Thor Pedersen is a Danish explorer, adventurer, and author who made history as the first person to visit every country in the world without flying. Over nearly ten years, he journeyed by land and sea through 203 nations, completing his record-breaking expedition, ‘Once Upon A Saga’, in 2023. What began as a personal challenge became a mission to prove that perseverance, patience, and kindness can overcome even the greatest obstacles. From sleeping on cargo ships to crossing conflict zones, Thor’s journey is a testament to human endurance and the spirit of connection that unites people everywhere.
Throughout his travels, Thor encountered endless logistical challenges. Borders closed, visas were refused, transport broke down, and the COVID-19 pandemic left him stranded in Hong Kong for two years. Yet he never gave up. His military background and years in the shipping and logistics industry helped him navigate complex bureaucracy and unpredictable setbacks. Every country brought new lessons in humility, adaptability, and courage. Along the way, he met strangers who became friends, discovering the common humanity that bridges cultures and continents.
As a former Goodwill Ambassador for the Danish Red Cross, Thor visited the organisation’s offices in almost every country, raising awareness of humanitarian work and the power of community. His storytelling draws on these encounters, reminding audiences that compassion and resilience are universal values. Thor’s talks, including ‘The Impossible Journey’, ‘Stories from the World’ and ‘Between Heaven and Earth’, combine humour, honesty, and hope. He invites audiences into the highs and lows of his decade-long adventure, showing what it means to ‘keep on keeping on’ when faced with uncertainty and doubt.
Today, Thor is recognised as one of the world’s most accomplished modern explorers and a TED speaker, inspiring corporate teams, students, and global organisations. His speaking style is interactive, authentic, and deeply human, leaving audiences reflecting on their own capacity to endure and adapt. Whether he’s sharing lessons on leadership, perseverance, or cultural understanding, Thor challenges people to look beyond fear, embrace the unknown, and find meaning in the journey itself. His story is more than a record of travel - it’s a reminder of what’s possible when you move forward with purpose, curiosity, and trust in others.
