At the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula lies the first known evidence of European presence in the Americas. Here Norse expeditions sailed from Greenland, building a small encampment of timber-and-sod buildings over 1000 years ago Against a stunning backdrop of rugged cliffs, bog, and coastline, discover the fascinating archaeological remains of the Viking encampment, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. You’ll meet costumed Viking interpreters as you tour the recreated base camp and discover original artifacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.
Over 1,000 years ago, Norse explorers from Greenland came ashore at what is now L’Anse aux Meadows. When they built structures of sod and timber at this site on Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, they became the first known European settlers in the Americas. The Vinland Sagas told of Vikings in the area, but it wasn’t until a bronze cloak pin was discovered at L’Anse aux Meadows in the 1960s that archeologists had proof to support those ancient tales. Today, you can explore a reconstructed camp, see original artifacts, hike scenic trails and learn about the Vikings. (And, no, they didn’t wear horned helmets!)