No Bad Days RVing: L'Anse aux Meadows

L’Anse aux Meadows is the only recognized authentic Viking site to date in North America and also is the earliest evidence that Europeans were in the western hemisphere. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1975 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

L'Anse aux Meadows

UNESCO symbol

Sculptures of Norse people

"The Meeting of Two Worlds Sculpture"

L’Anse aux Meadows is a small northeastern village that probably got its name from l’anse a la Medee meaning Medea’s Cove. This area was part of the French Shore until 1904. By treaty the French were allowed to fish and establish shore stations. These shore stations were often named after ships that worked the area. In the 1600’s many ships were name Medea after the heroine of Greek tragedy. The English altered the name after they settled the area. However, the waters in front are still called Medea Bay today.

Medea Bay

We watched a short film which did a fantastic job of explaining the arrival of the Norse to this area. Why did the Norse build here? Location, location, location. This was the mid-way point between Greenland and the riches to the south. It’s not a sheltered harbour but was close to the sea route to Greenland. The sailing season was short. By over-wintering here it allowed the Norse to gather lumber and other trade goods and repair their boats before heading home. The Norse were great ship builders. Their ocean going vessels were strong enough to withstand the North Atlantic, able to carry large amounts of cargo, and be drawn into shore without damage.

4 types of Norse ships

The remains of Norse buildings were found and excavated in 1960 by a Norwegian writer and explorer Helge Ingstead. It consisted of three halls and five smaller buildings where the Norse lived and worked.

A large hall built for someone of high status...Jasper chips
indicated they were from Iceland

A small hut probably used by women as a workshop

A boardwalk leads to an area where sod huts were reconstructed and actors tell tales of living in Norse society. They were cooking a fish stew over the fire. Boy did it smell good.

Actors dressed in period costume

Actors knitting and talking

Sleeping quarters

Reconstructed building

Reconstructed Large Hall

What a great place and after smelling the wonderful smells we decided to go for lunch at the Norseman of L’Anse aux Meadows. Who do we see, the Norse Viking from the Heritage Site entertaining the crowd.

Viking actor turned singer

Lunchtime

Vinland Martini

Seafood Chowder

Smoked salmon, goat cheese, & shrimp flatbread

After being thoroughly entertained and full from great food, we walked around L’anse aux Meadows. That took all of 5 minutes.

Lief Erickson...the Viking conqueror

Back at the campground we sat around the campfire having a cocktail. It was our friends last day with us since they were catching the ferry to Nova Scotia in a couple of days.