Thor Pedersen

Thor Pedersen is a Danish explorer, adventurer and author, celebrated worldwide as the first person in history to visit every country in the world in a single unbroken journey completely without flying. A captivating speaker, he brings to life his decade-long expedition across land and sea, where endurance, curiosity and human kindness shaped every step. Through stories drawn from 203 countries, Thor invites audiences to explore what it truly means to connect across cultures and overcome impossible odds.

Born in Denmark to Scandinavian parents, Thor spent part of his childhood in North America before returning home, where he completed his education and military service. He built a solid foundation in shipping and logistics, gaining early experience that later proved essential to planning complex travel routes. His interest in the wider world grew naturally from years of working in a global industry, and by his early thirties he had visited many countries for business and leisure. In 2013, driven by a deep sense of purpose and adventure, Thor set out on what would become Once Upon A Saga, a project that would define his life and place him in the record books.

Across nearly ten years, Thor completed his historic journey, becoming the first person ever to reach every country on Earth without flying. His route covered more than 300,000 kilometres by ship, train, bus, and foot, through all climates and political conditions. As a Goodwill Ambassador of the Danish Red Cross, he visited 188 national societies, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian work. His story includes everything from sleeping rough in African ports to being welcomed into royal palaces. His book, ‘The Impossible Journey’, and his TED Talk ‘What I Learned About Humanity by Visiting Every Country,’ showcase the scope of his experiences and the lessons he learned about resilience, humility, and the power of human connection.

People hire Thor because his story reaches far beyond travel. His talks combine honesty, humour, and insight, offering audiences a rare perspective on persistence and perspective in challenging times. He speaks on topics such as resilience, motivation, cultural understanding, adaptability, and courage, weaving in vivid tales that inspire reflection and action. Whether through ‘The Impossible Journey,’ ‘Stories from the World’ or ‘Between Heaven and Earth,’ Thor reminds listeners that greatness is often a product of patience, trust, and perseverance. His message resonates with anyone seeking purpose, growth, and a deeper appreciation of humanity.