Great Northern Peninsula, Newfoundland
Read MoreVikings and icebergs
L'anse aux Meadows at the far north tip of the Great Northern Peninsula in Newfoundland was the first landing site of Vikings in North America around 1000 AD. The archaeological remains of the settlement were discovered in 1960 by the Ingstads, a Norwegian couple who were convinced that this is the site of Vinland of Norse sagas. The settlement was though to have lasted for a couple of years before it was abandoned. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The original settlement contain eight buildings constructed of sod laid over a wood frame construction. In the meadow you can see reconstructions of the settlement, while offshore ice bergs that migrate down from Greenland in the spring and summer can be seen.
Responding to the 'bleak' comment by Joan and Juliennane, research on the site shows that around the time the site was settled this meadow contained a forest and fresh water, which was one of the reasons why it was chosen, as the Vikings needed wood for framing their houses, boat building and for heating forges, etc. But winters in particular were bleak and that, combined with reports of aggression from the native tribes (the Beothuks, extinct since the 1800s) led to the abandonment of the site.
L'anse aux MeadowUNESCO World Heritagesod buildingicebergsmeadowGreat Northern PeninsulaNewfoundlandViking settlement
Lgood
on August 20, 2017I know I've commented before, but i do love this and the history of the place.
Bruno Suignard
on August 20, 2017beautiful and interesting view!!
BIRDS-WILDLIFE-AUSTRALIA
on August 20, 2017Very interesting image and info !!
Judith Sparhawk
on January 17, 2017Sounds like an interesting place, with so many early historical events.
arctangent
on January 17, 2017L'anse aux Meadows is on my bucket list, just from its historical associations. I well remember the excitement of reading the first reports of the rediscovery of the site in the sixties.
jimholmquist
on January 16, 2017Awesome shot and interesting history!
Gene Hyder
on January 16, 2017Good shot.
God's Child
on January 16, 2017So much landscape to see, examine, and admire here!
1/15/2017
Byron Fair Photography
on January 15, 2017Outstanding.
fotoeffects
on January 15, 2017Desolate looking place!