsz. Cuyp · Public domain

Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman is he is best known for his voyages to the Pacific, where he was the first European to discover Tasmania, New Zealand, and Tonga. He also explored parts of Australia and the Fiji Islands.
3

15
votes

Anonymous (Low Countries)Unknown author Formerly attributed to Jacob Coeman · Public domain

Jan van Riebeeck

Jan van Riebeeck is he was the founder of Cape Town, South Africa, and established the first European settlement in the region. He explored the area and created a trading post for the Dutch East India Company.
4

21
votes

Northern Netherlands · Public domain

Hendrik Brouwer

Hendrik Brouwer is he discovered the Brouwer Route, a more direct route from the Cape of Good Hope to the East Indies, which saved weeks of travel time. He also explored the coasts of Australia and New Guinea.
5

13
votes

Carl Friedrich Behrens · Public domain

Jacob Roggeveen

Jacob Roggeveen - he is known for discovering Easter Island, which he named after the day of his arrival (Easter Sunday). He also explored parts of the South Pacific and made other significant discoveries.
6

14
votes

Nikolaas Verkolje · Public domain

Willem de Vlamingh

Willem de Vlamingh is he explored the west coast of Australia and discovered the Swan River, which later became the site of the city of Perth. He also searched for the missing ship of the famous Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman.
7

17
votes

Morishima Churyo · Public domain

Pieter Nuyts

Pieter Nuyts is he explored the coast of Australia and discovered the Nuyts Archipelago, which is named after him. He also made significant contributions to cartography and navigation.
8

7
votes

Dirk Hartog

Dirk Hartog - he is known for being the first European to land on Western Australia, where he left an inscribed plate to mark his arrival. He also explored parts of the Indian Ocean and the coast of Africa.
9

6
votes

Drukker Saeghman, Gillis Joosten · Public domain

Willem Schouten

Willem Schouten - he discovered Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, and named it after his hometown. He also explored the Pacific and made other significant discoveries.
10

5
votes

Maarten Gerritsz Vries

Maarten Gerritsz Vries is he explored the coasts of Japan, Korea, and Russia, and was the first European to make contact with the Ainu people of Hokkaido. He also made important contributions to the Dutch East India Company.

Missing your favorite explorer?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous explorer

Exploration achievements

The significance and impact of the places or routes discovered by the explorer.
Historical context

The role the explorer played during their time in expanding the Netherlands' reach and influence.
Cultural impact

The explorer's contribution to Dutch culture and society.
International recognition

The extent to which the explorer is recognized and celebrated outside of the Netherlands.
Longevity and legacy

The explorer's enduring influence on Dutch exploration and the lasting impact of their achievements.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Dutch explorer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Explorer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2361 views
178 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Explorer once every 24 hours. The rank of each Explorer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous dutch explorer

The Dutch have a rich history of exploration and discovery, with numerous explorers leaving their mark on the world. Among them, a few names stand out as the most famous Dutch explorers. These brave adventurers set sail to distant lands in search of new territories, riches, and knowledge. From the 16th to the 19th century, Dutch explorers played a key role in shaping the world we know today. Some of the most famous names include Willem Barentsz, Abel Tasman, and Jan van Riebeeck. Each of these explorers made significant contributions to the fields of geography, science, and culture, and their legacies continue to inspire us to this day.