How did Fridtjof Nansen complete the first known crossing of Greenland’s ice sheet?

In 1888, Fridtjof Nansen completed the first known crossing of the Greenland ice sheet by leading an expedition of six men from Norway.1

To ensure the success of the mission, Nansen employed a strategic approach: he started from the uninhabited east coast and intentionally cut off his party's means of retreat, thereby forcing them to push forward toward the west coast. The team began their crossing on August 15, 1888, utilizing snowshoes and skis to traverse the formidable terrain.12

Throughout the journey, the group endured intense cold and severe storms, reaching a peak elevation of 8,920 feet (2,719 metres) on September 5. They successfully struck the west coast at Ameralik fjord on September 26, 1888. Forced to winter at the settlement of Godthåb (now Nuuk) due to the late season, the party eventually returned home in triumph in May 1889.1