Imagine dedicating more than four years of your life to a single, audacious goal: walking 40,000 kilometers around the globe. For one remarkable woman, this is not just a dream but a reality in motion. Starting her journey in Madrid in August of last year, Taina Liekari has taken on the challenge of walking the world while adhering to the stringent guidelines set by the Guinness Book of Records.

This is more than a physical endeavor; it’s a personal quest to explore new horizons, connect with diverse cultures, and, ultimately, discover herself. From the bustling streets of Europe to the rugged landscapes of Croatia, her journey has been filled with awe-inspiring experiences and moments of resilience.

Walking an average of 30 kilometers a day, she navigates weather challenges, cultural differences, and the occasional mishap—like losing her way in the mountains near Omiš. Despite the hardships, her spirit remains unshaken, driven by a Finnish concept called sisu, symbolizing determination and grit.

We caught up with her in Dubrovnik to discover her amazing story.

Meeting Taina Lieka in Dubrovnik 

So you are walking around the world! When and where did you start and when do you hope to finish?

I started my journey around the world in Madrid on the 15th of August last year. I think it will take more a little more than four years to complete my walking adventure. The whole walk is around 40,000 kilometres.

Four years is a long time to be on the road. Do you stop sometimes for a break, like for Christmas?

Yes, I have some free “resting” days during my journey so far. However, even during these days I like to get out and explore the city or rather place that I am resting in. I had a rest one day whilst walking down the Croatia as the north wind, the so called bura. It was really cold. And I don’t go home to Spain, in fact I will not go home for four years, as I am doing the walk in line with the rules and regulations of the Guinness Book of Records. And that doesn’t allow me to break my journey.

How did this love of walking begin? What are your motivations?

I want to see the world. It is as simple as that. I can’t get to see the world as a tourist, if I just fly to countries. I want to dig a little deeper to meet people, talk to them, learn their culture and traditions. I can only do this if I walk.

During your walk through Croatia what experiences (both good and bad) have you had?

I have to say that in Croatia everyone I have meet has been very kind and generous. Yes, the people have certainly been the most positive experience in Croatia. On the other side I had a bad experience a few days ago near to the city of Omiš. I decided to climb the mountains above the city to get a different view and perspective. I was following a mountain path but unfortunately on the way down the mountains I missed the signs and I ended up actually climbing, rather than walking, down. That was a little frightening experience. I guess you learn from every experience, good and bad.

What have you learned (probably about yourself) during the walk so far?

I don’t need a lot of things, that is absolutely the biggest lesson I have learned. We tend to surround ourselves with all sorts of items, but when you walk with your whole world in a rucksack on your back you soon realise that less is more. I have also learned to celebrate the little things in life. I have had so much happiness on the walk by just enjoying the little things in life. Three years ago I walked from Malaga in Spain to Finland. When I arrived at my home in Finland I opened my wardrobe and almost completely cleared it of clothes I really didn’t need. Walking opens your eyes to many things, but mostly it shows you who you are and want you need in life.

Taina and her 20kg rucksack - Photo - Mark Thomas 

On a personal level how are your husband, children and even grandchildren, coping without you at home?

WhatsApp! My husband and I live in Spain, but my children and grandchildren live in Finland. We speak via video on a daily basis. And when I reach Istanbul my husband and my family will fly out to meet me there. And maybe my children will walk a little with me. Of course I miss them all.

How far do you walk every day and indeed do you plan your distances and goals beforehand?

I usually walk around 30 kilometres a day. Sometimes I walk only 10 kilometres, and then the next day 50 kilometres. It really depends on the weather and the possibilities of sleeping. So I really only look one day on advance. I have a rough plan for five days ahead, but I only book accommodation one day ahead. I usually stay in hostels, apartments or hotels, but I am also carrying a hammock with me. So if I can camp I do. Believe it or not I have had situations where I can’t even find two trees close enough together to actually make a hammock and sleep. It’s all part of the walk, the adventure.

Taina and her support team - Photo Mark Thomas 

What are you looking forward to for the rest of your walk?

I want to see as much as possible, and I think I will. I want to see the world, but above all I want to see and find myself. Who I am. At first I thought I wanted to go to see the world, but now I see that I am continuing to discover myself.

Sisu – can you explain that word to me?

Yes, this is a word that is very difficult, almost impossible to translate into English. It basically means that I intend to do what I have planned and nothing will stop me. It is about self-determination. And is also one of my keywords for this adventure. Nothing will stop me.

You can follow her walk around the world here - LINK - and don't forget to check out the videos