Nils Larsen

For the Norwegian pianist, composer, and pedagogue, see Nils Larsen (pianist).

Nils Larsen (19 June 1900 – 29 September 1976) was a Norwegian sea captain. Larsen is perhaps most associated with the Norvegia expeditions of Antarctica.^[1]

Larsen on Peter I Island in 1929

Larsen was born in Sandar, and became a noted whaler, captaining a number of whaling ships principally for Thor Dahl A/S of Sandefjord.^[2] He also served as a first mate on Norvegia expeditions of Antarctica financed by Norwegian whale-ship owner Lars Christensen. During these expeditions, Norway achieved annexation of Bouvet Island (1927) and Peter I Island (1929).^[3][4]

Larsen died in Sandefjord, at the age of 76. Geographical areas in Antarctica named after him include: Mount Nils Larsen (Queen Maud Land), Mount Nils (Enderby Land) and Nils Larsen Glacier (Peter I Island).^[1]