He first studied theology, but from 1828 onwards devoted himself to literature. In 1840 he became reader and subsequently professor of philosophy at Christiania, and delivered a series of impressive lectures on literary subjects. In 1836 he visited France and Germany; and in 1858 he went to Italy to study archaeology. His influence was extended by his appointment as director of the Society of Arts.
Welhaven made his name as the representative of conservatism in Norwegian literature in the 19th century. In a violent attack on Henrik Wergeland's poetry he opposed the theories of the extreme nationalists. He desired to see Norwegian culture brought into line with that of other European countries, and he himself followed the romantic tradition, being most closely influenced by J. L. Heiberg. He represented clearness and moderation against the extravagances of Wergeland, and is now mostly known for this feud and for the poem Republikanerne. He was also, famously, for years romantically involved with Wergeland's younger sister Camilla, whose married name would later be Camilla Collett.
He gave an admirable practical exposition of his aesthetic creed in the 1834 sonnet cycle Norges Dæmring ("The Dawn of Norway"). He published a volume of Digte ("Poems") in 1839; and in 1845 Nyere Digte ("New Poems"). Other poems followed in 1848, 1851 and 1859.
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