The Impossible Journey

by Thor Pedersen

Der inspirierende Bericht eines wahren Abenteurers

Thor ist 34, als er sich auf seine größte Reise begibt. Das Ziel: als erster Mensch jedes Land der Welt bereisen und das alles, ohne ein einziges Flugzeug zu nutzen. Um das in etwa vier Jahren zu schaffen, arbeitet er einen logistisch nahezu perfekten Plan aus. Doch dieser bezieht weder Visaprobleme noch Stürme, korrupte Grenzbeamte, Krankheit und nicht zuletzt die Covid-Pandemie ein. Hartnäckig kämpft sich Thor durch alle Widrigkeiten und lernt dabei, dass es einfacher ist, Umstände zu akzeptieren und sich ihnen anzupassen, als gegen sie anzukämpfen.

Auf die Menschen kommt es an

„Ein Fremder ist ein Freund, den man noch nie getroffen hat“, sagt Thor Pedersen heute, denn er weiß, dass es die hilfsbereiten Einheimischen sind, auf deren Unterstützung und Freundschaft es ankommt. Auch die Menschen zu Hause sind wichtig für seine Motivation – allen voran seine Freundin Le, die ihn unterwegs 27-mal besucht und die er unterwegs heiratet.

„Reise der Superlative“ Berliner Morgenpost

Nach zehn Jahren unterwegs erreicht Thor sein letztes Reiseziel – die Malediven –, kehrt auf dem Seeweg nach Dänemark zurück und bricht dadurch den Rekord, als erster Mensch jedes Land der Welt bereist zu haben, ohne je dabei zu fliegen.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Memoir, Biography Memoir

336 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Felipe Chiriboga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Pedersen focuses more on his personal struggles with the logistics than actually sharing diverse experiences. All I know about his journey is through this book, and I was left with the sensation that he was primarily motivated by the ambition to be regarded as a famous modern explorer and not the journey itself. The book is basically a rollercoaster of him being frustrated with transport and visas, thinking about giving up, and then deciding to keep going. I expected this book to teach me more about places and cultures around the world, but unfortunately it is very self centered on the narrator and his desire to be done with the journey so he can say he did it.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Irgendwie habe ich erwartet, viel Neues über die verschiedensten Kulturen zu lernen oder Geschichten und Erlebnisse des Autors aus vielleicht nicht allen, aber sehr vielen Ländern die er bereist hat zu hören.
Gut, Erlebnisse gabs auch, aber bis auf ein paar Ausnahmen waren dass Hauptsächlich seine Probleme mit Bürokratie oder Logistik, was auf Dauer ein bisschen alt geworden ist.
Auch seine regelmäßig Zweifel an der Reise waren irgendwann anstrengend - es ist verständlich dass sie vorkommen, aber wenn es aus vielen Ländern das einzige ist, was wir seitenlang zu hören bekommen, und sonst nichts über dieses Land erfahren.... Naja.

Die Teile die länger ausgeführt waren, haben mir tatsächlich gut gefallen - zB die Zeit in Libyen oder Hongkong - waren mir aber viel zu wenig.
Ich hätte definitiv eine längere Version dieser Geschichte gerne gelesen, wenn sie ein bisschen weniger ausführliche Visaprobleme und dafür mehr solcher Erzählungen gehabt hätte.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay book recommendation time - The Impossible Journey, by Thor Pedersen.
Thor is a Danish man who in 2013 decided to be the first person in the world to travel to all 192 countries, and a dozen territories, like Macau, without flying.
It is a fascinating read, it is not though a tourist book. He did not go sight seeing per se, this is all about the journey, the journey of getting from one place to the next. What set out as a 3-4 year adventure, turned into a 10 year odyssey of self discovery. It is an inspiring read, and a read that will get you questioning your own travel adventures. 👍🥂
I thank my daughter Charlotte for buying me this book, I think you may be responsible for igniting a smouldering travel bug!!!! 😉💙

[Ken Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered Thor's book way back in 2017! There was no book at the time, and Thor was far from the end of his impossible journey. But I knew from my regular bulletins from 'Once Apon a Saga' that Thor would do his all to pull through.

And so it was. The book arrived a few days ago and I inhaled it in just a couple of days. It is a very different travel book. It is not so much a travelogue, don't expect that, but a wonderful story of resiliance and determination. It was wonderful to revisit my recollections of the many blog entries of so long ago. And to get a sense of what it must have been like to be in that maelstrom. Thor gives a deep insight into the mind of the adventurer and the seeker.

I was always most impressed with Thor's ambition to see and highlight what is good in life and in people everywhere in the world. Even in the most challenging situations. From a friendly woman in the snowy east of Poland to the many friends he acquired during his long sojourn in Hong Kong he was proved correct time and time again.

And while there are many scary scrapes and bureaucratic nightmares described in the text, the power of trust and humanity shines through. Thanks for that Thor.

I was fortunate enough to meet Thor during his journey and spend part of a day with him in 2022. He is tall and impressive and a man of fascinating thoughts and opinions. He also strides strong and long. I struggled to keep pace with him. It was great to read his words in this very special book. Don't miss it.

[Poul Kristensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a remarkable book! This isn't just another travel narrative; it's a deeply engaging exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that Thor experienced during his ten-year unbroken journey. The author beautifully captures the highs and lows, offering readers a profound insight into the challenges and triumphs faced along the way.

The vivid descriptions and heartfelt reflections make it a compelling read that resonates long after the last page. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human spirit. It is a truly MUST-read!!

[Liz]

Not for me
P.s. P28 refers to Denmark’s only river. Surely it has more than one? Wikipedia says so.

[Devon L Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant overview of what it takes to get through an impossibly challenging project - in this case a decade long world trip to every country without a flight. Thor doesn’t linger on minute details of each country, he focuses on the human experience - what does it take, what does it feel like, how do you deal with self doubt and extreme stress?

I love that such an epic journey is actually a breezy read, excellent storytelling with simplistic language & never a chore. I thoroughly enjoyed this, despite often feeling the anxiety and frustration Thor describes so well.

Absolutely worth a read…

[Michael Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story! This has to be one of the most challenging adventures of modern times. It is one thing to take on something difficult for weeks or even months, but to be locked into it for over 9 years puts Thor in a different category altogether.

This is a well-written, fast paced account of what it took to visit every country in the world without flying. Highly recommend!

[Natalie Sey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A travel tale for our times – I couldn't put this book down. It's raw, taking the reader from the pits of despair to the mountaintops of joy. Not many books hold so many stories within stories – adventure, marked by survival, touched by the kindness of strangers, all made possible by the power of a love story. Just wow...

The fact that Thor was able to meet almost every Red Cross/Red Crescent society in the world gave me hope that, in this dark world, there is so much light. Thousands of people out there are trying to make this world a better place.

Thank you, Thor, for daring to face the impossible! May your story echo in time.

[Riza Rasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thor Pedersen’s The Impossible Journey is an extraordinary account of his ten-year quest to visit every country in the world without flying; a feat that earned him a unique world record. Two years in, he nearly quit, but what carried him through was sisu, the Finnish concept of stoic determination, grit, resilience, and bravery. That word captures the essence of this book and of Thor himself.

As someone who has also traveled to every country, I could relate to the pain and endurance behind each border crossing, especially in Africa. Thor writes without sugarcoating or embellishment, and that honesty reflects his genuine character. Having traveled with him in the Pacific, I can attest that the voice in this book is truly Thor’s.

I loved how the story begins and ends at the same childhood lake in Denmark, symbolizing a personal homecoming. And woven through the pages is the love story between Thor and Le, a romance that endured across continents and years. What an incredible journey—my hats off to you, Thor!

[Bruysters Roel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was merely a small cog in the wheel of Thor's worldwide journey. The Pacific Island nation of Palau was one of the many obstacles Thor faced. Covid-19 made it nearly impossible for him to reach our little speck in the ocean. But he never gave up, despite the odds being set against him. I'm very proud to know him and STRONGLY recommend this book.
Roel @ Palau

[Josiah Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in a long time! The fact that Thor pulled off this challenge and lived to write this book is wild. The book hooked me right from the beginning. Can't recommend enough to travellers, adventures, or anyone really. In my opinion it is one of the greatest adventures of our time. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.

[Ole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible and fantastic book about an “impossible journey” and project. The book was made even more special as I had the privilege meeting Thor the day after arriving in Hong Kong, but also in Singapore later on and being able to welcome him home the day he made the last jump down the ladder. Still the book shared sides of Thor and the project I had no idea about, and made the reading even more special. I cannot wait for more stories/books and the documentary one day. 5 stars and a highly recommended read.

[Selina · Rating 5 out of 5]

After following Thor’s journey on social media, it’s been wonderful to hear new stories and the logistics of the trip. I have a new appreciation for visa applications and this incredible endeavour. I just wish Thor could have narrated it instead!

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a bit more of practical tips for someone intending to fly less but still travel the world. But there are more reflections about the mental state and struggles the author went through during one decade trying to accomplish his quest.

[Annina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein Reisebericht der sich klar von anderen unterscheidet. Thor Pedersen ist der erste Mensch, der alle Länder (ohne die Reise je zu unterbrechen) ohne Flugzeug besucht hat. Dafür war er fast zehn Jahre unterwegs. Seine Schilderung fokussiert sich auf die logistische Herausforderung dieses gewaltigen Unterfanges. Vielleicht nicht was ich erwartete, da auf Land und Leute der besuchten Länder nur nebenei eingegangen wird. Auf jeden Fall aber eindrücklich wie Pedersen dieses Abenteuer unbedingt durchziehen wollte. Manchmal fragte ich mich, warum er das tut, denn in gewissen Ländern war er nur ganz kurz und hat wohl kaum was gesehen. Aber er hatte dieses riesige Ziel vor Augen und um dieses zu erreichen tat er alles. Warum auch nicht.

[Ashwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This book is not your traditional travel book, instead it's about the ability to persevere and never give up when you get several closed doors

There's a reason why no one ever accomplished this feat before and this book summarizes why that is the case

I am really inspired to travel more and see various cultures out there. I learnt that people are almost always nice wherever you go, we need to change our perspective and try new things. This journey would not have been possible without all the people helping in various stages, I am happy the book highlights that

Hope we get a book 2 with more stories from different countries

[Dominika Niewiadomska · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Thor shares his reflections on his unique and unbelievable journey to every country on the planet without ever using a plane. It's a great and very personal read in which he shares anecdotes to several of the places he has traveled to (but don't expect a classic travel guide here!), explains the logistic and bureaucratic challenges he experienced and overcame, and reflects on how his views on the journey as well as life develop. It was very interesting to learn about his journey - both the adventurous travel one and the personal one. Highly recommend to anyone curious about what it means to really explore the world!

[Fred Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a typical travel book, but rather, think of it as a "behind the scenes" view of the logistics involved in travelling the world....Perhaps the side of travel writing we actually rarely get a glimpse of.

As the book progressed I found myself glued to the pages, unable to put the book down, desperate to know how the latest obstacle would be overcome.

I would absolutely love to do something like this - visit lots of countries overland.

I hope a future book will follow and go in to more detail about the destinations, and the people. Several books, actually. A decade is too much to cram in to one book.

[Jorgia Amor · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, this book chronicles a bold mission: to visit every country on Earth without flying. It’s an incredible logistical challenge, filled with unpredictable borders, delays, and years of endurance. But what makes this story truly impactful isn’t the destination, it’s the transformation along the way.

What begins as a goal to “be first” slowly dissolves into something deeper: a journey marked by patience, connection, and surrender. As the pages unfold, so does a quiet realization, that you don’t need to be seen, celebrated, or first to live a meaningful life. In a world obsessed with speed and recognition, Thor’s story is a refreshing call to live with presence, move with integrity, and trust the long road. It made me reflect on how purpose isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s found in the simple act of showing up with care.

The book is not without its slow or repetitive moments, especially in recounting similar border challenges or long waits. But that slowness is part of its authenticity, a mirror of the journey itself: not fast, not easy, but real.

This isn’t just a story of visiting places. It’s a lesson in letting go of ego, trusting people, and living relationally, and for that, I’m deeply grateful I read it.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only criticism of this book is that I wish it was longer because I just wanted more of it! I loved the stories and I wish it would continue with even more stories from the travelling in between and countries visited. If you are looking for a travel review of each country, this is not it. It is more about the project, the fascinating journey and the external and internal battles in finishing a project like this. That is why I loved it.

[Natalie Sey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A travel tale for our times – I couldn't put this book down. It's raw, taking the reader from the pits of despair to the mountaintops of joy. Not many books hold so many stories within stories – adventure, marked by survival, touched by the kindness of strangers, all made possible by the power of a love story. Just wow...

The fact that Thor was able to meet every Red Cross/Red Crescent society in the world gave me hope that, in this dark world, there is so much light. Thousands of people out there are trying to make this world a better place...

Thank you, Thor, for daring to face the impossible! May your story echo in time.

[Boris Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the author was on the road in one very long trip to visit all the countries of the world in one go, this is not really a travel book. The focus is on the enormous (some would say, crazy) goal he set himself of visiting every country without coming home AND without flying. Apart from the challenges of getting visas for some countries, the book tells the story of a man with an iron determination and stubbornness. Faced with obstacles outside his control, he finds himself dealing with lack of sea connections between island nations, very long waiting times to find transportation in this era of air travel, and to top it off: Covid-19 which pins him down in Hong Kong for almost two years, and which hampers his travels in the aftermath.

The author also tells the story of a love he found before leaving, how his extended absence puts enormous pressure on this relationship, and how they both survived (with a particularly happy end). It recalls the story of Penelope, patiently waiting for her Odysseus to come home from the seas (which incidentally also took him around ten years). Yes, she did come over to visit him, but at times they didn’t see each other for very long periods of time. You cannot but admire the (largely invisible) lady of this romantic part of the story.

This is not a travel guide, this is not even really a travel story, but first and foremost an honest account of not giving up no matter the price you pay, with the doubts, reflections, and inner psychology that comes with it. Very inspirational for anyone who wants to raise the bars in their life, to do the unthinkable and the unimaginable - and to stay course when things don’t go the way you planned (which inevitably they will). Because in the end, you can you much more than you ever thought possible.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

In many ways this is an extraordinary book, given the ambition of Pedersen's journey and the way he managed - against the odds - to complete it. But it is also very curious because - I guess intentionally - the focus is very much on him, the stresses of arranging transport and crossing borders - rather than about the people and places he went through. Local people mainly feature when they are helping or (it seems, more often) hindering his progress. You do sometimes get a sense of place, but the urgency of moving on is a constant backdrop. In case you haven't sufficiently admired his tenancity in handling border bureaucracy and obstructiveness time after time, he rather absurdly compares his hardships to those faced by polar explorers.

The other issue is Pedersen's simplistic political assessments of the places he travels through. Venezuela, Iran and other countries are harsh dictatorships, we are told, but these seem to be the preconceptions which Pedersen has developed from corporate media, and he makes little effort to adjust his views - usually finding them confirmed. The reality is that almost everywhere that's called a dictatorship (or labelled in similar pejorative ways) there will be many ordinary people who are indifferent to the government and many who indeed support it.

I haven't checked the blogs he wrote to find out if all of this wider appreciation of places and people occurs in his other writings about the "impossible journey", but if it does it is a pity that very little of it made its way into the book which (presumably) is the main record of his ordeal.

[RGaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Thor's journey quite well ... I have interviewed him on my podcast for a cumulative 15 hrs, I have seen his documentary, and have had direct conversations with him as well.

Despite my knowledge of his journey, reading this book revealed countless stories I was unaware of and added context & nuance that made his quest even richer.

It is difficult to grasp what Thor has accomplished. This is truly one of the great adventures/quests of of the 21st cent. Thor made a tremendous sacrifice with his nearly 10 yr journey and NEVER returning home. Imagine what you would miss regarding your family and friends. He is also an incredible problem solver .. travelling to every country in the world is no simple task (and made none the easier during Covid).

This is a journey that redefines grit.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

At page 67 (“Walk like a king”), I decided to start over at the beginning of the book and mark the many leadership and life lessons shared in The Impossible Journey (and by the way, page 67 must be accompanied by 106: “Sometimes… it’s best to act as if the other person is king.”).

How amazing to read about Pedersen’s nearly ten year journey, and how he ventured through to the end… a mastery of tactical problem solving, operational logistics, strategic thinking, and above all emotional intelligence.

I don’t believe this is published in the US yet, but I secured my copy within a week from Blackwell’s in the UK. Enjoy!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Thor’s journey fascinating.

However, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the book. If you’re expecting to hear about detailed information for each and every country in the world he visited, you won’t find this.

The book is more about his personal experiences, frustrations, challenges, trials, disappointments, and successes. Of course, you will learn some interesting things about some obscure and far-flung countries. But probably the most interesting things about his incredibly long journey are about his interactions with people in other countries.

It took a lot of guts to do what he did - and because of that I found it an interesting book.

[Denis Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thor Pedersen's ambition to visit every country in the world without flying did not excite me with awe and wonder. Rather, it made me think he was born a century and a quarter too late. But his book became increasingly interesting to me. As he recounted his challenges and frustrations, I became immersed in his adventures and attentive to his insights. His evolving relationship with the incredibly
tolerant Le became a point of interest. There are many positive messages that the reader can take from 'The Impossible Journey'. Pedersen did accomplish something extraordinary - personal growth. He confirms that it is people more than things that we should value above all.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book saved my life metaphorically speaking, my favorite book reviewer Clifford Lee Sargent on YouTube and Patreon has a new review out shortly.

Christians that like the fantasy worlds of Tolkien, Lewis, or Lev Grossman will appreciate the darker side of humanity and how others we have all been maliciously unabuused,

He always - said die reading, always bring a book, now we are ready for a new chapter in reading. A reality not based on fear but on personal choice. That’s all I have to say about that.


You can pick it up at your local library for free. Or if you’re as impatient as I was about late fees

If you like books I’m your book cart pusher man.

[Gintaute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to finally read Thor’s book after following his journey for so many years. The book truly captures the feeling of the journey and everything it took to complete it. Book that inspires even it shows not just pretty side of the travel. An amazing journey and a remarkable accomplishment that deserves far more recognition than it received!