Baltazar Mathias Keilhau

Who is Baltazar Mathias Keilhau?

Baltazar Mathias Keilhau was a Norwegian geologist and mountain pioneer. He was born in Gjøvik. In 1830 he married Christine Kemp. Keilhau is regarded as the founder of geology in Norway. He lectured at the Royal Frederick University in Christiania from 1826, and was appointed professor from 1834.

Keilhau made the first ascent of Falketind in 1820 along with two other climbers. He has later been labeled the "discoverer" of the mountain range Jotunheimen. The mountain Keilhaus topp is named after him. At Svalbard, the mountain Keilhaufjellet and the glacier Mathiasbreen are named after him.

He was decorated Knight of the Order of Vasa, Knight of the Order of the Polar Star, and Knight of the Order of St. Olav.