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Portrait of Heinrich Harrer

Heinrich Harrer

(1912–2006) Explorer Austria

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Heinrich Harrer was an explorer from Austria, best known for Seven Years in Tibet (Sieben Jahre in Tibet).

Quick Facts About Heinrich Harrer

Born
July 6, 1912
Died
January 7, 2006
Nationality
Austria
Profession
Explorer
Notable works
Seven Years in Tibet (Sieben Jahre in Tibet)
Spouse
Lotte Wegener

About Heinrich Harrer

Heinrich Harrer was an Austrian mountaineer, explorer, writer, sportsman, geographer, and an SS sergeant. He was a member of the four-man climbing team that made the first ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, the "last problem" of the Alps, in July 1938. Harrer and the team flew the Nazi flag atop the mountain. Harrer had joined the Nazi Party shortly after the annexation of Austria in March 1938, and was personally received by Hitler after the climb. A year later in 1939, he and the climbing team went on an expedition to the Indian Himalayas, where they were arrested by British colonial authorities due to the outbreak of World War II. He eventually escaped to Tibet, staying there until 1951. He is the author of two autobiographical books, Seven Years in Tibet (1952) and The White Spider (1959).

Biography source: Wikipedia

Awards & Honors

Austrian Decoration for Science and Art Light of Truth Award Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Grand Gold Decoration of Styria Berufstitel Professor

Quotes by Heinrich Harrer