Tromso, Norway: Roald Amundsen Monument

If you know anything about exploration of the earth's harshest places, you know the name of Roald Amundsen. He might qualify as Norway's first global celebrity, and his life is celebrated through the country ... including Tromso.

Amundsen tried to discover the North and South Pole, and was successful in the latter. He also made it through the Northwest Passage, quite clogged by ice at the time. Amundsen flew to the North Pole in 1926 and became the first man to go to the top and bottom of the world. But here's something you might not know about him: He spent the final years of his life in Tromson.

Amundsen went on his last mission in 1928, as he attempted to find the missing crew of explorer Umberto Nobile, The Norwegian never came back. His body was never found.

This statue in his honor went up shortly after his loss. It's located close to the waterfront, appropriately enough - one of the first sights visitors coming by sea see in the city. 

For those wanting a crash course on Amundsen's life, South Pole division ...