L’Anse aux Meadows

The first UNESCO World Heritage Site I am going to tell you about is L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site located in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.

L’Anse aux Meadows is the location of a Norse settlement that is believed to have been established in the 11th century.  This makes it the earliest known European settlement in North America.  It was added to the UNESCo World Heritage Site List in 1978.

UNESCO says: “The remnants correspond with the stories told in the Vinland Sagas, which document the voyages of Leif Erikson and other Norse explorers who ventured westward across the Atlantic Ocean from Iceland and Greenland to find and explore new territory, a significant achievement in the history of human migration and discovery.”

Located at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula of the island of Newfoundland, the excavated remains of wood-framed peat-turf buildings are similar to those found in Norse Greenland and Iceland. The buildings included three dwellings, a forge and four workshops.  They were on a narrow terrace overlooking a peat bog and a small brook.  The site is near the shore of Epaves Bay in the Strait of Belle Isle. 

The site was discovered in 1960 and research done by a team of archaeologists revealed that the timber-framed structures were constructed with a particular type of gabled roof and covered with turf taken from the surrounding peat bog.  Excavation uncovered evidence of iron production at the site.  Approximately 800 wooden, bronze, bone and stone artefacts confirm the Norse origins of the property and provide important information on the work and lifestyle of the people who occupied this site.  

A new study of the wooden artefacts found at L’Anse aux Meadows show that Vikings lived, and felled trees during the year 1021. Scientists were able to determine the precise date by a new method that examined the growth rings of the trees the Vikings cut down.  Apparently in 993, a cosmic-ray event showered Earth with high energy particles.  Scientists found a telltale spike in the tree rings of the fir and juniper trees that the Vikings used.  Scientists then counted the number of rings outside the mark that pinpointed 993 and determined that the trees were cut down in 1021.

Some historians believe this settlement was a staging area for Vikings to meet up and gather supplies.  Then they would travel further down south to trade with the locals.  The artefacts showed evidence of iron production and woodworking which were likely used for ship repair which indicates that those who used this site voyaged further south.  

L’Anse aux Meadows was established as a National Historic Site in 1975 under a Federal-Provincial agreement between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.  The property is legally protected under the Parks Canada Agency Act (1998) and the Canada National Parks Act (2000). The site has a management plan in place which requires that the resources directly related to the reasons for designation as a national historic site are not impaired or under threat.  

The agreement also states that both the Federal and Provincial Governments shall consult together to ensure that the future development of the communities and areas adjacent to the property, is planned jointly and is in keeping with their proximity to this internationally significant property,  Park Canada manages the visitation and conservation at the site and ensures the artefact collection is stable and is displayed and/or stored under appropriate conditions. 

A visit to L’Anse aux Meadows is a highlight to any trip to Newfoundland and Labrador.  You can meet resident Vikings as you tour the reconstructed Viking encampment and listen to Vinland Sagas in the main hall. You can view demonstrations on Norse iron forging and textile weaving, and even try them out yourself.  In the visitor centre you can see videos and exhibits on Viking life and the information on the site’s archaeological discovery.  You can see the original excavated artefacts and a replica of a faering boat which is an open boat with two pairs of oars.  You can take guided tours of the historic site or wander along coastal and bog hiking trails to enjoy the spectacular viewpoints.  

Have you been to L’Anse aux Meadows?  Unfortunately I have only landed at St. John’s International Airport. This was the point of entry into Canada on a trip from Europe. If I have a chance to visit Newfoundland and Labrador,  I will definitely include L’Anse aux Meadows on my must see bucket list.

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