Bjørn Heyerdahl often talks about turning the Earth Charter principles into action. “We need backbone, ‘vikingness’, and an unapologetic drive to start the implementation and see this through.
We have an extremely ‘soft’ impulse to nurture and understand one another, but we must balance it with a strong drive to make things happen. We need to design and create the future we want.
Like the Vikings did.
We must stop apologizing and engage with those who are wittingly or unwittingly doing colossal damage to the planet. We must meet them with a loud voice and bring living, alternative models of sustainability into being.
This is the intention of the Midgard Expedition. This Viking is here to promote new ethics and a vision for a sustainable future.
“There is a Viking Ship in every acorn.”
Bjørn Heyerdahl is an internationally recognized explorer, environmental strategist, and humanitarian whose work reflects a powerful convergence of heritage, adventure, and social impact. A direct descendant of Norse seafarers dating back to 812 AD and the grandson of legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl of the Kon-Tiki Expedition, Bjørn carries forward a lineage defined by audacity, discovery, and a deep curiosity about human interconnectedness. His grandfather’s pioneering spirit instilled in him a commitment to exploration not for its own sake, but as a means to advance sustainability, cultural understanding, and global responsibility.
Bjørn’s own journey began early. At 18, he tested the limits of his resilience by trekking 200 kilometers from Durban to Port Edward with only a backpack, foraging along the way and gaining firsthand insight into self-reliance and environmental harmony. His life took a pivotal turn during apartheid-era South Africa, when he refused conscription as an act of conscience. This moral stand demonstrated the courage, integrity, and justice-oriented leadership that continue to define his work today.
Bjørn Heyerdahl is more than just an explorer or environmentalist. He embodies the legacy of his lineage, stretching back to the iconic Viking era, and channels it into a modern narrative of sustainability, adventure, and humanitarianism. As an internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Bjørn Heyerdahl brings a unique blend of ancestral wisdom, personal grit, and contemporary insight to the forefront of discussions on environmental and developmental issues. This profile delves into his remarkable journey, heritage, and the invaluable perspective he offers as a speaker.
Bjørn Heyerdahl’s lineage traces back to the fierce Norse seafarers, the Vikings, who roamed the seas over a millennium ago. His connection to this heritage is not merely historical; it’s a living testament to resilience, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge. Dating back to 812 AD, his family’s legacy is intertwined with tales of adventure, discovery, and cultural exchange. However, it was his grandfather, Thor Heyerdahl, who etched their name into the annals of exploration history.
Thor Heyerdahl’s name reverberates through the ages for his audacious Kon-Tiki Expedition in 1947. Venturing across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean on a balsawood raft, he challenged conventional wisdom and demonstrated the potential of ancient seafaring techniques. This daring journey not only showcased the interconnectedness of humanity but also inspired future generations, including his grandson, Bjørn Heyerdahl, to push the boundaries of exploration and environmentalism.
Inspired by his grandfather’s pioneering spirit, Bjørn Heyerdahl embarked on his own adventures from a young age. At just 18, he embarked on a challenging journey on foot, trekking 200 kilometers from Durban to Port Edward with nothing but a backpack. Enduring the elements, foraging for sustenance, and sleeping under the open sky, he embraced the ethos of self-reliance and resilience. This formative experience laid the groundwork for his future endeavors and instilled in him a deep-seated commitment to his principles.
As an environmentalist and biospheric designer, Bjørn Heyerdahl is at the forefront of efforts to address pressing ecological challenges. Drawing upon his ancestral wisdom and contemporary knowledge, he advocates for sustainable practices that harmonize with the natural world. His innovative approach to biospheric design seeks to create regenerative systems that nurture both people and the planet. Through his work, he inspires individuals and organizations to adopt holistic solutions that prioritize environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Bjørn Heyerdahl’s commitment to humanitarian causes extends beyond environmentalism. As a consultant on humanitarian and development issues, he leverages his expertise to address socio-economic disparities and promote inclusive growth. Whether advocating for indigenous rights, supporting grassroots initiatives, or collaborating with international organizations, he remains dedicated to fostering positive change on a global scale. His holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic factors, emphasizing the importance of collaborative action and solidarity.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
Download Talent Files
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
If you’re searching for a speaker who inspires resilience, ignites authentic self-leadership, and empowers audiences to break through impossible challenges, Jason Tharp is your go-to. A powerhouse storyteller and founder of the Beyond Hope Project, Jason brings a fresh perspective on overcoming life’s toughest roadblocks. Imagine the authenticity of Brené Brown, the self-leadership insights of […]
Maggie Nichols joined the Eureka! Ranch in 1999 after graduating from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. After reading an article about the Ranch during an Entrepreneurship class, she decided that the Eureka! Ranch was the place where she was going to work. Months and dozens of pestering visits later, Founder, Doug Hall, finally acquiesced […]
The Evasons are a top entertainment duo that have been honored with some of the top awards in their field. They are the first recipients of “The Mentalism Award” from the Milbourne Christopher Foundation. They were awarded the highest honor for distinguished professionalism by the Psychic Entertainers Association. The Evasons have traveled worldwide to appear […]
Web 3, the metaverse, artificial intelligence and social networks are transforming our society and economy, and core social values like democracy and pluralism. Glen Weyl is the world’s leading expert on how to harness these emerging tools to advance support, advance and renew those values. As the main intellectual collaborator of Vitalik Buterin (Founder of […]
JJ DiGeronimo, President of Tech Savvy Women, a powerhouse in the realm of empowering professional women in the tech industry. With a trajectory marked by remarkable achievements and a passion for driving change, JJ stands as one of the most esteemed speakers, authors, and executive strategists dedicated to advancing women in the technology sector. JJ […]
Shama Hyder is a visionary strategist for the digital age, a web and TV personality, a bestselling author, and the award-winning CEO of Zen Media – a global marketing and digital PR firm. She has been named the “Zen Master of Marketing” by Entrepreneur Magazine and the “Millennial Master of the Universe” by FastCompany.com. Shama […]
Jason Hewlett is a captivating motivational speaker, seasoned emcee, and accomplished entertainer with a unique blend of humor, inspiration, and talent. Known for his energetic and interactive style, Jason has delighted and motivated audiences worldwide, helping them discover the power of personal authenticity and perseverance. Through his transformative storytelling and musical impressions, he creates a […]
As Founder and CEO of inDinero, Jessica Mah loves helping entrepreneurs run better businesses. She started inDinero back in 2010 to help entrepreneurs with all their accounting and tax needs after going through the same challenges with her own businesses. Jessica has grown inDinero from zero to multi-million dollar revenues with over 100 full-time employees […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel