Eggert Ólafsson

He studied natural sciences, Classics, Grammar, Law, and Agriculture at the University of Copenhagen.

In 1772 he posthumously published Reise igiennem Island (Travels in Iceland), an account of the scientific and cultural survey he conducted between 1752 and 1757.

His writing has made him known for his pro-conservation stance on the Icelandic language, which has undergone significant change since the 18th century.

Eggert and his wife, Ingibjörg Halldórsdóttir, drowned in 1768 when going back home from a winter sojourn in Sauðlauksdalur.

Icelandic romantic poet Jónas Hallgrímsson also wrote a poem for Ólafsson; entitled "Hulduljóð", it was never finished.