X

Get FREE Email Updates

Sign Up

Dave's Travel Corner

Seeing the World One Step at a Time

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Guides
  • Journals
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Links
  • Interviews
  • About

interviews

Our interviews focus on the travel, entertainment and lifestyle industry,
with people who are making valuable contributions in their particular fields.


Johan Ernst Nilson: International Explorer

September 15, 2011 by DaveLeave a Comment

Photo courtesy of Johan Ernst Nilson

[caption]Photo courtesy of Johan Ernst Nilson

Johan is in the middle of a global expedition in which he is journeying from the North Pole through North and South America and ultimately reaching the South Pole. Pole2Pole is a 12 month journey.

Along with the unique adventure aspect of the journey (never been done), Johan is also raising awareness for the environment and working with additional charities. Recently we had a chance to ask Johan about both his current and prior expeditions.
 

Q. Tell us about your current ambitious one year project of Pole 2 Pole and its main focus.

A one year project contains so many different kind of experiences. I started on the North Pole on the 6 of April and have been skiing, sailing, dog sledding and biking all the way down to Guatemala. I will now follow the route down for a couple of month until I reach Antarctica in December. It is a very intense year 😉
 

Q. Logistics must be a huge part of preparing for an adventure like this – an adventure that covers every latitude on the globe. How do you go about preparing and planning for an adventure of this magnitude and length?

I try to prepare for anything to might happen and everything that could not possibly happen – ’cause that will happen as well…..believe me. I always try to plan for it all but it is crazy what kind of situations accrue along the way: a shark biting in my kayak outside Africa, stones falling from the sky on Mt Everest etc. The best way to plan is to learn from other peoples mistakes.
 

Q. In another interview I heard you mention the “inner journey” – could you expand on what this is and discuss why it’s important for people to take the time to do this?

The real reason why people takes risks is that we grow as humans when we reach new levels and when we dare to walk outside the comfort zone, I believe that the biggest exploration is within ourselves.
 

Q. It is been our experience that life is more rewarding when you follow your passion – something you really love to do. What advice can you tell people who are looking to make a career change to something more personally rewarding?

The higher the mountain is, the more difficult it will be to climb it but the more beautiful the panorama will be. If you are very passionate about something and then maybe afraid to walk outside the comfort zone I can only say; it will be hard and it will be blood, sweat and tears…..but that does not mean that it’s not worth it. It is worth it just because it was hard to get there. You grow as a person.
 

Q. Did you have any predilection towards outdoor adventure as a child? I read that you became an adventurer after a bar-room bet – that’s certainly an interesting way to start a career! Tell us a little about that life changing bet.

When I was 15 years old I was watching someone playing the piano on the TV and I asked my mother who that was. She told me that his name was Elton John and that he played the piano. I said that I wanted to play like that and she said I need to do three things; practice, be motivated and focused. After three years I worked as a pianist and I started my exploration. You see, exploration is not necessary a geographical journey. I started to understand the importance and power of focusing. A few years later I was talking about this in the bar where I worked in Stockholm. My friends told me that I “happened” to have an ear for music….that it was mostly luck and that this couldn’t be put in a another context. I made a bet that could bike to Africa from Stockholm…..the next day…..despite my low grades in Gym class. So after 52 days and 70000 km I was in the Sahara. That is how it all started….
 

Q. During your climbs of the world’s seven summits – which mountain was the most physically and mentally challenging to climb for you and why?

Mount McKinley. The reason is that was my first mountain and it was harder than Everest (at that time) and even more spectacular. I had never been in the Alpes before and to see the world from a summit of a mountain was mind blowing….but very hard for me.
 

Q. I’m sure all of your 30 some odd expeditions have been interesting in their own way but which one really stands out and why?

I think that my Everest climb was special to me. Everything was planned in the right way and during the other expeditions I always had to fight with my own doubts and the logistics. Now I knew that I could do it and I had planned it in detail.
 

Q. What first led you to becoming a strong proponent and supporter of environmental awareness issues?

It pretty much speaks for itself. When you are out in the nature the whole time you see how beautiful the world is but also how fragile this planet is and that we are in charge of its future. I started to do my expedition Climate Neutral in 2002 when I heard that it was possible to climb Climate Neutral and I found an organization that helped me to solve the problems around it.
 

Q. Your expedition is certainly raising awareness about climate Neutrality – what is it, how can we find out more about it and how can people in their everyday lives work towards it?

The organization that I work with is called Respect Climate and they really help a lot of companies to both save money and to reduce the carbon foot prints. Today the is a formula for how this could be done. 20 years ago it was harder because we did not have enough information about the climate and our human interference.
 

Q. Since you were born in Stockholm and still call that city “home” (among others) when you are not traveling – what are some of your favorite activities and or sights in and around Sweden’s capital city?

My family and my home. Those are the two biggest things that I miss right now, sitting out here in the desert in Mexico. I love the archipelago and Stockholm as a city. I will always be a Swede no matter how much I fly over the world
 

BIOGRAPHY

Photo courtesy of Johan Ernst Nilson

Photo courtesy of Johan Ernst Nilson

Born in Sweden, Johan’s first adventure started in 1994 as the result of a wager; biking from Stockholm to Morocco, in 52 days. As Johan sought out more ambitious projects, his trips required greater planning and soon he began to focus on exploring the extreme regions of the globe. Crossing Alaska-on foot-in 1995, Johan realized the full effect of environmental hazards due to climate change. In tandem with his findings, he participated in scientific research in Antarctica in 1998.

Globally known as the environmental explorer, Johan’s most famed project to-date is his 2008 Seven Summits journey, where he reached the summits of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, including Mount Everest, Mount McKinley and the Vinson Massif. Johan has also published a photobook titled Seven Summits – The Photobook, featuring images from his Seven Summits journey.

Johan plans each project with the purpose of sharing his experiences and observations with others. Known globally, Johan has produced news stories and reports that have been featured on globally renowned media outlets such as BBC, CNN, Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel. He was also elected Swedish President of Everest Summiteers Association (ESA) in 2007.

Related posts:

The Other Side of Everest Mountain Zone – May 2000 Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Mt. Rainier, WA A Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro

Filed Under: Interviews · Tagged: Africa, Alaska, America, Antarctica, Bicycle, Desert, Drinking, Everest, Interview, Journey, Mexico, Mountain Climbing, Music, National Geographic, River Rafting, Sailing, Save Money, Ski Trip, South America, Sweden

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want an avatar to show with your comments? Get a free Gravatar

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dave's Wines Logo

The Official Wine Club of
the Napa Wine Project!

Your personal membership to the
finest Napa Valley artisan wineries.
Learn More
Follow @DaveDTC

Get FREE Email Updates ▶

Categories

Interviews

  • “Hiko in Tonga” – A Vanishing Culture of Women Jugglers in Tonga – Interview with Paprika Leaverton, Filmmaker, Professional Juggler and Entertainment Performer
  • A harsh but beautiful wildlife haven at the bottom of the world – Interview with Vicki Foster, Government Officer of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands
  • Adam Olalde – CEO and Founder – Xtreme Xperience
  • Adam Pervez: Travel Writer, Speaker
  • Adam Shepard: Author and Speaker
  • Adrian Qais: Adventure Traveller
  • Ashley Colburn: Travel Host, Producer & Writer
  • Babak A. Tafreshi, National Geographic Photographer, Explorer, Speaker
  • Boyd McCleary, Former Governor of the British Virgin Islands
  • Brady Trautman, Round the World Sailor, The Delos Project
  • Carl T.C. Gutierrez, President & CEO Guam Visitors Bureau and Former Governor of Guam
  • Charles Duncombe: Founder, Holidaysplease
  • Chawadee Nualkhair, Thai-American Food Journalist
  • Christopher Birt, Actor and Traveler
  • Christopher Elliot Consumer Advocate and Journalist
  • Conversation, Margaret Lehmann – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
  • Dan Buettner, Founder of Blue Zones & New York Times Bestselling Author
  • David Stanley: Traveler & Guidebook Author
  • Delving into the Art of Travel Writing with Nathan James Thomas, Founder and Chief Editor of Intrepid Times
  • Discover the ultimate indulgence of hanging 1,200 feet off a cliff in the Sacred Valley, Peru – Interview with Natalia Rodriguez, General Manager of Natura Vive
  • Don George: Editor & Travel Author
  • Doug Lansky: Travel Writer + Speaker
  • Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Marine Scientist and Author
  • Ed Stafford: Adventurer
  • Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom
  • Erden Eruç: Global Circumnavigater and Adventurer
  • Everett Potter – Travel Journalist
  • Fatspatrol (Fathima) Mohiuddin, Artist and Muralist
  • Follow the Nomadic Footprints in Kyrgyzstan – Interview with Aisha Mambetalieva, Director and co-founder of Kyrgyz Tourism LLC
  • From the World’s Smallest Classroom to the Oscars – Interview with Pawo Choyning Dorji, Producer, Director and Writer of “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom”, the Nominee for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards
  • Gloria Huwiler: Actress
  • Gretchen Upshaw, Founder of Spell Caster Ghost Tours
  • Guðrið Højgaard, CEO Visit Faroe Islands
  • Horror Talk with Rich Ragsdale – Director, Composer, Producer and Writer
  • How Living with Strangers Sparked a Filmmaker’s Dream – The Story of Christoph Pehofer
  • Ian Cumming, Entrepreneur & Founder Travel Massive
  • Interview with Joe Sidek, father of George Town Festival
  • Interview with Tobias Hägg, Photographer and Aerial Artist
  • Isabel Leong Travel Blogger
  • Jackson Doktok, Chairman of Palau Visitors Authority
  • James Asquith, Youngest to Visit all 196
  • James Kaiser: Photographer, Guidebook Author
  • Jens Notroff, Archaeologist, Illustrator, and Science Communicator
  • Jessica Matthews & Julia Silverman: sOccket Co-founders
  • Jo Carroll, co-owner of Winchcombe Farm Holidays
  • Johan Ernst Nilson: International Explorer
  • John Farrell, Founder of One Bag Travel
  • Johnny Jet: Travel Expert and Travel Blogger
  • Joseph Rosendo, TV Personality & Travel Journalist
  • Julie Stevens – A Model Traveler
  • Justin Francis, Co-founder and CEO of Responsible Travel
  • Justin Zackham, Screenwriter, Producer & Traveler
  • Karen Rowley – Owner Many More Travels
  • Karl Bushby, Adventurer and Author
  • Kimberly Fisher: Model, Travel Writer & Philanthropist
  • La Carmina – Blogger, Author, Journalist and TV Host
  • Landing in Paro, One of the World’s Most Dangerous Airports – Interview with Chhimi Dorji, Captain of Drukair
  • Larry Jacobson: Sailor, Author
  • Lee Abbamonte: Global Super Traveler
  • Leif Harum – Author, Backpacker & World Traveler
  • Lisa Niver: RTW Traveler
  • Living in the Archipelago That Whale Sharks Call Home – Interview with Founder of the Mafia Island Tourism Association, Peter Byrne
  • Louise Reilly Sacco, Permanent Acting Interim Executive Director of the Museum Of Bad Art
  • Lynn Gilmartin: Australian Presenter and Traveler
  • Marilyn Conroy, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Riviera River Cruises
  • Mark Jason Williams, Award-Winning Playwright, Essayist and Travel Writer
  • Matt Ruby, New York City Stand-up Comedian
  • Matthijs Keij, CEO of Withlocals
  • Meet the Brummy who turned his love for his hometown into a walking tour – Rob Ankcorn, the co-founder of Real Birmingham Free Walking Tour
  • Michael Wigge: Reporter & Filmmaker
  • Mike Corey, Adventure Travel YouTuber & BBC Television Host
  • Neil Mandt: Actor, Producer & Traveler
  • Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer of Finnair
  • Patrick Smith: Airline Pilot and Author
  • Paul Salopek, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and Writer
  • Peter Greenberg, The Travel Detective
  • Peter Mondavi Sr: Longtime Napa Winemaker, Industry leader
  • Pilots, Amelia Rose Earhart & Patrick Carter
  • Rachel Rudwall, TV Host & Producer
  • Ramona Bruland, Adventure, Lifestyle & Adventure TV Host
  • Richard Bangs: Global Explorer, Author
  • Robert Reid: Lonely Planet USA Editor
  • Robert Young Pelton: Author, Filmmaker, Journalist, Adventurer
  • Rolf Potts: Travel Writer & Journalist
  • Russ Hedge, CEO of Hostelling International USA
  • Ryan & Emily, The Snail Travelers
  • Ryan Vasquez, Broadway, Movie and TV Actor and Singer
  • Sam Shank, CEO HotelTonight
  • Sarah Dandashy, Founder Ask A Concierge
  • Savannah Grace: Author & Traveler
  • She Walks the Earth – Angela Marie Maxwell, Explorer, Inspirational Speaker, Empowerment Coach
  • Skuli Mogensen, Founder & CEO WOW air
  • Sleep Tourism: How the Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York is Redefining Hotel Stays through a Revitalizing Sleep Program
  • Steven K. Tsuchida, American Film Director
  • Stuart Every – CEO and Founder of Dolphin Creative
  • Teri Johnson: Co-host of Travelista TV
  • The Earl of Yarmouth, co-founder of The Secret Aristocrat Company
  • The Utopia in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean – Interview with Shirley Squibb, Deputy Head of the Tourism Department of Tristan da Cunha
  • The Vawter Family – Vawters on the Water
  • Thomas Ramdahl, SVP Network Management at airBaltic
  • Tom Allen, Adventure Cyclist, Author and Filmmaker
  • Tom Waller: Producer, Director and Writer
  • Tony Wheeler: Founder of Lonely Planet
  • Tori James, Adventurer and Speaker
  • Vanessa Pirotta, Whale Researcher
  • Virginia Chan, Founder of Humid with a Chance of Fishballs
  • Visit Cyprus – The Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus
  • Walter “Yukon” Yates: Adventurer & Entrepreneur
  • Yung Chang: Writer & Director

Latest Posts

  • STARLUX and PEANUTS Expand Partnership, Bring Fa…
  • Holland America Line’s Alaska Cruises Suppor…
  • A peaceful riverside scene with willow trees in Kinosaki Onsen, JapanKinosaki Onsen Itinerary & Things to Do: Guide…
  • Albay: A Splendid Volcano Province
  • A Spring Getaway Awaits in Armenia: The New Hotspo…

Explore

  • Above the Clouds
  • Guides
  • Highlight of the Month
  • Interviews
  • Journals
  • Press Releases
  • Videos

Prepare

  • Book Reviews
  • Pack List
  • Quiz: Geography
  • Quiz: Travel
  • Tour Booking
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Products

Share

  • Contribute
  • Forums
  • Links
  • Photos

About

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Contributors
  • Email Dave
  • Media Coverage
  • Media Kit
Hi I'm Dave. After a life changing trip in 1996, I began this site as a creative outlet to educate, inspire and share travel experiences. Read more...
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • YouTube

Return to top of page
Copyright © 1996–2025 Dave's Travel Corner · All Rights Reserved · Log in

7ads6x98y