Norstead — Attraction in Newfoundland and Labrador

Norstead: A Viking Village and Port of Trade (NEAR) L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland is a non-profit organization that was created to take history out of the exhibit case and place it in the hands of visitors. Join costumed interpreters in the dim light of the Viking-style Chieftain's Hall and listen to mysterious Viking tales.Check out info on the blacksmith forging iron. Step aboard the full-scale replica of the Viking ship "Snorri". Learn how the Vikings mastered the North Atlantic. Use a simple notched stick to measure distance by the stars. Get you "Runes" told by the wise women. Shape clay into pottery the way the Vikings did. Spin sheep fleece into yarn using ancient drop spindle technology, dye the yarn bright purple, pink, or rusty yellow using local plants and berries....weave it into cloth at the loom. It’s in your hands to explore!

Located about two km from L'Anse aux Meadows UNESCO World Heritage Viking Site, Norstead replicates a Viking port of trade as it may have looked during the Viking era (790-1066 AD). The four-hectare site has a boat shed with its very own Viking ships, including the 54 foot replica Viking knarr which sailed from Greenland to L’Anse aux Meadows in 1998 with a crew of only nine men. There is also a chieftain's hall, church, and a workshop, with costumed interpreters who bring the site to life. All buildings, which consist of wood paneled walls and earthen floors, have been created to convey the look and feel of the Viking Era.

Norstead, won the provincial Attractions Canada award for “Best New Attraction”.

Ticket prices around $15 in 2025

Note : this is not the excavation site of the actual settlement of the Norse. That is to the south across the road. Parks Canada has secured that historic site & has build their version of the settlement buildings with guided tours & costumed people as well. Highly suggest their museum with actual artifacts, ranger led tours & gift shop up...

Norstead is a captivating recreation of a Viking village, offering a unique and immersive experience into the life and times of these intrepid explorers. Located just a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of L'Anse aux Meadows, Norstead provides valuable context to the Viking presence in North America.

The village itself is a meticulously crafted ensemble of authentic Viking buildings, including a chieftain's hall, a church, a workshop, and a boathouse. Costumed interpreters bring the site to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and sharing insights into Viking culture.

One of the most impressive features of Norstead is the full-scale replica of a Viking knarr, the Snorri. This remarkable vessel was sailed from Greenland to L'Anse aux Meadows in 1998 by a crew of just nine men, recreating the epic voyages of the Viking Age.

Unfortunately, Norstead is not dog-friendly, so pet owners will need to make alternative arrangements.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $14.40/person Family Rate: $42.00/family Children: $9.60/child Seniors: $12.00/person Group Rates: $12.00/person for tours (2 complimentary admissions per 20 paid admissions for escort and/or driver)

Norstead offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the Viking world firsthand. It's a place where history comes alive, and visitors of all ages can appreciate the ingenuity and resilience of these...

This recreation of what the Viking settlement might have looked like is well-done. They do a good job recreating the layout, the structures and even the actors. This is a paid exhibit not run by Parks Canada so be prepared to pay. As well, the entire exhibit is outdoors so dress appropriately as being near the coast means it can be chilly. You can go at any time they’re open as we didn’t reserve tickets ahead of time. The main attraction to check out is the Viking ship in the boat yard that they re-created and sailed over from Greenland to L’anse aux meadows.

The staff are friendly and happy to answer any questions or curiosities you might have. Most were women when we went. I don't know if that might just be more accurate because men would usually be out pillaging or otherwise. There is a washroom on site but it is located outside of the buildings so go before or after you head in.

That said though, if you must choose between L’anse aux meadows or this site, L’anse aux meadows takes the cake! We don’t regret going, but depending on your timing, this site wouldn’t have been as high on our list. If you have time and don’t mind paying the fee, it almost transports you back in time as if you were living...