L'Anse aux Meadows: Walking in the Footsteps of Vikings

Location:

Standing at the northernmost tip of Newfoundland, with nothing but rugged cliffs, windswept bogs, and an endless expanse of sea, it's easy to feel like you've reached the edge of the world. The silence is profound—no crowds, no modern distractions—just the raw, untamed landscape. Close your eyes, and it's not hard to imagine Viking longships appearing on the horizon over a thousand years ago.

The Only Viking Settlement in North America

Brief History

L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America, a place where Norse explorers—likely led by Leif Erikson—briefly made landfall around the year 1000 AD. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of sod-walled buildings, an iron forge, and evidence of woodworking and ship repair. This wasn't a permanent colony, but rather a strategic base for exploration and trade. Recognized for its historical significance, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Site of the actual Viking Village

Walking the trails, we traced the outlines of ancient foundations where artifacts were unearthed. The reconstructed sod houses, low and camouflaged by grass, blended seamlessly into the landscape—much like the tuckamore tree caves we'd seen elsewhere in Newfoundland. Stepping inside was a revelation: though the structures appeared small from the outside, the interiors were surprisingly spacious, offering instant shelter from the relentless wind.

Norstead Viking Village: A Living History Experience

Viking village Representation

After exploring the historic site, we headed to Norstead Viking Village, a recreation of a Norse port. While not an archaeological site like L'Anse aux Meadows, it was well worth the visit. Costumed interpreters brought Viking life to life, sharing stories of seafaring, trade, and daily survival.

Snorri - sailed from Greenland to NewFoundland

One tale stood out—a modern-day Viking adventure. In 1998, writer Hodding Carter and his crew attempted to retrace Leif Erikson's journey from Greenland to Newfoundland in a hand-built replica Viking ship, the Snorri. Their first attempt ended after 500 miles when mechanical failure forced a rescue by the Canadian Coast Guard. Undeterred, Carter and a slightly smaller crew (four of the original twelve opted out) tried again the next year—this time successfully completing the 1,500-mile voyage.

The Hidden Hike Behind Norstead

One of the best surprises of the day was the hiking trail behind Norstead Village (accessible without paying admission). The path led up into the hills, offering sweeping views of the coastline. From the cliffs, we spotted two distant icebergs drifting in the Atlantic. Below, one cove glowed an unreal Caribbean blue, thanks to a seabed of white quartz rocks. We couldn't resist scrambling down for a closer look.

We wandered in and out of coves, clambering over wave-smoothed rocks—completely alone, as usual in Newfoundland. The hike could easily be tailored to any fitness level, with shorter loops still delivering breathtaking vistas. After four miles, we reluctantly headed back, but not before soaking in one last panorama of the jagged, windswept coast.

Final Thoughts

L'Anse aux Meadows is more than a historic site—it's a portal to another time. Standing where Vikings once stood, surrounded by the same wild beauty they encountered, you can't help but feel a connection to those daring explorers. And with Norstead's living history and the stunning coastal hike, this corner of Newfoundland offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and discovery.

Have you ever visited a place that made history feel alive? Share your experiences in the comments!