The Most Famous Norwegian: A Ranking of Notable Figures

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

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 2, 2023 23:51)

Welcome to StrawPoll, your ultimate destination for engaging polls and exciting rankings! Today, we are on a quest to discover the most famous Norwegian personality, and we need your valuable input. Join us in exploring the land of fjords, Vikings, and Northern Lights, as we dive into the world of Norwegian trailblazers and icons. From actors and musicians to sports stars and historical figures, our comprehensive list covers the best of the best. But wait, there's more! If you feel that we've missed someone who truly represents the essence of Norway, don't hesitate to suggest your favorite candidate. So, what are you waiting for? Cast your vote now, and together let's unveil the true legend of Norway!

Who Is the Most Famous Norwegian?

1

79
votes
Anders Beer Wilse · Public domain

Edvard Munch

Norwegian painter and printmaker, most famous for his painting "The Scream."
Edvard Munch in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Expressionist artist
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Danish artist
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous printmaker
2

28
votes
Henrik Olrik (1830-1890) · Public domain

Henrik Ibsen

Norwegian playwright and poet, considered one of the greatest playwrights in Western literature.
Henrik Ibsen in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous playwright
3

16
votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domain

Roald Amundsen

Norwegian explorer who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole.
Roald Amundsen in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Antarctic explorer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
4

24
votes

Kulttuurinavigaattori · CC BY-SA 4.0

Odd Nerdrum

Norwegian figurative painter who combines elements of kitsch and classical painting.
5

19
votes

gdcgraphics · CC BY-SA 2.0

Liv Ullmann

Norwegian actress and director, known for her work with Ingmar Bergman.
6

13
votes
Andreas Kontokanis from Piraeus, Greece · CC BY-SA 2.0

Magnus Carlsen

Norwegian chess grandmaster, considered one of the greatest players of all time.
Magnus Carlsen in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most handsome chess player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous chess player
7

17
votes

Anders Beer Wilse · CC BY 2.0

Knut Hamsun

Norwegian author and Nobel Prize laureate, known for his novel "Hunger."
8

6
votes
uncredited · Public domain

Thor Heyerdahl

Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer, known for his Kon-Tiki and Ra expeditions.
Thor Heyerdahl in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ocean explorer
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
9

5
votes

Georg Pahl · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Sonja Henie

Norwegian figure skater and actress, three-time Olympic champion and ten-time world champion.
10

6
votes
Riksarkivet (National Archives of Norway) from Oslo, Norway · No restrictions

Vidkun Quisling

Norwegian politician who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II, infamous for his role in the Norwegian puppet government.
Vidkun Quisling in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous traitor

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Ranking factors for famous Norwegian

Global Recognition

The level of recognition the person has on an international scale is a significant factor. This includes their popularity and impact beyond Norway's borders.
Achievements

The person's achievements in their respective field, whether it be in arts, sports, science, or any other area, should be taken into account. This includes awards, contributions, and notable success.
Cultural Influence

The extent to which the person has influenced Norwegian culture, either through their work, ideas, or activism, can be an important factor in determining their fame.
Historical Significance

Consideration should be given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Norwegian history or had a lasting impact on the country's development.
Media Presence

The person's presence in various forms of media, including traditional media outlets, social media platforms, and public appearances can also play a role in their fame.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

2156 views
213 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous norwegian

Norway is a country known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and influential figures. From explorers to artists, Norwegians have made a significant impact on the world stage. When it comes to determining who the most famous Norwegian is, there are several contenders. Some of the most well-known Norwegians include playwright Henrik Ibsen, painter Edvard Munch, and explorer Roald Amundsen. However, there are also more contemporary figures, such as singer-songwriter A-ha and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, who have gained international recognition. With such an impressive list of talented individuals, it's no wonder that the question of who is the most famous Norwegian remains a topic of debate.