L'Anse Aux Meadows is a World Heritage Site. Through excavations done late in the last century (not so long ago), it was definitely determined that Vikings were in the area around the year 1,000. That would make them the first Europeans in North America. They were only there for three to five years. They came from Greenland. They came for the natural resources, timber, to repair boats. It is felt that they left because of problems with the native peoples that were already there. The name Vikings connotes marauders.
This point is very far north in Newfoundland.
There are two parts to the visit. A Parks Canada guide tours us through the areas that were excavated. They don't look like excavations. The guide said that the mounds were returned to the state in which they were found, ready for further excavation in the future.
Then there is the recreated area. There are several buildings.
The buildings are made of peat blocks with earthen roofs.
Inside, the rooms are recreated, with eating, sleeping and work areas.
It was extremely cold and blustery that day, probably 35 degrees with the wind chill. This is Newfoundland and northern Newfoundland as well. It was a good walk from the visitor center to the site. We felt like Vikings, braving the elements.
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