WHS Logo

L'Anse aux Meadows

L'Anse aux Meadows
.
L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is a Viking settlement from around 1000 A.D. - the earliest example of European presence in North America (except Greenland). Temporate housing and workshops were built by Norse settlers, in similar style to those in Norse Greenland and Iceland.

This archaelogical site is located on the northernmost tip of the island of Newfoundland, in an area previously inhabited by native peoples. The remains of this Viking village were discovered in 1960, and subsequently excavated until 1976. Besides the remains of the buildings, artefacts such as an oil lamp were found.

Year Decision Comments
2000Name changeFrom "L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park" to "L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site"
1978 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
line

Reviews

Glenn (USA):
I first heard about Dr. Instad's excavations of a possible Norse site in the New World in "newsreels" (remember those!)in 1960 when I was 14. I knew at that moment that I HAD to make a pilgrimage there one day - and so I did so in 2007 to celebrate my 60th birthday. It was fascinating to walk through the ruins and look out on the Bay and see what the Norse saw 1000 years ago, and to realize that Lief Ericson had been here. The Visitor Center was excellent, as was the hospitality of the local people we met. I only wish the Museum/Visitor Center had small replicas of the sculpture commemorating the contact between the Norse and Native Americans-representing the final leg of the circumnavigation of the globe that had taken place starting with Homo sapiens' African Diaspora ~60,000 years ago.
On the way back to the U.S. Gros Morne national park was a geological wonderland.
I'm definitely going back - this time with bicycle, kayak and camping gear on my Element.
--Glenn Chinery, GChinery@aol.com
Date posted: September 2010
():
I was at L'anse Aux Meadows on June 30, 2003. It was a cloudy, dark and cold day, with snow still visible on the north side of hills. I'll never forget standing at the water's edge and looking out into the sea. I could feel the isolation and loneliness I imagine the Vikings felt, being so far away from the homes they knew and their families. I *highly* recommend a visit to this location to anyone going to Newfoundland. It's far north and out of the way, but so worth the time it takes to get there.
 
Emilia Bautista King (U.S.A.):
My husband and I went here in August 2005 and were greatly surprised by the well-organized Visitor Centre and knowledgeable tour guides. Make sure to watch the film regarding the site's discovery by Dr. Helge Ingstad and his wife, Dr. Anne Stine. A meal at the nearby Norseman Restaurant is also a must!
Date posted: February 2006
Kelly K. Henry (USA):
Visited in May, 2004 and even though the Visitor's Center was still closed, we were able to tour the huts and wander the coastline. The site in Newfoundland is allegedly where Lief Ericcson landed from Greenland. 2 sod huts have been completely restored and authentically furnished. A blacksmith's hut is also restored. The foundations of 6-8 other huts remain. The coastline is spectacular complete with mammoth icebergs, rocky cliffs and unusual plant life. Lots of reasonable places to stay in St. Anthony and the drive up from Gros Morne while 5 hours is beautiful.
 


Have you been to L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site? Share your experiences!

Add your own review