Tours and programs

Sagas and Shadows

Gather around the skáli (“kitchen”) in one of L’Anse aux Meadows reconstructed sod buildings and prepare for an evening of heroic and tragic tales from the Viking Sagas and more. Let the kitchen fire warm you as you raise your glass with a Viking (the cheer is spiced juice made from local partridge berries) and share a dramatic adventure in storytelling. You’ll hear a powerful retelling of the Vinland Sagas and intriguing Norse myths. You might learn how Eirik the Red founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland. Or laugh along as you listen to Njal’s Saga, filled with humour about a feast prepared with stolen goods. Discover how Thor got his hammer and how Thor and Loki got the hammer back. Or the folktale about Gilitrutt/the Lazy Housewife, similar to Rumpelstiltskin, but with a troll witch weaving wool cloth. 

Viking Encampment

Curious about how the Vikings lived and worked? Visit with navigator-adventurer Egil, weaver Thora, the blacksmith Ragnar or other members of the crew and hear tales of trade, Norse society, how to turn bog iron into a nail and cloth into currency. Check out their weaponry, tools, cooking utensils and reproductions of many artifacts representing everyday living.

Escape Room - The Test of Tykir

Grapes have been discovered in this wondrous new land! Tykir, family servant of Leif Eriksson, has found them, and he alone knows where they are found. Leif has declared that only Vikings that prove themselves worthy will share in this rare and valuable resource. Tykir has locked away a map to the grapes inside the servant’s hut, but only those that demonstrate a sharp wit and a keen eye can retrieve it. Can you pass The Test of Tykir and take your place at the side of the legendary Leif Eriksson? Find out more about Escape Rooms here.

The Meeting of Two Worlds Tour

Discover the international archaeological significance of L’Anse aux Meadows and its powerful place in the history of the human migrations. Your knowledgeable interpreter will explore the importance of Norse expansion to the West and point out how the site’s archaeological excavations help us better understand Norse travels, trade and encampments. Where two world’s meet, you’ll discover the importance of the Norse encountering Aboriginal people in the region, representing the first time human migration out of Africa completes the circumnavigation of the globe. You’ll learn of the importance of human encounter and exchange in a rugged and bountiful land. How did this Viking base camp set up further Norse expansion in the region? Why is this place sometimes called the gateway to Vinland? Find out on this tour. You’ll also learn how archaeologists determined how long the Norse stayed on the coast, and why the Norse chose to abandon their encampment.
 

Explore on Your Own

For a terrific introduction to the site’s natural and cultural wonders, start your exploration at the visitor centre. See original artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations, like a bronze cloak-fastening pin, bone needle, and spindle whorl. Watch video demonstrations of Viking iron smelting and Aboriginal knapping processes. Listen to audio recordings of the great Vinland Sagas. Check out a 3D model of what the Norse camp would have looked like 1,000 years ago. Take your picture next to a 2/3 scale replica færing Viking boat. Pick up iridescent blue-grey labradorite jewelry, crafts, literature, and souvenir books at the Historic Sites Association gift shop.
Daily, during operational hours.

Xplorers for Kids!

Do your kids like to explore? Pick up the free Xplorers book at the visitor centre and have fun doing some special activities. When finished, don’t forget to collect a cool souvenir. (Free for kids 6–11 years.)
Daily, during operational hours.