L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Location: Northern tip of Newfoundland island, Canada
Year of Inscription: 1978
Criteria:(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: L’Anse aux Meadows is an archaeological site that was discovered in 1960 and is believed to be the site of the first known European settlement in North America, dating back to the 11th century. The site contains the remains of eight buildings, including dwellings and workshops, as well as artifacts from the Norse people who lived there.
Prominent Features: The L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is characterized by its Viking artifacts and reconstructed Norse buildings. Some of the most notable features include:
Norse Dwellings: The site contains the remains of eight buildings that were inhabited by the Norse people who settled there. Some of the buildings have been reconstructed, providing visitors with an immersive experience of what life was like in the Viking settlement.
Artifact Exhibits: The visitor center at the site contains exhibits showcasing artifacts discovered during the archaeological excavations, including tools, weapons, and other objects used by the Norse settlers.
History: L’Anse aux Meadows is believed to have been settled by Norse explorers in the 11th century, around the same time that Viking explorers were sailing to North America. The site was rediscovered in 1960 by a team of archaeologists, who found evidence of Norse buildings and artifacts. The discovery helped to shed light on the early history of European exploration in North America.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are several family-friendly activities available at the site, including guided tours, exhibits, and interactive displays. Children can participate in a Viking-themed treasure hunt, exploring the site and learning about the history of the Norse settlers.
Fun Fact: L’Anse aux Meadows is the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America, and is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is 11 CAD (Canadian dollars) for adults, with discounts available for seniors and youth. Children under the age of 6 can enter for free.
How to reach it: There are no direct public transportation options to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, but visitors can take a bus or drive to the nearby town of St. Anthony and hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the site, which is located approximately 45 kilometers away.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of St. Anthony, including hotels, motels, and guesthouses. Some of the options include Haven Inn, Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites, and Plum Point Motel & Restaurant. Camping is also available at nearby provincial parks.
Next Stop: Tikal National Park
Year of Inscription: 1978
Criteria:(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: L’Anse aux Meadows is an archaeological site that was discovered in 1960 and is believed to be the site of the first known European settlement in North America, dating back to the 11th century. The site contains the remains of eight buildings, including dwellings and workshops, as well as artifacts from the Norse people who lived there.
Prominent Features: The L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is characterized by its Viking artifacts and reconstructed Norse buildings. Some of the most notable features include:
Norse Dwellings: The site contains the remains of eight buildings that were inhabited by the Norse people who settled there. Some of the buildings have been reconstructed, providing visitors with an immersive experience of what life was like in the Viking settlement.
Artifact Exhibits: The visitor center at the site contains exhibits showcasing artifacts discovered during the archaeological excavations, including tools, weapons, and other objects used by the Norse settlers.
History: L’Anse aux Meadows is believed to have been settled by Norse explorers in the 11th century, around the same time that Viking explorers were sailing to North America. The site was rediscovered in 1960 by a team of archaeologists, who found evidence of Norse buildings and artifacts. The discovery helped to shed light on the early history of European exploration in North America.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are several family-friendly activities available at the site, including guided tours, exhibits, and interactive displays. Children can participate in a Viking-themed treasure hunt, exploring the site and learning about the history of the Norse settlers.
Fun Fact: L’Anse aux Meadows is the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America, and is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is 11 CAD (Canadian dollars) for adults, with discounts available for seniors and youth. Children under the age of 6 can enter for free.
How to reach it: There are no direct public transportation options to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, but visitors can take a bus or drive to the nearby town of St. Anthony and hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the site, which is located approximately 45 kilometers away.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of St. Anthony, including hotels, motels, and guesthouses. Some of the options include Haven Inn, Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites, and Plum Point Motel & Restaurant. Camping is also available at nearby provincial parks.
Next Stop: Tikal National Park