Do you want to visit an authentic viking village? Now you can let your inner Viking be challenged at the oldest known European encampment in North America. There are not many authentic viking villages left in the world, but there is one in Northern America. We had actually the great opportunity to visit the only authenticated viking site in North America – L’Anse aux Meadows and Njardarheimr in Sogn & Fjordane, Norway. If you should learn some viking village names, then you have come to the right place! At the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula lies the first known evidence of European presence in the Americas.
Where do I find Viking villages in Norway?
Do you want to learn how the Vikings lived 1000 years ago? In the Viking village Njardarheimr you will experience a historical village showing how the Vikings lived ten centuries ago when Gudvangen got its name. Here you find real Vikings of all ages (yeah – we are not kidding, no dressed up actors) who have the Viking era as a true lifestyle. These people have a real passion for their roots and old culture. They know everything about their history and have unique knowledge about the authentic Viking life and would love to share it with you!
Maybe you ask: What is the meaning of “Njardarheimr”? It means the home dedicated to the northern almighty God Njord. Viking valley is the name the concept as a whole. It will be a living cultural-historical site built thematically as a Viking village. Here the captivating stories of the Vikings and their age will be retold without the rains of a museum, according to Visit Norway.
Where do I find Gudvangen? Gudvangen is a village in the municipality of Aurland in Sogn & Fjordane county, Norway. It is a popular tourist destination and is located at the end of the Nærøyfjord where the Nærøydalselvi river empties into the fjord, according to Wikipedia. You can either take the train here or find a flight to Sogndal airport.
If you are looking for viking villages in Norway, Njardarheimr is probably the best option and it is open all year long. Entrance fee is 195 kr ( appr. $20).
Part of UNESCO World Heritage – see gorgeous Canadian nature
Greenland was the departure point for these Norse expeditions. The brave vikings were building a small encampment of timber-and-sod buildings over 1000 years ago. The nature here is awesome and you will become amazed how the vikings found this unique place! Against a stunning backdrop of rugged cliffs, bog, and coastline, discover the fascinating archaeological remains of the Viking encampment, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
What can you expect to see in the viking village L’Anse aux Meadows?
At the viking village you will be welcomed by costumed Viking interpreters as you tour the recreated base camp and discover original artifacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.
Learn some viking village names and explore the North American viking village on your own
You can easily explore the entire viking village on your own. We recommend to begin your tour in the visitor centre where you get tons of useful information. 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.
Check out the new exciting Escape room inside of the viking site
Now you have the chance to take the “Test of Tykir” Escape Room challenge at the National Historic Site. You will have 45 minutes to search the Servant’s Hut for clues and solve puzzles in the hopes of finding the Map to the Grapes before your time runs out. This is the game based on the legends of the Vinland Sagas. We are sure knowledge gained on your visit to L’Anse aux Meadows will give you an edge in this live action interactive adventure!
When did the vikings arrive into Newfoundland?
The Vikings arrived around year 1000, according to Shepphard. The Viking Settlements. Vinland was the name given to part of North America by the Icelandic Norseman Leif Eiríksson. Newer archeological evidence of Norse settlement in North America was searched for in L’Anse aux Meadows.
The perfect place to explore how the Vikings lived and worked
If you are curious about how the Vikings lived and worked, you have to visit the Viking Encampment. Here you can visit with navigator 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.
Exclusive interview with one archeologist from the viking village
Birgitta Wallace was one of the first archeologists to work on the site, and we at Distrita have spoken with her. If you want to learn more about this historic place, this is the right place for you.
Now it’s your time to discover the Viking adventure. See original artifacts, meet costumed Viking interpreters, tour full-scale replicas of the Norse sod buildings and pick up Viking skills from blacksmithing to weaving. This Canadian park is amazing. We hope you never will forget these viking village names again, and that you will visit L’Anse aux Meadows in the near future.
