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L'Anse aux Meadows

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Historical site
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L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)

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L'Anse aux Meadows, situated on the northern tip of Newfoundland, is the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America outside of Greenland. The site was discovered in 1960 by Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad, providing the definitive archaeological evidence for trans-oceanic contact between Europe and America about 500 years before Columbus. Dating to around 1000 AD, the settlement consists of eight sod-walled buildings, including dwellings, a forge, and a carpentry workshop. Archaeological findings, such as a bronze ringed pin and iron slag, confirm the presence of Norse sailors, likely led by Leif Erikson. In 1978, L'Anse aux Meadows was inscribed as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Today, visitors can tour reconstructed sod houses and learn about the Vinland Sagas and Viking daily life through authentic interpretive programs. Its location on the rugged coastline of the Great Northern Peninsula serves as a testament to the remarkable seafaring skills of early explorers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-9-6-13712131050-4
Rain mm8478807174839194989910197

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
L'Anse aux Meadows is an archaeological site of a Viking settlement in Newfoundland and open to visitors. You can see the reconstructed turf houses and the museum.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from June to September, with exact hours varying seasonally. In the off-season, hours are limited.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, including inside the reconstructed houses. Avoid flash to preserve the authentic atmosphere.
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Time needed
Allow about two to three hours for a thorough visit. The guided tour lasts about one hour, after which you can explore on your own.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a hike in nearby Gros Morne National Park or a trip to St. Anthony. The area also gives whale watching.
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Getting there
L'Anse aux Meadows is remote and best reached by car via the Viking Trail (Route 430). The nearest airport is in St. Anthony.
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Insider tip
Dress warmly as the weather can be cool and windy even in summer. Book accommodation early as demand is high.

History & landmarks

Viking Age

1000

Geography

Coordinates
51.59530, -55.53120

Facts

  • Only confirmed Norse site in N. America
  • Discovered in 1960
  • Dated to approximately 1000 AD
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978
  • Consists of 8 sod buildings
  • Evidence of contact 500 years pre-Columbus

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Red Bay Basque Whaling StationRed Bay Basque Whaling Station100 km · SExplore →
Smith's HarbourSmith's Harbour126 km · SWExplore →
BeachsideBeachside129 km · WExplore →
Port AnsonPort Anson133 km · WExplore →
Little BayLittle Bay133 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town L'Anse aux Meadows (4)

L'Anse aux Meadows📍 landmark

L'Anse aux Meadows is a Norse archaeological site in Newfoundland, the only known Viking settlement in North America.

Aboriginal campsites🏺 historical

Archaeological remains of Aboriginal campsites at L'Anse aux Meadows.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site🏺 historical

L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site encompasses the Norse settlement.

Quirpon Lighthouse📍 landmark

A lighthouse on the northern tip of Newfoundland, near L'Anse aux Meadows.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is L'Anse aux Meadows?
The only authenticated Viking settlement in North America.
When was the settlement founded?
Around 1000 AD by Norse explorers.
Are there original buildings?
You can see the original foundations as well as faithfully reconstructed sod buildings.
How far is it from St. John's?
It is a long drive of about 10-12 hours to the northern tip of Newfoundland.
What activities are available?
Guided tours, Viking craft demonstrations, and coastal hiking trails.
L'Anse aux Meadows: where is it located?
L'Anse aux Meadows is located in Canada.
L'Anse aux Meadows: what is there to see?
Highlights include L'Anse aux Meadows, Aboriginal campsites, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.
L'Anse aux Meadows: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
L'Anse aux Meadows: why is it worth visiting?
L'Anse aux Meadows, situated on the northern tip of Newfoundland, is the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America outside of Greenland.
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History & landmarks

Gros Morne — L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Gros Morne
National park in Newfoundland
🗺️
St. John's
Capital of Newfoundland and Labrador
Signal Hill — L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Signal Hill
Site of the reception of the first transatlantic wireless signal.
Charlottetown — L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Charlottetown
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and is known as the "Birthplace of Confederation".
Halifax — L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Halifax
Capital of Nova Scotia
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse — L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
An iconic lighthouse on the coast of Nova Scotia.
Hopewell Rocks — L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Hopewell Rocks
Known for its unusual rock formations shaped by tidal erosion.
Bay of Fundy — L'Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Bay of Fundy
Known for high tides

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