AO Member

Thor Pedersen

Joined Atlas Obscura in 2026

Known as the first person to visit every country in the world in one unbroken journey without flying, Danish adventurer Thor Pedersen spent nearly a decade proving that extraordinary goals can be achieved through persistence, patience, and human connection. Thor began his journey in October 2013 with a single rule: reach every country on Earth without boarding an airplane. Traveling by cargo ship, train, bus, and overland routes, he navigated closed borders, logistical challenges, and even a multi-year delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the expedition, Thor also served as a goodwill ambassador for the Red Cross, visiting the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 190 countries while raising funds and awareness for humanitarian work around the world. In 2023, he completed the historic journey, becoming the first person to reach every country without flying. His story is told in the international bestseller The Impossible Journey and through talks and media appearances worldwide.

@onceuponasaga @onceuponasaga @onceuponasaga @onceuponasaga @onceuponasaga thorpedersen.dk

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25 States Visited

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Countries Thor Pedersen Has Visited

Atlas Obscura

Sint Maarten

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Slovakia

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Slovenia

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Solomon Islands

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Somalia

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Atlas Obscura

South Africa

Admitted

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South Korea

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South Sudan

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Spain

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Sri Lanka

Admitted

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Sudan

Admitted

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Suriname

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Sweden

Admitted

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Switzerland

Admitted

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Syria

Admitted

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Taiwan

Admitted

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Tajikistan

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Tanzania

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Atlas Obscura

Thailand

Admitted

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Timor-Leste

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Togo

Admitted

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Tonga

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Trinidad and Tobago

Admitted

Atlas Obscura

Tunisia

Admitted

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Countries Thor Pedersen Has Visited

Countries Visited

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