Born: 23 November 1861 (Skjeberg, Østfold, Norway)
Died: March 1936
Biography:
Therese Bertheau (23 November 1861 – March 1936) was a pioneering female Norwegian mountaineer. She was among the first in modern times to introduce trousers as an everyday item of clothing for women. Bertheau was born in Skjeberg in Østfold, Norway, to timber merchant Hermann Bertheau and Borghild Bertheau. From 1879, she worked as a language teacher at the Nissens Pigeskole, a school for young girls, where she taught English and French.
Bertheau’s passion for mountaineering began in 1884 and continued until 1910. During this period, she climbed over 30 peaks and achieved numerous first ascents. In 1894, she became the first woman to conquer Store Skagastølstind, a towering peak standing at 2405m. Six years later, in 1900, she scaled Store Skagastølstind once again, this time accompanied by English mountain climber William Cecil Slingsby. Bertheau cemented her legacy in 1904, when she completed the first known ascent of the walls at Kolsås, partnering with Norwegian mountaineer Henning Tønsberg.
Aside from her remarkable mountaineering achievements, Bertheau also made significant contributions to women’s involvement in outdoor activities. In 1902, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman elected to the Norwegian Tourist Association Board. This milestone opened the doors for more women to participate in the organization’s activities and played a vital role in promoting gender equality in the outdoors. In recognition of her accomplishments, Bertheau was invited to become a member of the Norwegian Alpine Club in 1909, a prestigious honor that had previously been exclusive to men.
Bertheau’s advocacy for women’s rights extended beyond mountaineering. She was among the first women in modern times to embrace trousers as part of her everyday clothing. By challenging traditional gender norms, she paved the way for greater freedom and comfort for women in their clothing choices. As an influential figure in the early 20th century, Bertheau’s progressive fashion choices inspired many women to embrace new styles and challenge societal expectations.
Despite facing societal constraints and gender bias, Therese Bertheau defied expectations and blazed a trail for women in mountaineering and women’s rights. Her courage, determination, and passion for exploration continue to inspire women around the world. Bertheau’s legacy as a pioneering female mountaineer and advocate for gender equality make her a true trailblazer in women’s history.