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From Exile to Exploration: The Saga of Erik the Red

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Erik the Red is one of the most interesting figures in Norse history. Epitomizing the Viking spirit of adventure and conquest, Erik is widely (and mistakenly) remembered as the first European to discover and colonize Greenland. His visit did, however, lay the foundation for Norse expansion into North America, by Erik’s son no less. But Erik was no traditional hero. He was a banished warrior, exiled from Iceland after being charged with murder and manslaughter (more than once). His story, told in multiple sagas, is one of leadership, resilience, and no small amount of redemption.

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Erik the Red- From Exile to Pioneer

Erik the Red started life known as Erik Thorvaldsson. His later moniker is believed to have been down to either his red-colored hair or penchant for violence. According to multiple Icelandic sagas, he was born in 950 AD in Jaeren, part of Rogaland, Norway. While nothing is known about his mother we know his father,  Thorvald Asvaldsson , was a man of some note.

This isn’t to say Thorvald was known for anything good. He’s mainly remembered because when Erik was around ten years old, he was banished from Norway after committing manslaughter. Thorvald chose to start afresh and take his family west from Norway and settle in  Iceland.

This was a challenging undertaking. Iceland had already been thoroughly settled by this point, meaning the best land had already been taken. Adding to this, while Thorvald may have been someone back home, on this new frontier he was a nobody. 

Eventually, Thorvald and his young son settled on Drangar, a bit of land in Hornstrandir, northwestern Iceland. It wasn’t ideal; the land was cold and hard and less than ideal for farming. Still, it was better than nothing and Thorvald and his son lived there until Thorvald died around 970 AD, when Erik was twenty years old.

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Statue of Erik the Red in Qassiarsuk, Greenland.  (Rüdiger Wenzel/ CC BY-SA 3.0 DE )

Marrying Into Wealth

Following his father’s death Erik decided it was about time he made something of himself. In the  Norse  world, one of the best (and safest) ways to do this was by marrying up, which is exactly what Erik did. Not long after his father died Erik met and married Thjodhild, the daughter of Jorundur Ulfsson and Thorbjorg Gilsdottir.

According to Medieval Icelandic tradition, Thjodhild’s family was rather rich and after the marriage Erik and his wife moved to Iceland’s more pleasant Breidafjordur region to be near her family. While living there Thjodhild's stepfather gave the couple a slice of his land and Erik built his own farm, Eiríksstaðir.

Reconstructed longhouse at Eiríksstaðir.   It was the birthplace of his son Leif,  t he first known European discoverer of the Americas. (Wolfgang Sauber/ CC BY-SA 3.0 )

For a while life was good and the Saga of Erik the Red tells how Erik and his wife had four children- their daughter Freydis and three sons, explorer Leif Erikson, Thorvald, and Thorstein. Of these Leif Erikson is easily the most famous as he’s believed to have been one of, if not the first European to land in America, (take that Columbus). 

Twice Exiled

Erik took after his father. Around 980 AD he found himself in trouble after falling out with one of his neighbors. The story goes that some of Erik’s thralls (aka slaves) accidentally caused a landslide on his neighbor’s land, damaging his farm. In retaliation the neighbor, Valthjof, and his friend, Eyjolf the Foul, took it upon themselves to kill Erik’s thralls.

This was a bad idea. Erik responded poorly to the murder of his property and escalated things by killing Eyjolf as well as another man who had got involved, Hrfan the Dueller. Their families were none too happy about all the bloodshed and looked for legal prosecution. Two years later, in 982 AD, Erik was found guilty of murder/ manslaughter and banished from Haukaladr.

This led to Erik moving once again, this time to Iceland’s Brokey and Öxney Island. Before leaving he asked one of his friends, Thorgest, to look after his family’s  setstokkr . These were ornamental beams passed down through the generations that were believed to have mystical powers. 

After completing his new home Erik briefly returned to retrieve his setstokkr. Unfortunately, his old friend had other ideas and refused to give them back. Erik then took matters into his own hands and traveled to Breidabolstadr to take the pillars back by force. Thorgest in turn rounded up some of his men and chased after Erik. In the fight that followed, Erik took out several of Thorgest’s sons as well as several others. 

For a time, it looked like there would be more bloodshed as the former friends began to muster up large numbers of allies. In the end, a council was held called the Throsnes Thing. It was decided that Erik and his followers would be exiled for three years. Many of them would later follow Erik to  Greenland . 

Erik the Red from Arngrímur Jónsson's Grönlandia (Greenland). ( Public Domain )

Setting Out for Greenland

Contrary to popular belief not all Nords were violent  Vikings . The kind of people Erik had spent most of his life around were relatively peaceful farmer types who mostly wanted to live a quiet life. Most disputes were settled at the kind of “Thing” that had seen Erik exiled. 

Having been exiled, again, Erik now found himself at a crossroads. His poor temper, penchant for getting into trouble, and two exiles meant it was unlikely he’d be welcomed anywhere in Nordic-held lands. Most exiles simply hid away for a while, waiting for their time to return but that wasn’t really Erik’s style. So, Erik decided to try and repair his damaged name by striking out and going on an adventure.

This is where many people confuse the historical record. It has been mistakenly repeated over the years that Erik was the first European to discover Greenland. He wasn’t. According to the Icelandic sagas, that honor should go to Gunnbjörn Ulfsson. Around one hundred years before Erik’s expedition he was blown off course and spotted Greenland but never landed there. 

Eighty years after Gunnbjörn had gotten lost, an outlaw, Snæbjörn Galti, traveled to Greenland and attempted to settle it. Harsh conditions and in-fighting led to Snæbjörn’s murder and the colony’s rapid collapse. Since Gunnbjörn was lost, and Galti failed, their efforts have been largely forgotten, leading to the misnomer that Erik discovered Greenland. 

Gunnbjörn Ulfsson attempted to land in Greenland 100 years before Erik the Red’s expedition. Summer in the Greenland coast circa the year 1000 by Carl Rasmussen. ( Public Domain )

Upon being banished Erik and his men sailed westwards looking for the mysterious land Snæbjörn Galti had tried to settle. Upon arriving they sailed around Greenland’s southern tip (Cape Farewell today) and up the western coast. Eventually, they found an area that wasn’t all ice and made camp at the mouth of a fjord which became known as Eriksfjord and then later known as Tunulliarfik Fjord.

The Saga of Erik the Red tells how  Erik  then spent the next three years exploring the massive landmass of Greenland. He spent the first winter on the island of Eiriksey, the second in Eiriksholmar, and spent his final summer exploring the north, in particular the areas known as Snaffles and Hafrsfjord.

From Pioneer to Colonizing Entrepreneur

Erik was no fool and as his time in exile grew to a close, he realized he could make a fortune out of his discovery. He returned to Iceland and told anyone who would listen tales of the bountiful land of “Greenland ''. He called it this knowing that "people would be attracted to go there if it had a favorable name". To make the potential settlement sound enticing he told the Icelanders how Greenland was full of animals for hunting and lush landscapes ready to be farmed. All of it uninhabited and ready for settling.

To be fair, Erik wasn’t exaggerating. There’s no historical evidence that during his three years exploring Greenland Erik ever bumped into any native people. While we know that Innuits had settled in Greenland at some point around 2500 BC, they had left again long before Erik and his crew turned up. The  Thule people  on the other hand (ancestors of modern Greenland’s Innuits) probably hadn’t arrived quite yet. 

Furthermore, Erik had landed in Greenland during a time known as the medieval warm period (between 800 and 1200 AD). This was a time of warming during which average temperatures were a few degrees higher than normal. This means even considering modern global warming, much of Greenland would have been more hospitable than it is today. 

An image of Erik Thorvaldsson, also known as Erik the Red. (fandom/ CC-BY-SA )

Settling Greenland

Erik spent the winter in Iceland spreading news of his discovery, hoping to attract as many potential settlers as possible. Enough were interested that by the summer of 985 AD, Erik had attracted 25 ships worth of people already to set sail and follow him.

Sadly, the initial journey didn’t exactly go to plan. The convoy hit heavy weather and out of the 25 ships, eleven sank. The fourteen remaining ships ferried roughly 350 people to Greenland. Erik and his family led the charge.

According to the 12th-century book,  Íslendingabók , or  Book of the Icelanders , the Icelandic settlers quickly found evidence of previous habitation. They put this down to Skraeling (indigenous people) but found no evidence anyone was still there. This meant the land was still up for grabs and Erik got to work dividing it up between settlers. 

The settlers began to spread across the southwest coast. To the east, they built Eystribyggð (Eastern Settlement) and to the west, they built another settlement (the Western Settlement) in what is Nuuk today. Over time the two settlements expanded and a third, Middle Settlement, grew. 

For a while life was relatively good and the three settlements’ combined population reached between 2,000 to 3,000 people. Erik may have oversold how green the land was (the settlers soon learned only the southwest coast could support farmland) but there was enough to go around. In the summer, the settlements sent armies of hunters to hunt Disko Bay, north of the Arctic Circle. They brought back with them riches like seals (which could be used for rope),  walrus ivory , and beached whales.

These riches made the Greenlanders relatively prosperous. For his part, Erik built the estate of Brattahlíð, near present-day Narsarsuaq in Eystribyggð. He was known as the land’s “paramount chieftain” and became incredibly well-respected and wealthy. His bad temper also seemed to have finally calmed down. 

During these peaceful initial years, Erik’s only problem seems to have been his family’s conversion to Christianity. Throughout this period Viking raids across Europe meant increasing numbers of people had been exposed to the religion and notable Norse leaders like Haakon the Good of Norway and Denmark's Harald Bluetooth had begun converting their people to Christianity. 

  Painting of  Haakon the Good of Norway  1860 by   Peter Nicolai Arbo.  ( Public Domain )

It seems Erik’s son, Leif, converted after spending some time at the court of Norway’s king, Olaf. When Leif returned to Greenland he brought Christianity with him, converting his mother. She then built Greenland’s first church and soon others began popping up. The sagas say this caused a bit of a rift between Erik and his wife and she began withholding sexual favors from her heathen husband.

One Last Adventure

There are two main sagas that tell the story of Erik and the settling of Greenland, these are the Saga of Erik the Red and the Greenland Saga. While they share many similarities, they also contradict each other quite a bit. One of the main ways they do so is in their telling of how Vinland (thought to be near modern-day Canada) was discovered.

According to the Greenland Saga, Vinland was discovered by a Norse merchant, Thorfinn Karlsefni, while Erik’s people were settling in Greenland. Erik’s saga, on the other hand, tells how Leif discovered Vinland after hearing of a lost traveler who had sighted it (much like the story of Greenland). 

In the most popular version of the story, after hearing of Vinland Leif asks his father to join him on an expedition. Having achieved everything he had wanted to in Greenland the aging Erik is said to have agreed. However, while riding to their boats Erik’s horse stumbled. The superstitious old man took this as an omen and decided he was too old to make the trip. Leif went without his father and, according to many, became one of the first Europeans to visit North America.

Erik’s son, Leif, landing in Vinland, modern-day Canada, by Hans Dahl (1849-1937) ( Public Domain )

Erik’s Death and the Fall of Norse Greenland

In Leif’s absence, the colonies in Greenland continued to grow. Iceland was becoming increasingly overpopulated, and groups of immigrants left the country seeking a new life in Greenland. Soon the population had swelled to around 5000 settlers.

Sadly, this immigration boom spelled the beginning of the end. In 1002 AD a new group of immigrants brought an epidemic with them. This illness spread through the settlers at an alarming rate and killed many of their leaders, including Erik. 

The colony as a whole survived but eventually collapsed. It's believed the Little Ice Age of the 15th century was partly to blame for this as it made farming difficult for the settlers. This led to many of them giving up and going home or dying off. Add to this pirate raids and attacks from the newly arrived Innuits and eventually Norway abandoned its support for the colony, leading to its total collapse. 

Erik the Red embodies all of the positive aspects of the Viking ethos - bold, unyielding, and driven by the call of adventure. If the sagas are to be believed it is hugely impressive how in just a few short years he went from exiled thug to respected pioneer. It was quite a turnaround.

Through his leadership and exploration, he paved the way for future generations of Norse adventurers and colonizers, shaping the course of European expansion into new lands. With his fearless spirit, he not only left his mark on the map but also on the hearts and minds of all who hear his tale.

Top image: Representation of Erik the Red. Source:  Gelpi /Adobe Stock

By  Robbie Mitchell

Crocker, S. 2023.  HOW ERIK THE RED BECAME A LEGEND . Available at:

https://www.grunge.com/233407/how-erik-the-red-became-a-legend/

DeLong, W. 2023.  Erik the Red, The Hot-Headed Viking Whose Murderous Temper Led to the Settlement of Greenland  Available at:  https://allthatsinteresting.com/erik-the-red

Editors. 2014.  Erik the Red.  Available at:  https://www.biography.com/history-culture/erik-the-red

Wallace, B. 2023.  Erik the Red.  Available at:  https://www.britannica.com/biography/Erik-the-Red

"This means even considering modern global warming, much of Greenland would have been more hospitable than it is today."

This is true, largely because anthropogenic global warming ls false. Obtaining data that shows modern warming is easy. One may claim old, warmer manual records are incorrect and needing to be expunged. One may shift a recording station to a warmer spot and pretend the data continuity is unquestionable. One may cherry pick stations, such as one that has had a motorway built next to it or experienced urban heat Island effects, again while pretending there is sound data continuity.

All of this makes a hot-headed Nordic Pagan look almost respectable, by contrast, a fairly impossible task. That's because the wholesale manipulation of weather records, such as occurs here in Australia, is not the action of one hothead in a fairly violent society but that, ultimately, of cold-blooded conspiracy by elites to defraud the masses of life and liberty, in the false name of unnecessary conservation.

Some of the blame for this must sit squarely on the many minions who make it possible, most without ever realising their part in a deception of monumental proportions, often while prone to lecturing those who know the truth.

However, as it is said, if one must lie, it pays to make it a big one. Greenland was, during the Medieval warm period, partly green. Large-scale climate change is real, but it is natural, and no amount of carbon-dioxide panic shall ever change that.

The history of the modern era, if written correctly at some future date, would be unrecognisable to most alive today. Indeed, it would shock them to the core, excepting for the simple fact that they would likely not believe any of it. People believe what they want to believe and if that includes thinking that Greenland never experienced a Medieval warming, thus it shall be. Mind control does that. Such is its purpose.

I thank the author for mentioning the Medieval warm period. Knowing it existed should be a precursor to questioning the veracity of the current climate science.

Frequently Asked Questions

Erik the Red is the first Viking to discover Greenland and is credited for giving the country its name 'green land'.

Erik the Red became an outlaw for manslaughter in Norway and later faced exile in Iceland for retaliatory killings, marking a tumultuous path of violence and legal consequences in his life. His banishments ultimately fueled his adventurous spirit, leading to the discovery of Greenland and shaping Norse exploration.

Second son of Erik the Red, Leif Eriksson is credited in history as the first Viking to discover North America.

I’m a graduate of History and Literature from The University of Manchester in England and a total history geek. Since a young age, I’ve been obsessed with history. The weirder the better. I spend my days working as a freelance... Read More

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• Corrections

Eric the Red: The Incredible Story of Greenland’s First Viking

According to Norse sagas, Erik the Red led the first Viking settlement of Greenland in the 980s CE. What does archaeology have to say?

Around 950 CE, Thorvald Asvaldson welcomed a son named Erik into the world. Red-headed Erik was born in Norway during the reign of Haakon the Good. But Norway would not be Erik’s forever home. Thorvald killed someone and as punishment, he was exiled from Norway.

Thorvald took his family to Drangar in northwest Iceland. The Vikings had begun settling on the island in the ninth century CE. By the time Thorvald and his family arrived in Iceland, competition for land had grown stiff. Erik the Red would be forced to leave Iceland in due course.

Erik the Red: A Legend is Born

Erik carved a path for himself by marrying well. He wed a local woman named Thjodhild Jorundardottir. They moved to Haukadale and started a family. Erik would have many children including Leif Erikson, Thorvald, Thorstein, and Freydis. It is not clear if Thjodhild was the mother of all of Erik’s children. Life in Iceland proved far from quiet and pastoral. The troubles began with a landslide that decimated the farm of Valthjof, Erik, and Thjodhild’s neighbor. Erik’s slaves were accused of intentionally starting the landslide.

Valthjof’s relative Eyjolf took revenge by murdering Erik’s slaves and Erik retaliated by murdering Eyjolf. He then moved away to another settlement in Iceland but trouble found Erik once more. After some dispute, he killed more of his neighbors. This time, the consequences were significant. Like his father before him, Erik was banished from his home this time by the Icelandic Althing in 982 CE.

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Erik took to the sea and found a place he had heard of before but never seen: the world’s largest island.  This new place had an extreme environment with some 75% of it covered in ice and less than 25% of the land inhabitable. According to the sagas, in 985 CE, Erik convinced some three hundred Vikings in Iceland to go to this new place called Greenland. Twenty-five ships set sail. Eleven sank en route. Once in Greenland, the newcomers established two settlements on the island’s coast, named the Eastern and Western Settlements. According to the sagas, Erik settled in the Eastern Settlement.

Settling In

Unlike Iceland, Greenland had been settled before the Vikings arrived. The Dorset people had been living in Greenland and the first Viking settlers found traces of their dwellings, boats, and artifacts when they arrived, according to the sagas. The Norse also found it a challenging environment, despite their idyllic name for the island. Most of Greenland was covered in ice, so Erik the Red and his followers settled in the few areas with vegetation. The Norse established farms near freshwater sources, where they would be able to farm and raise livestock.

Qassiarsuk: Home of Erik the Red?

According to the sagas, Erik the Red chose prime farmland in western Eriksfjord for his home. Erik’s farm came to be known as Brattahlið, meaning “ steep slope .” As leader of the Icelandic colonists, Erik apparently held great authority. As such, Brattahlið became a place of significance and power in the new Norse world. The sagas cite Brattahlið as the location of one of the first churches in Greenland, following Thjodhild’s conversion to Christianity. But how much of the sagas can be believed?

As habitable land was limited in Greenland, curious explorers began poking around Eriksfjord in the nineteenth century CE. They found human bones and cloth fragments but nothing more. Then in 1926 Danish scholars Poul Nørlund and Aage Roussell uncovered a trapezoid-shaped coffin in Qassiarsuk. When they opened the coffin , it was empty. They continued digging and eventually found a body and a stone with a runic inscription. They had proof the Vikings had been in Qassiarsuk, but the grave was just the beginning of their discoveries.

In 1932, archaeologists led by Poul Nørlund with the aid of National Museum of Denmark and Swedish archaeologist Mårten Stenberger traveled to Greenland. In Eriksfjord, they found ruins of turf and stone and conducted large-scale excavations at the village of Qassiarsuk. Structures consistent with Norse architectural designs emerged from the earth. Initial excavations at Qassiarsuk revealed multiple farms and eighteen structures, including dwellings, barns, storehouses, and a church. The site is believed by many to be the legendary Brattahlið of the sagas and potentially the home of Erik the Red, though some skepticism remains.

Excavations at Qassiarsuk recovered a whetstone engraved with Thor’s hammer, suggesting that some of the Norse Greenlanders maintained connections with the Norse pantheon of Viking Age Scandinavia. However, Nørlund and Stenberger also found ruins of a church in Qassiarsuk. This church dated after the tenth century and cast doubt on Qassiarsuk’s association with Erik the Red. The Greenlandic conversion to Christianity was a major plot point in the sagas. Could there really have been a Brattahlið without Thjodhilde’s Church?

During the 1932 excavations at Qassiarsuk, Nørlund uncovered turf and stone walls that he interpreted as structures for temporary visitors along with tent rings and hearths. This evidence has suggested to some archaeologists that there may have been a possible assembly or Althing site at Qassiarsuk. Written sources record lawmen living at Brattahlið, casting doubt over whether it could have functioned as an assembly site. These sites allowed Norse chieftains to exert control over regional workings and consolidate their power, but their archaeological footprint is still under investigation.

Caribou, Seals, and Walruses…Oh My!

During the 1932 excavations, archaeologists also found a midden or trash deposit filled with animal bones. Greenland was different from medieval Scandinavia in many respects including its wildlife. In Greenland, walruses, harp seals, and harbor seals frequented the waters. Seal bones are abundant at excavations of Norse farms in Greenland. Middens also contain the bones of caribou, showing that they were hunted as well.

Bones of cattle, sheep, and goats attest to other uses of animals for dairy products and wool. Chemical analysis shows that the Norse adopted a more marine-based diet over time. Additional analysis has revealed that marine protein was consumed more in the Eastern Settlement than in the Western Settlement.

The Vikings also encountered large herds of walrus in Disko Bay. Hunting walrus proved a lucrative enterprise for the Norse, who were invested in the European ivory trade. However, archaeologists are not convinced that the pursuit of walrus was a primary factor in the Norse settlement of Greenland. Rather research has indicated that at the peak of Norse settlement in Greenland exports of walrus ivory to Europe were high.

Erik the Red and the End of the Viking Adventure in Greenland

In 1003 CE, a new wave of immigrants arrived in Greenland. They brought much to the island including a wave of powerful germs. Erik the Red succumbed to an epidemic that ravaged Norse Greenland just as a new millennium dawned. As a pioneering explorer, colonist, murderer, and leader, he is remembered as one of the last of the legendary Vikings. His place of rest remains a mystery.

In 1961, the construction of a school hostel in Qassiarsuk encountered human skulls. The bones were sent to a lab, where analysis confirmed that they were from the period of Norse colonization. Excavations began in earnest and archaeologists and physical anthropologists excavated a small turf church and a burial ground. They excavated 155 burials around the churchyard.

An analysis of the skeletal remains showed that men and women had been segregated with the women buried in the northern section of the churchyard and the men buried in the southern section of the churchyard. Archaeologists tested nine of the skeletons using radiocarbon dating. The bodies dated to c. 1000-1100/1200 CE. Several aspects of this discovery intrigued those familiar with the saga version of Erik the Red. It looked as if Thjodhilde’s church had been found at last. If so, could archaeologists expect to find Erik the Red nearby?

In the early 1400s CE, Greenland witnessed the wedding of Sigrid Bjornsdottir and Thorstein Olafsson, the burning of a witch at the stake, and the disappearance of the Vikings from the island. Scholars have proposed many theories to explain the Norse vanishing act in Greenland. Most explanations look outside of Greenland to external catalysts. There was a volcanic eruption in the thirteenth century that cooled the climate, and increased sea ice and ocean storms.

Progressive sea level rise may also have changed life in Greenland. Around the same time, European nations opened trade routes with sub-Saharan Africa, where elephants added unprecedented competition to the ivory market. And then there was the plague which decimated Greenland’s European trade partners.

While any or all of these explanations may have spurred the Viking abandonment of Greenland, scholars remain divided as to whether there was a single dramatic event, a mass exodus, or a gradual population decline. In all cases, Erik the Red’s legacy in Greenland remains nothing short of legendary, and archaeology has only begun to detail the story of the Norse in Greenland.

Viking Longhouses: What Did the Homes of the Vikings Look Like?

By Rachel Morgan MA Medieval Archaeology, BA History & Anthropology Rachel Morgan is an archaeologist interested in material culture studies, small finds, regulatory compliance, and conflict archaeology. She holds a MA in Medieval Archaeology from the University of York and a BA in History and Anthropology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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Erik Thorvaldson (also spelled Eric or Eirik Torvaldsson; in Norwegian, Eirik Raude). As the son of Thorvald, he was known as Erik Thorvaldson until he was dubbed "the Red" for his red hair.

Notable Accomplishment

Founding the first European settlement on Greenland .

Occupations

Leader Explorer

Places of Residence and Influence

Scandinavia

Important Dates

Born: c. 950

Much of what scholars understand about Erik's life comes from Eirik the Red's Saga, an epic tale written by an unknown author in the mid-13th century. 

Erik was born in Norway to a man named Thorvald and his wife and was thus known as Erik Thorvaldsson. He was given the name "Erik the Red" because of his red hair; although later sources attribute the moniker to his fiery temper, there is no clear evidence of this. When Erik was still a child, his father was convicted of manslaughter and exiled from Norway. Thorvald went to Iceland and took Erik with him.

Thorvald and his son lived in western Iceland . Not long after Thorvald died, Erik married a woman named Thjodhild, whose father, Jorund, may have provided the land that Erik and his bride settled on in Haukadale (Hawkdale). It was while he was living at this homestead, which Erik named Eriksstadr (Erik's farm ), that his thralls (servants) caused a landslide that damaged the farm belonging to his neighbor Valthjof. A kinsman of Valthjof, Eyjolf the Foul, killed the thralls. In retaliation, Erik killed Eyjolf and at least one other man.

Rather than escalate a blood feud, Eyjolf's family instituted legal proceedings against Erik for these killings. Erik was found guilty of manslaughter and banished from Hawkdale. He then took up residence further north (according to Eirik's Saga, "He occupied then Brokey and Eyxney, and dwelt at Tradir, in Sudrey, the first winter.") 

While building a new homestead, Erik lent what were apparently valuable pillars for seat-stocks to his neighbor, Thorgest. When he was ready to claim their return, Thorgest refused to give them up. Erik took possession of the pillars himself, and Thorgest gave chase; fighting ensued, and several men were killed, including two sons of Thorgest. Once again legal proceedings took place, and once again Erik was banished from his home for manslaughter.

Frustrated with these legal wranglings, Erik turned his eyes westward. The edges of what turned out to be an enormous island were visible from the mountaintops of western Iceland, and the Norwegian Gunnbjörn Ulfsson had sailed near the island some years earlier, though if he'd made landfall it's not recorded. There was no doubt that there was some kind of land there, and Erik determined to explore it himself and determine whether or not it could be settled. He set sail with his household and some livestock in 982.

The direct approach to the island was unsuccessful, due to drift ice, so Erik's party continued on around the southern tip until they came to present-day Julianehab. According to Eirik's Saga, the expedition spent three years on the island; Erik roved far and wide and named all the places he came to. They didn't encounter any other people. They then went back to Iceland to convince others to return to the land and establish a settlement. Erik called the place Greenland because, he said, "men will desire much the more to go there if the land has a good name."

Erik succeeded in convincing many colonists to join him on a second expedition. 25 ships set sail, but only 14 ships and about 350 people landed safely. They did establish a settlement, and by about the year 1000 there were approximately 1,000 Scandinavian colonists there. Unfortunately, an epidemic in 1002 reduced their number considerably, and eventually, Erik's colony died out. However, other Norse settlements would survive until the 1400s, when communications mysteriously ceased for more than a century.

Erik's son Leif would lead an expedition to America around the turn of the millennium.

• Leif Erikson: First European in North America
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• A Timeline of North American Exploration: 1492–1585
• Biography of Robert Cavelier de la Salle, French Explorer
• The Florida Expeditions of Ponce de Leon
• Vinland: The Viking Homeland in America
• The Scandinavian Flags
• Viking Sites
• Viking Timeline - Important Events in the History of Ancient Vikings
• Biography of Christopher Columbus
• The Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus
• Biography of Antonio de Montesinos, Defender of Indigenous Rights
• Biography of Christopher Columbus, Italian Explorer
• Biography of Juan Ponce de León, Conquistador
• Geography of Iceland
• Biography of Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, Conquistador

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Erik the Red

Article by Birgitta Wallace

Published Online February 7, 2006

Last Edited October 12, 2018

Erik the Red (Eiríkr rauða in Old Norse and Eiríkur rauði in modern Icelandic, a.k.a. Erik Thorvaldsson), colonizer, explorer, chief (born in the Jæren district in Norway; died c. 1000 CE at Brattahlid, Greenland ). An Icelandic settler of modest means who was exiled for his involvement in a violent dispute, Erik the Red rose in status as he explored Greenland and founded the first Norse settlement there. One of his sons, Leif Eriksson , led some of the first European explorations of the east coast of North America, including regions that are now part of Arctic and Atlantic Canada.

Historical Sources

Erik the Red’s life is described in short passages in several medieval Icelandic sources, chiefly The Saga of the Greenlanders and The Saga of Erik the Red . He also appears in The Book of Icelanders , The Book of Settlements , The Saga of Olaf Tryggvason and The Saga of the People of Eyri . Details about his life vary slightly, but there is sufficient agreement between these records to conclude that Erik was an historical person. His nickname, Red, is thought to refer to the colour of his hair and beard.

Early Years in Iceland

The year of Erik’s birth is not known. His recorded story begins when he arrives in Iceland with his father, Thorvald, from the Jæren district in southwestern Norway. The two had left Norway because of “some killings,” but it is unclear how Erik and Thorvald were involved. Given the date of later events, this incident must have occurred in the 970s. By then, the Viking colony of Iceland already had a substantial population. Because the best areas were populated, and because Thorvald and Erik did not have sufficient influence to gain access to better locations, they settled at Drangar in Hornstrand, on the northern coast of northwestern Iceland. The area was undesirable for farmers like Erik and Thorvald, due to its poor soil quality and short growing season.

Erik made an advantageous marriage to Thjodhild (who some sources refer to as Thorhild), who came from a wealthy family. After his father died, Erik moved farther south to the more inviting region of Breidafjord, where Thjodhild’s stepfather owned a homestead in Haukadalur (Valley of the Hawks). Erik obtained a corner of the estate and established a small farm named Eiríksstaðir . The footprint of a hall believed to have been the home of Erik and his family was fully excavated in 1997–98. Its modest size is an indication of Erik’s relatively low status at this time.

Erik had four children: three sons and one daughter. Thjodhild was the mother of Thorstein and Leif , and she may also have been the mother of Thorvald. Erik’s daughter, Freydis, was born out of wedlock; the name of her mother is unknown.

Exile and Exploration of Greenland

Around the year 980, a dispute broke out between Erik and a neighbour, whom he had lent valuable decorative furnishings called seat-posts. A confrontation between the two men and their supporters resulted in several deaths. For his involvement, Erik was punished with three years of exile. He used the time wisely. Aware that land had been observed west of Iceland by Gunnbjorn Ulf-Krakason about 50 years earlier when his ship was blown off course from Iceland, Erik decided to explore it.

Setting out from Snæfellsnes in western Iceland, Erik first saw land on the east coast of Greenland, at a place later called Blåserk (Black Shirt), probably around modern Ammassalik. Following the coast around the southern tip, he arrived on the much more hospitable western coast. He spent the first winter on an island in the centre of what was later named the Eastern Settlement. During the rest of his exile, he explored much of the Greenlandic coast, recognizing its possibilities for Icelandic-type livestock farming. He named places as he went, claiming ownership of all the land.

Did you know? While Indigenous peoples did not inhabit southern Greenland at the time of its colonization by the Norse, The Book of Icelanders says that Erik the Red and his party found items left behind by previous Indigenous inhabitants. Among these items were shelters, carved stone and pieces of skin boats.

Erik decided to settle in Eriksfjord (present day Tunulliarfik Fjord) on one of the most promising pieces of land on the inlet, calling it Brattahlíð (“Steep Slope”), which is a reasonable description of the landscape. The area is now called Qassiarsuk.

Although his companions are barely mentioned in the sources, Erik was not alone on his travels. He would have brought a crew of trusted friends and members of his staff with useful skills, such as Thorhall the Hunter. Thorhall was Erik’s hunting steward in the summer and work foreman in the winter.

Founding of the Norse Colony in Greenland

When his three years of exile were up, Erik and his people returned to Breidafjord. Erik declared that he intended to settle permanently in the new country and invited others to come with him. He named the country Greenland, as he felt that an attractive name would entice people to join him. The sagas suggest this was propaganda, but the name is actually fitting for the areas chosen for settlement. They form a striking green contrast to the otherwise barren landscape.

The Saga of the Greenlanders states that 35 ships joined Erik. The Book of Settlements says 25, but both agree that only 14 ships made it to their destination. The rest were either wrecked or storm-driven back to Iceland. This was in either 984 or 985, since the sources place the date of the voyage as 14 or 15 winters before Iceland became Christianized, an event known to have taken place in 999 or 1000. Archaeological evidence has since confirmed that Norse people did indeed settle southern Greenland around this time. They would have primarily been livestock farmers, raising cattle, sheep and goats. The names of nine settlers and the areas given to them by Erik are mentioned in The Saga of the Greenlanders . Their families and staff are rarely mentioned.

By establishing himself as the paramount chief of Greenland, Erik gained considerably in status. The Saga of Erik the Red states that “he was held in the highest esteem, and everybody referred to his authority.”

According to some sources, Erik’s son Leif brought Christianity to Greenland around the year 1000. Erik is said to have been much against it, but Thjodhild accepted the new faith and built a small church at Brattahlid. According to The Saga of Olaf Tryggvason , Erik expressed his view that the priest brought to the colony was a swindler, and that by inviting him, his son Leif had committed a negative deed that balanced his good deed in rescuing a shipwrecked crew from death. Although The Saga of the Greenlanders states that Erik never converted to Christianity, The Saga of Erik the Red suggests that he was slow to change his faith, and The Saga of Olaf Tryggvason adds that on Leif’s advice, Erik was baptized together with everyone else in Greenland. It has been severely disputed that Christianity reached Greenland before 1015, but no pagan burials have been found there. Additionally, archaeological evidence from the first settlement indicates that surrounding a small Christian church at Brattahlid was a cemetery where people may have been buried beginning in the 990s. (It is possible that some bodies buried earlier in pagan tradition were exhumed and re-buried at the church.)

When Erik’s son Leif decided to sail west of Greenland to explore what he would later call Vinland (in eastern North America) around the year 1000, Erik at first turned down the opportunity to join, considering himself too old. He later agreed, but ultimately changed his mind again when he perceived bad omens about his involvement in the voyage.

The exact year and circumstances of Erik’s death are unclear. The Saga of the Greenlanders says he died the winter after Leif’s return from Vinland (i.e., around the year 1000) in an epidemic at Brattahlid. According to The Saga of Erik the Red , however, Erik was still living when the explorer Karlesfni sailed to Vinland in the early 11th century, after the epidemic.

Significance

Direct statements attributed to Erik are few in the sagas, but his actions define him. Headstrong and quick to lose his temper, he set his mind to improving his lot and influence. He used his failure in the Icelandic court of law as an opportunity to gain fame and authority by settling and developing a vast land unknown to Europeans, a land that still carries the name he gave it. 

His son Leif continued his legacy of exploration by leading some of the first Norse voyages to North America, including Baffin Island, Labrador, Newfoundland and the Maritimes.

• Norse voyages
• colonization
• exploration

Further Reading

Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Pálsson, The Vinland Sagas: The Norse Discovery of America , Penguin Books (1965).

Gwyn Jones,  The Norse Atlantic Saga: Being the Norse Voyages of Discovery and Settlement to Iceland, Greenland, and North America , Oxford University Press (1986).

The Vinland Sagas: The Icelandic Sagas about the First Documented Voyages across the North Atlantic: The Saga of the Greenlanders and Eirik the Red’s Saga , translated by Keneva Kunz with an introduction and notes by Gísli Sigurðsson (2008).

External Links

The Norse in the North Atlantic Learn about early Viking voyages to North America on this website from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canadian History: Where is Vinland?

Recommended

Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat)

Exploration, norse voyages, leif eriksson, l’anse aux meadows.

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Navigate between maps, the arctic 1932: erik the red's land.

Mar 1927 Newfoundland border agreed

Aug 1929 Soviets establish base on Franz Josef Land

Oct 1929 Wall St Crash

Aug 1930 Norwegians land on Victoria I., but later abandon it to Soviets

Nov 1930 Norway abandons claim to Sverdrup Is. in return for British recognition of Norway in Jan Mayen

10 Jul 1931 Norway claims Eastern Greenland

Sep 1931–Feb 1932 Japan invades Manchuria

Dec 1931 Statute of Westminster ends Britain’s authority over Canada & Ireland

12 July 1932

Claiming the far north, erik the red's land.

In return for Denmark abandoning any claims on Svalbard , Norway had agreed to recognize Danish sovereignty over Greenland . However, northeast Greenland remained dominated by Norwegian whalers and trappers and in 1931 declared itself for Norway as Erik the Red's Land . The dispute was brought before the World Court in 1933, which ruled against Norway and led it to abandon the claim.

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1 mar 1927 labrador settlement ▲.

The border between Labrador in the Dominion of Newfoundland, and the Province of Quebec in the Dominion of Canada was settled by a British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Rather than tightly follow the coast, as claimed by Quebec, the boundary was set to include most of the coastal watershed, with part of the southern stretch being defined by the 52nd parallel north. in wikipedia

12–29 Aug 1929 Annexation of Franz Josef Land ▲

The Soviet Sedov Expedition established a base at Tikhaya Bay, Hooker Island, and declared Franz Josef Land part of the Soviet Union. in wikipedia

24–29 Oct 1929 Wall Street Crash ▲

Between opening on 24 October 1929 (“Black Thursday”) and close on 29 October (“Black Tuesday”), the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped in value from 305.85 to 230.07 in the most devastating stock market crash in United States history. The crash would bring an abrupt end to the Roaring Twenties and signal the beginning of the Great Depression. in wikipedia

8 Aug 1930 Norwegian claim to Victoria I. ▲

The Norwegian Bratvaag Expedition, led by Dr. Gunnar Horn, landed on Victoria Island, between Svalbard and Franz Josef Land, claiming it for Norway. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, decided not to officially back this claim in face of expected Soviet opposition. in wikipedia

11 Nov 1930 Sverdrup Islands compromise ▲

Norway recognized Canadian sovereignty over the Sverdrup Islands in return for British and Canadian recognition of Norwegian sovereignty over Jan Mayen island. in wikipedia

10 Jul 1931 Erik the Red’s Land ▲

On 27 June 1931, five Norwegian hunters including Hallvard Devold raised the Norwegian flag at Myggbukta, eastern Greenland, declaring Greenland between Carlsberg Fjord in the south and Besselfjord in the north as occupied by Norway. On 10 July, a Norwegian royal proclamation claimed Eastern Greenland—named Erik the Red’s Land—as Norwegian territory, with explorer Helge Ingstad serving as governor. in wikipedia

18 Sep 1931–27 Feb 1932 Japanese invasion of Manchuria ▲

Following the Mukden Incident, the Kwantung Army of the Empire of Japan invaded Manchuria—the semi-independent northeast provinces of the Republic of China under the governorship of Zhang Xueliang. After occupying the southern provinces of Liaoning and Kirin, the Japanese advanced north into Heilongjiang, completing its conquest in February 1932. in wikipedia

11 Dec 1931 Statute of Westminster ▲

The Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Statute of Westminster, establishing legislative independence of the self-governing Dominions of the British Empire from Britain. The act was effective immediately in Canada and the Union of South Africa, and was considered irrelevant by the Irish Free State. Of the remaining Dominions, Australia and New Zealand would ratify the act in the 1940s, while Newfoundland would never adopt it due to financial difficulties. in wikipedia

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The Viking Explorer Who Beat Columbus to America

By: Christopher Klein

Updated: May 25, 2023 | Original: October 8, 2013

Nearly 500 years before the birth of Christopher Columbus , a band of European sailors left their homeland behind in search of a new world. Their high-prowed Viking ship sliced through the cobalt waters of the Atlantic Ocean as winds billowed the boat’s enormous single sail. After traversing unfamiliar waters, the Norsemen aboard the wooden ship spied a new land, dropped anchor and went ashore. 

Half a millennium before Columbus reached America, those Viking feet may have been the first European ones to ever have touched North American soil.

Exploration was a family business for the expedition’s leader, Leif Eriksson (variations of his last name include Erickson, Ericson, Erikson, Ericsson and Eiriksson). His father, Erik the Red, founded the first European settlement of Greenland after being expelled from Iceland around A.D. 985 for killing a neighbor. (Erik the Red’s father, himself, had been banished from Norway for committing manslaughter.) 

Eriksson, who is believed to have been born in Iceland around A.D. 970, spent his formative years in desolate Greenland. Around A.D. 1000, Eriksson sailed east to his ancestral homeland of Norway. There, King Olaf I Tryggvason converted him to Christianity and charged him with proselytizing the religion to the pagan settlers of Greenland. Eriksson converted his mother, who built Greenland’s first Christian church, but not his outlaw father.

Icelandic legends called sagas recounted Eriksson’s exploits in the New World around A.D. 1000. These Norse stories were spread by word of mouth before becoming recorded in the 12th and 13th centuries. Two sagas give differing accounts as to how Eriksson arrived in North America. 

According to the “Saga of Erik the Red,” Eriksson crossed the Atlantic by accident after sailing off course on his return voyage from Norway after his conversion to Christianity. The “Saga of the Greenlanders,” however, recounts that Eriksson’s voyage to North America was no fluke. Instead, the Viking explorer had heard of a strange land to the west from Icelandic trader Bjarni Herjolfsson, who more than a decade earlier had overshot Greenland and sailed by the shores of North America without setting foot upon it. Eriksson bought the trader’s ship, raised a crew of 35 men and retraced the route in reverse.

After crossing the Atlantic, the Vikings encountered a rocky, barren land in present-day Canada. Eriksson bestowed upon the land a name as boring as the surroundings—Helluland, Old Norse for “Stone Slab Land.” Researchers believe this location could possibly have been Baffin Island. The Norsemen then voyaged south to a timber-rich location they called Markland (Forestland), most likely in present-day Labrador, before finally setting up a base camp likely on the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland.

The Vikings spent an entire winter there and benefitted from the milder weather compared to their homeland. They explored the surrounding region abounding with lush meadows, rivers teeming with salmon, and wild grapes so suitable for wine that Eriksson called the region Vinland (Wineland).

After spending the winter in Vinland, Eriksson and his crew sailed home to windswept Greenland with badly needed timber and plentiful portions of grapes. Eriksson, who would succeed Erik the Red as chief of the Greenland settlement after his father’s death, never returned to North America, but other Vikings continued to sail west to Vinland for at least the ensuing decade. In spite of North America’s more bountiful resources, the Viking settlers remained in desolate Greenland. This was perhaps due to the violent encounters—including the slaying of Eriksson’s brother Thorwald–they had with the indigenous population of North America.

Archaeologists have unearthed evidence that supports the sagas’ stories of the Norse expeditions to America. In 1960, Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad scoured the coasts of Labrador and Newfoundland for signs of a possible settlement, and he found it on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland at L’Anse aux Meadows. An international team of archaeologists that included Ingstad’s wife, Anne, excavated artifacts of Viking origin dating from around A.D. 1000, and the remains of the Norse village are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site .

While Columbus is honored with a federal holiday , the man considered to be the leader of the first European expedition to North America has not been totally forgotten on the calendar. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation that declared October 9 to be Leif Eriksson Day in honor of the Viking explorer, his crew and the country’s Nordic-American heritage. 

The proximity of the days honoring Eriksson and Columbus is a coincidence. October 9 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the 1825 arrival in New York of the ship Restauration, which carried the first organized band of Norwegian immigrants to the United States.

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Exploring Greenland: The Epic Journeys of Erik the Red

Dive into the epic adventures of Erik the Red in Greenland. Uncover the mysteries of his explorations and settlements.

Erik the Red, a legendary Viking explorer, left an indelible mark on Scandinavian history with his daring voyages and pioneering spirit. Born in Norway around 950 AD, Erik, also known as Erik Thorvaldsson, embarked on a series of remarkable expeditions that would forever change the course of history. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the captivating story of Erik the Red's voyages, uncovering the details of his explorations and the legacy he left behind.

Map of Erik The Red's Exploration of Greenland

Early life: from norway to iceland.

Erik Thorvaldsson was born in 950 AD in Rogaland, a region in southwestern Norway known for its fertile farmland. His father, Thorvald Asvaldsson, was exiled from Norway for manslaughter, leading the family to settle in Hornstrandir , a remote region in northwestern Iceland. It was in this rugged land that Erik grew up, his fiery red hair and beard earning him the nickname "Erik the Red."

As Erik reached adulthood, he married Thjodhild Jorundsdottir, a woman of high birth, and together they settled in Haukadale. Here, Erik established his farm, which he named Eiriksstadir after himself.

Breiðafjörður was a significant bay in west Iceland where Erik and Thjodhild got married. The bay's stunning natural beauty must have provided a memorable backdrop for their union, marking a significant milestone in their lives. There, Erik and Thjodjild would have four children, including Lief Erikson, who would become a famous explorer.

Exile and the Search for New Lands

Erik the Red's life was marked by conflict and turmoil. In 980 AD, a dispute with his neighbor led to a violent altercation, resulting in multiple deaths. As a consequence, Erik was banished from Haukadale and sought refuge on the islands of Oxney and Sudrey .

During his exile, Erik encountered another setback when he entrusted his cherished setstokkr, ancestral beams of great significance, to a fellow settler named Thorgest. When Thorgest refused to return them, Erik took matters into his own hands and a heated confrontation ensued. This clash ultimately resulted in Erik being banished from Iceland for three years.

Undeterred by his exile, Erik set his sights on exploring new lands to the west. Inspired by tales of a vast landmass discovered by Gunnbjorn Ulfsson, a Norwegian sailor, Erik embarked on a grand expedition to uncover this mysterious territory.

The Voyages of Erik the Red: Discovering Greenland

In 982 AD, Erik the Red set sail from Iceland, determined to reach the unexplored land to the west. His journey, however, was fraught with challenges as drift ice impeded their progress. After a treacherous voyage, Erik and his crew finally rounded the southern tip of the landmass, arriving at a fjord now known as Tunulliarfik .

From this base, Erik spent two years exploring the uncharted regions of Greenland, bestowing place names that bore his own. He believed that the land's verdant meadows would entice settlers, and thus he christened it "Greenland." Erick's exploration covered vast stretches of the west and north, laying the groundwork for future Norse settlements.

Settlement Of Greenland: The Eastern and Western Settlements

After his exploration of Greenland, Erik the Red returned to Iceland in 986 AD, eager to share his newfound knowledge with his compatriots. Convinced of Greenland's potential, Erik successfully persuaded hundreds of people to join him in establishing colonies on the fertile shores of this newfound land.

In 985 AD, Erik set sail once again, this time leading a fleet of 25 ships carrying over 400 settlers. Despite the challenges of the journey, including lost and damaged vessels, Erik and his followers arrived in Greenland, where they established two colonies: the Eastern Settlement and the Western Settlement .

The Eastern Settlement, also known as Eystribyggð, was located in the southernmost part of Greenland and served as the hub of Norse civilization. Erik chose the inner area of Eriksfjord, naming it Brattahlid, where he built his manor house. It became a thriving community and the center of trade and social life in Greenland.

The Western Settlement, or Vestribyggð, was situated in the northern part of Greenland. While it is unclear whether Erik personally explored this area, it played a significant role in Norse colonization efforts. There was also the Middle Settlement, which historians are not sure if Erik explored.

Erik The Red's Exploration Of Greenland

While colonizing Greenland, Erik sailed and explored much of the area. One of the significant places that Erik may have explored is the Godthåb Fjord , located near the Western Settlement. This fjord, characterized by its deep waters surrounded by towering cliffs and glaciers, would have provided a strategic location for Viking ships navigating the treacherous waters of Greenland. Its proximity to the Western Settlement suggests that it might have been an important part of Erik's exploration routes.

Disko Bay , another potential area of exploration for Erik, is an important geographical feature of Greenland. Known for its immense icebergs and rich marine life, Disko Bay would have offered an abundance of resources for Erik and his fellow settlers. It's easy to imagine Erik sailing into this bay, awestruck by the gargantuan ice structures rising from the sea.

Close to the areas Erik settled is the modern-day capital of Greenland, Nuuk . While the city as we know it did not exist during Erik's time, the surrounding region would have been familiar territory for the Norse explorer. The fertile valleys and the availability of marine resources would have made this area an attractive settlement site.

Erik's voyages would have necessitated extensive navigation of the Sea of Greenland . The vast, often tumultuous, sea would have been both a challenge and a gateway for Erik during his explorations. His familiarity with these waters played a crucial role in his successful colonization of Greenland.

Further afield, Erik may have known about or even explored what is now known as Helluland (likely Baffin Island, Canada) and Markland (probably Labrador, Canada). These locations are mentioned in sagas about his son, Leif Erikson, suggesting that knowledge of these distant lands existed during Erik's lifetime.

Lastly, there is Vinland , part of North America (possibly Newfoundland, Canada), discovered by Leif Erikson. The sagas suggest that Erik may have heard about or even set foot on this distant land. If true, this would mark one of the earliest European contacts with North America, predating Christopher Columbus's voyage by nearly 500 years.

Legacy and Influence

Erik the Red's voyages and settlements in Greenland left an indelible mark on history. His bold exploration and successful establishment of colonies paved the way for future Norse expeditions and settlements in the region. The Eastern Settlement, in particular, thrived for several centuries, maintaining contact with Europe until the mid-15th century.

Erik's son, Leif Erikson, would go on to achieve further acclaim as the first European to set foot in North America. Leif's explorations in "Vinland," believed to be present-day Newfoundland, Canada, may have been inspired by his father's tales of uncharted lands.

The Norse presence in Greenland eventually waned, likely due to a combination of factors such as declining trade, isolation, and environmental challenges. However, the legacy of Erik the Red and his fellow Norse settlers endures, leaving behind archaeological remains, sagas, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration.

Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Exploration

Erik the Red's voyages stand as a testament to the intrepid spirit of exploration that defined the Viking Age. From his tumultuous early life in Norway and Iceland to his daring expeditions and establishment of colonies in Greenland, Erik's legacy lives on. His remarkable achievements continue to inspire adventurers and historians alike, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the horizon.

As we reflect on the extraordinary life and voyages of Erik the Red, we are reminded of the importance of embracing the unknown and pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Just as Erik's red hair and fiery temper set him apart, his unwavering determination and thirst for discovery distinguish him as a true pioneer of his time.

So, let us celebrate the legacy of Erik the Red, the intrepid explorer who fearlessly ventured into uncharted territories, forever etching his name into the annals of history. May his spirit of exploration continue to inspire generations to come, urging us to push beyond our limits and uncover the wonders that await us on the horizon.

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Saga of an explorer: erik the red’s viking journeys.

Are you fascinated by tales of adventure and exploration? If so, you’ll love learning about Viking Erik the Red and his daring expeditions to unknown lands. This legendary explorer of the Viking Age left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire adventurers today .

Key Takeaways:

• Viking Erik the Red was a renowned explorer of the Viking Age.
• His daring expeditions to unknown lands left a lasting legacy.
• Explore his early life , exile , and the challenges he faced.
• Discover his historic discovery of Greenland and the lasting impact of his colonization efforts.
• Learn about his influence on Viking society and culture.

Early Life and Exile

You may be surprised to learn that Viking Erik the Red’s life did not start off as a daring adventurer. Born around 950 AD, Erik grew up in a farming family in Norway. He inherited the nickname “the Red” because of his fiery red hair and beard.

However, trouble found Erik early on. When he was still a young man, he was involved in a violent altercation with a local neighbor. This altercation resulted in the neighbor’s death and Erik’s exile from Norway. He then settled in Iceland, where he married and started a family.

Despite his exile , Erik remained ambitious. He continued to seek new opportunities and establish himself as a successful farmer and trader in Iceland. His reputation grew, and he became a respected member of the Icelandic community.

But Erik’s thirst for adventure and discovery never faded. He knew there were uncharted lands to the west, and he was determined to find them.

Stay tuned to learn about Erik the Red’s historic discovery of Greenland and the lasting impact of his colonization efforts in this vast icy wilderness.

Discovering Greenland

When Erik the Red set sail in search of new lands to colonize, he had no idea he would discover a vast icy wilderness that would become one of the most famous Viking settlements in history. The discovery of Greenland was a defining moment in Erik the Red’s exploration career which would pave the way for other adventurers to follow in his footsteps.

Upon his arrival, Erik named the new land “Greenland” in an attempt to attract settlers to the area. Despite its name, the land was anything but hospitable. Winters were harsh, and the Vikings had to learn to adapt to survive in this unforgiving environment. Through their resourcefulness and determination, the Norse settlers were able to establish thriving settlements in Greenland and continue their way of life for centuries.

Erik’s journey to Greenland was not without its challenges. His fleet encountered treacherous weather conditions and had to navigate through uncharted waters to reach the new land. However, his determination and skill as a navigator enabled him to successfully reach his destination.

The impact of Erik the Red’s discovery of Greenland cannot be overstated. It opened up a new world for the Vikings to explore and conquer, and it established a vibrant Norse settlement in a land where it seemed impossible to survive. The Vikings were able to establish a trade network with Europe, bringing resources such as timber, iron, and furs to Greenland and exporting local products such as ivory and walrus tusks.

Erik the Red’s legacy in Greenland is still evident today . The ruins of Norse settlements continue to be discovered by archaeologists, and his story is a source of fascination for many. His discovery of Greenland is a testament to the Viking spirit of adventure, resilience, and resourcefulness.

The Norse Settlements

After discovering Greenland , Erik the Red and his followers faced the daunting task of establishing settlements in this harsh and unforgiving environment. Despite the challenges, they persevered and created a unique way of life that allowed them to thrive in this new land.

The Norse settlements were typically located near the coast, where access to resources such as fish and seals was readily available. They constructed buildings from turf, stone, and wood, using materials found in the surrounding wilderness. These structures were incredibly resilient, with some still standing today .

The settlements were self-sufficient, with each family responsible for their own survival. They practiced sustainable farming, raising livestock and cultivating crops in small plots of land. They also engaged in trade with the native Inuit population, exchanging goods such as furs and ivory.

Despite their isolation, the Norse settlers maintained contact with their homeland and other Viking settlements in Europe. They relied heavily on the sea for transportation, using their advanced shipbuilding techniques to explore and trade with other regions.

The Impact of the Norse Settlements

The Norse settlements in Greenland are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Viking society. They prove that even in the harshest of environments, they were able to adapt and thrive. The sustainable practices they employed, such as small-scale farming and trade with local populations, are still relevant today, highlighting the importance of respecting the natural world and local communities.

Erik the Red’s leadership and determination in creating these settlements paved the way for future Viking exploration and colonization. It also played a significant role in the development of Norse society, influencing their culture, traditions, and way of life.

Today, the legacy of the Norse settlements can still be seen in archaeological findings and cultural references. They serve as a reminder of the incredible feats of Viking exploration and their lasting impact on the world.

Erik’s Legacy

As one of the most renowned Viking explorers, Erik the Red left an enduring legacy that continues to captivate historians, adventurers, and enthusiasts to this day. His expeditions were not just remarkable feats of endurance and bravery, but they also paved the way for future Viking journeys and exploration.

Perhaps Erik’s most significant legacy was his discovery of Greenland, a vast and rugged wilderness that challenged even the most skilled seafarers. Although he faced many obstacles during his journey, including treacherous ice floes and harsh weather conditions, he succeeded in establishing several Norse settlements on the island, laying the foundation for a sustainable and thriving community.

Erik’s exploration of Greenland also had a significant impact on the development of Viking society and culture. The trade routes established by him and his followers allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between different civilizations, leading to the evolution and expansion of Viking society.

Today, Erik’s legacy can be seen in numerous archaeological findings, cultural references, and even in modern-day expeditions that seek to retrace his steps and understand his achievements. His name remains synonymous with adventure, bravery, and exploration, inspiring countless individuals to follow in his footsteps and explore the unknown.

Viking Exploration: Erik the Red’s Techniques and Tools

Embarking on a Viking journey required a great deal of skill, courage, and preparation. Erik the Red and his fellow explorers had to rely on their intuition, knowledge of the sea, and mastery of ancient tools to navigate the unpredictable waters and discover new lands.

One of the most important skills for Viking explorers was their ability to read the stars and the sun to determine their position and course. By using a device called a sun stone, which was believed to have been made of Iceland spar, Vikings could locate the position of the sun even on cloudy days. This was essential for determining their latitude and for guiding their ships towards their destination.

In addition to their navigational skills, Vikings had to be proficient in the use of various tools and weapons. Their ships, for example, were equipped with oars and mast sails, which allowed them to travel long distances and withstand rough weather conditions. They also used longships, which were specially designed for exploration and could carry a large number of men and supplies.

Other essential tools for Viking explorers included axes, knives, and swords, which were used for fishing, hunting, and self-defense. Vikings also relied on the use of compasses and maps, which they crafted by hand from animal skins, parchment, or wood. These maps were not always accurate, but they were still useful for tracking their progress and identifying potential hazards.

Despite the many challenges they face, Viking explorers like Erik the Red were able to make perilous journeys and discover new lands. Their techniques and tools continue to inspire us today and remind us of the remarkable spirit of adventure and discovery that defined the Viking Age.

Erik the Red’s Impact on Viking Society

Erik the Red’s expeditions and colonization efforts in Greenland had a profound impact on Viking society , both in his time and in the centuries that followed. His leadership and daring exploits paved the way for future Viking explorers and traders to venture into new territories and establish trade routes.

One of the key areas where Erik’s impact was felt was in the realm of commerce. The Norse settlements he established in Greenland served as a vital hub for maritime trade between Europe and North America, providing access to precious resources like furs, ivory, and walrus tusks.

But Erik’s impact was not limited to the economic sphere; his travels and interactions with other cultures also influenced Viking society in profound ways. Through his journeys, Vikings were exposed to new technologies, ideas, and beliefs that would shape their understanding of the world and their place in it.

Erik the Red’s impact can also be seen in the lasting legacy of the Norse settlements in Greenland. Despite the challenges of living in an inhospitable environment, the Norse settlers were able to establish a sustainable way of life, relying on hunting, fishing, and agriculture to survive. Their ethos of resilience and self-sufficiency would go on to inspire future generations of explorers and colonizers.

In short, Erik the Red’s impact on Viking society was far-reaching and enduring. His contributions to exploration, trade, and culture helped to shape the Viking Age and laid the groundwork for the remarkable achievements of this remarkable civilization.

Uncovering Viking Erik the Red’s Legacy Today

More than a thousand years after Erik the Red’s expeditions, his legacy continues to leave a mark on our world today. Archaeological discoveries, cultural references, and the enduring fascination with his remarkable story are just some of the ways in which Erik the Red’s impact can be felt.

Archaeological Findings

Excavations of the Norse settlements in Greenland have revealed fascinating insights into the lives of the early settlers. Artifacts such as tools, weapons, and household items offer a glimpse into the daily routines and survival strategies of Erik the Red and his followers. Researchers continue to uncover new discoveries, shedding light on this remote and harsh corner of the world.

Cultural References

Erik the Red’s story has been retold in countless books, films, and television shows, cementing his status as a legendary figure in popular culture. From Marvel Comics’ Thor to video games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Erik the Red’s name and exploits continue to captivate audiences around the world.

The Enduring Fascination with Erik the Red’s Story

Perhaps most significantly, Erik the Red’s remarkable story continues to inspire and fascinate people to this day. His daring spirit, thirst for adventure, and unwavering determination are qualities that we continue to admire and strive for. As we continue to explore and push the boundaries of our world, we can look to Erik the Red as a symbol of courage and exploration.

Congratulations on completing this journey through the life and adventures of Viking Erik the Red ! You have discovered the remarkable story of an explorer who overcame countless challenges to leave a lasting impact on Viking society and exploration.

Erik the Red’s early life and exile shaped his determination and resilience, leading him to discover and colonize Greenland. His accomplishments inspired future Viking exploration and left a legacy that is still felt today.

Exploring the Norse settlements in Greenland and learning about their sustainable practices sheds light on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Erik the Red and his followers. The impact he had on Viking society demonstrates how one person’s determination and courage can shape history and culture.

Even today, Erik the Red’s legacy is celebrated and studied through cultural references, archaeological findings, and ongoing fascination with his incredible journey. We hope this article has inspired you to delve deeper into the world of Viking exploration and appreciate the accomplishments of those who came before us.

Who was Erik the Red?

Erik the Red was a renowned Viking explorer who lived during the Viking Age. He is known for his daring expeditions and the colonization of Greenland.

What led to Erik the Red’s exile?

Erik the Red was exiled from his native land due to his involvement in a violent dispute. He settled in Iceland before embarking on his legendary explorations.

What did Erik the Red discover?

Erik the Red is credited with the discovery of Greenland. He navigated through treacherous waters and established settlements in this icy wilderness.

What challenges did the Norse settlers face in Greenland?

The Norse settlers in Greenland faced harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and isolation. They relied on sustainable practices and adaptability to survive in this challenging environment.

What was Erik the Red’s lasting impact?

Erik the Red’s expeditions laid the foundation for future Viking journeys and exploration. His colonization efforts in Greenland influenced subsequent explorers and shaped Viking society.

What techniques did Viking explorers like Erik the Red use?

Viking explorers like Erik the Red employed navigational skills, celestial observations, and rudimentary navigational tools such as the sun compass and astrolabe to navigate unknown lands.

How did Erik the Red impact Viking society?

Erik the Red’s discoveries, trade routes, and interactions with other civilizations had a significant influence on the development of Viking society and culture during the Viking Age.

What is Viking Erik the Red’s legacy today?

Viking Erik the Red’s legacy continues to be explored through archaeological findings, cultural references, and the enduring fascination with his remarkable life and adventures.

Can you summarize Erik the Red’s life and adventures?

Erik the Red, a Viking explorer, was exiled from his native land before discovering Greenland . He established Norse settlements and had a lasting impact on Viking society and exploration. His legacy continues to captivate people today.

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Erik the Red

Erik the Red gave Greenland its name over 1,000 years ago and ushered in the country’s Viking era.

Eirikr rauði Þorvaldsson (approx. 950-1003 AD) was named Erik the Red primarily because of his red beard and hair, but perhaps also because of his fiery temper.

It is said that he was a particularly hot-headed fellow who, after being exiled from Norway and later Iceland, finally settled in Greenland. Erik the Red is the first Viking to discover Greenland and is credited for giving the country its name ‘green land’. His son Leif Eriksson is credited in history as the first Viking to discover North America.

ALL ABOUT GREENLAND’S VIKINGS

What was life like when Leif Eriksson and Freydís Eiríksdóttir lived in South Greenland?

ERIK THE RED’S SAGA

According to the sagas, Erik the Red was born in Norway, where his father, Þorvaldr Ásvaldsson, was exiled in 960 AD as a result of ‘a number of killings’, and Erik’s entire family thus settled in Iceland.

Here, Erik the Red married Tjodhilde (Þjódhild) but history repeated itself and his father’s fate also befell Erik. In 982 he was sentenced to exile from Iceland for three years for murder after a dispute with his neighbour sparked a confrontation that resulted in several deaths.

Erik the Red had two sons with his wife Tjodhilde called Leif and Thorstein. Tjodhilde may also have been the mother of Erik the Red’s third son Thorvald, but this has not been confirmed. Additionally, Erik the Red had a daughter called Freydis, who was born out of wedlock with an unknown woman.

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Freydís Eiríksdóttir – heroine or cruel murderer?

In The Saga Of The Greenlanders Erik’s only daughter Freydís is described as a fearless and strong-willed woman who once by herself – and 8 months pregnant – saved her Viking companions when attacked by Native Americans. The Saga says that she did so by banging on her chest with a sword – which made the attackers retreat. On another occasion, while on their way to North America, she convinces her husband and his men to kill the men of the Viking clan that was accompanying them on their journey. When they refuse to kill the women in the group, Freydís picks up an axe and slaughters all 5 by herself.

In The Saga Of Erik The Red , which is written later than The Saga Of The Greenlanders the part with the axe murder is politely left out, so here she appears more like a heroine.

The Vikings: Valhalla series version of Freydís Eiríksdóttir is certainly also strong and brave, but much more of a justice-seeking warrior, than a cynical killer. Who knows what Freydís Eiríksdóttir was really like?

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ERIK THE RED'S DISCOVERY OF GREENLAND

It is for this reason that in the same year he sailed west and discovered a country with an inviting fjord landscape and fertile green valleys. He was extremely impressed with the new country’s resources and he returned to Iceland to spread the word of “The green land”.

Erik the Red clearly had great powers of persuasion because in 985 he set sail once more from the volcanic island leading a fleet of 25 ships on course for Greenland. Onboard were around 500 men and women, domestic animals and all the other elements required to create a new existence in a new country.

Of the 25 ships, only 14 made it to their destination. Erik the Red established the chieftain’s seat of power at Brattahlið – now Qassiarsuk – in Southern Greenland, whilst others continued further north to the fjord near Nuuk . The two societies were known as the east and west settlements.

Did Erik the Red go blind?

The short answer to this is no. Although Erik, a character based on Erik the Red in the 6th Season of the series Vikings goes blind, there is nothing to suggest that the real Erik the Red was blind as well.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA

In around the year 1000, Erik the Red’s son, Leif Eriksson, returned to Greenland following a long period in Norway, and Leif Eriksson – whose byname was ‘the Lucky’ – brought with him the first Christian missionaries. Shortly afterward the first Christian church on the North American continent, Tjodhilde’s Church , was built in Brattahlið. Today a reconstruction of the small church can be seen in Qassiarsuk.

By the year 1000, the Viking societies numbered some 3,000 inhabitants on 300-400 farms. The Viking society survived for about 500 years.

The reason for its disappearance remains a great mystery, but a colder climate, conflicts with the Inuit people, European pirates, the declining prices on walrus and narwhal ivory, overgrazing, and bouts of plague have all been put forward as possible causes of its demise.

Do you want to know more about the mystery of the disappearance of the Greenlandic Vikings?

How did Erik the Red die?

When and how Erik the Red died exactly is unknown to this day, just like the disappearance of the Vikings from Greenland altogether.

In Season 6 of the TV Series ‘Vikings’ that premiered in March 2013, Erik (a character inspired by Erik the Red) is killed by one of his female servants. The TV series is inspired by historical events but not 100% historically accurate.

There are a few different theories of how the real Erik the Red might have died. In T he Saga of the Greenlanders , it says that Erik the Red died the winter after his son Leif Eriksson returned from Vinland (eastern North America) in an epidemic around the year 1000. However, in T he Saga of Erik the Red , Erik is said to have been still alive when the Icelandic explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni sailed to Vinland early in the 11th Century.

Another theory on Erik the Red’s death is that he died just after the turn of the Millenium from injuries he sustained after falling off his horse.

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The Saga of Erik the Red

This woodcut of Erik the Red was taken from the frontispiece of Arngrímur Jónsson’s Gronlandia (1688).

MECHANICSVILLE, Va.— The Saga of Erik the Red documents the first sustained European contacts with North America from the latter part of the tenth century to the beginning of the eleventh.

Lest anyone counters that the Norse left no permanent settlement in North America, I should point out that Greenland—the Earth’s largest island—is technically a part of the North American continent. The Norse may not have realized it at the time, and many U.S. geography students as well as FFVs (First Families of Virginia) may not want to acknowledge the truth, but it is.

Tectonically, Greenland is a part of the North American plate. Culturally, the indigenous Inuit had longstanding trade ties with their fellow Inuit as well as other native peoples in North America. It was an accident of history that Greenland, now governed by Denmark, was colonized by Europeans.

This accident brings us to The Saga of Erik the Red . Erik’s story (not the saga itself) begins with the expulsion of Erik’s father from Norway to Iceland on account of a manslaughter rap. Erik was similarly expelled from Iceland—the inciting incident that led to Erik’s relocation to Greenland. He finds it worthy of a colony and sends word back to Iceland to encourage others to settle there.

Erik engages in what twenty-first century scholars might call a disinformation campaign to promote the colony, much of which is capped by glaciers, with waters are full of icebergs and a very short growing season. But Erik called it Greenland because, “… men would be the more readily persuaded thither if the land had a good name (Saga of Erik the Red 1906, 17).”

The next phase of the story concerns Erik’s son, Leif, who was a member of Norwegian king Olaf Tryggvason’s court. While with King Olaf, Leif converted to Christianity and was dispatched by the king to Christianize the Norse living in the Greenland settlements. While on that voyage, Leif, off-course like his father, finds land to the west of Greenland. He briefly visits, where he finds “… self-sown wheat fields and vines … (25),” and a few marooned Norsemen. Leif rescued the marooned men and leaves for Greenland, where he begins his proselytizing efforts, but also plans a return to the land to the west.

The final phase of the story recounts the Vineland colonization efforts conducted by Leif, his brother Thorvald, and subsequently by Thorfinn Karlsefni.

Map of the routes taken by several Norse explorers (intentional or otherwise) to North America in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Redrawn from other sources. Projection is Lambert Conformal Conic with standard parallels of 50 and 70 degrees North latitude. Nominal scale is 1:32,500,000.

On one hand the saga is fascinating, although the prose translation probably loses much of the drama and poetry that a story meant to be transmitted orally should carry.

But what is more troublesome—for me, at least—is the mishmash of genealogy, history, and magic that runs through the saga.

The genealogical aspect is the biggest hurdle to following the story. There are a profusion of names, many of which are similar, which—despite several readings—makes it hard for me to keep track of the key players and the related narrative threads.

Another problem is, being that the saga was not meant to serve as a geographical guide, essential detail about locations of Vinland and related sites visited or settled by the Norse is omitted. The lack of detail has inspired centuries of searches for the sites of the Norse settlements in the so-called “New World.” While diligent archaeological research has identified some settlement sites, such as L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland (Wallace 2009), most purported sites remain highly controversial.

The saga strikes me as at its best when it focuses on the drama of the human endeavor called exploration. The storms, conflict, illness, and death—even its conjurings of oracles and ghosts—that run through the narrative should make The Saga of Eric the Red a tale that will be remembered long after drier, more academic histories have been pulled from library shelves and pulped.

“The Saga of Eric the Red.” 1906. Translated by Arthur Middleton Reeves. In The Northmen, Columbus and Cabot, 985-1503: The Voyages of the Northmen , edited by Julius E. Olson and Edward Gaylord Bourne, 14-44. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Wallace, Birgitta. 2009. “L’Anse Aux Meadows, Leif Eriksson’s Home in Vinland.” Journal of the North Atlantic no. 2 (sp2):114-125. doi: 10.3721/037.002.s212.

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The Ages of Exploration

Leif eriksson.

Quick Facts:

He became the first European to land on and establish a settlement in North America. He is also credited for bringing Christianity to Greenland.

Name : Leif Eriksson [leef, leyf] [er-ik-suh n]

Birth/Death : ca. 970 CE-1020 CE

Nationality : Norse

Birthplace : Iceland

Leif Eriksson Statue

Introduction Nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus crossed the ocean blue, a Norse Viking by the name of Leif Eriksson landed on the North American continent. Eriksson is believed to be the first European to have landed on and established a settlement in North America around 1000 CE. Today, we still ask ourselves, “Who really discovered America?”

Biography Early Life Leif Eriksson (also spelled Ericson) was born in Iceland around 970 CE. He would eventually earn the nickname “Leif the Lucky.” He was the son of Erik Thorvaldson, better known as “Erik the Red,” and Thorhild. In Viking tradition, children are named after their father. When Erik the Red had a son and named him Leif, he became Leif Eriksson (Leif, Erik’s son). 1 He had two brothers, Thorvald, and Thorstein; and a sister named Freydis. One cannot tell Leif’s story without first knowing his father’s journeys. As a small boy, Leif grew up without his father who had been banished from Iceland after being found guilty of murder. Erik was gone for three years, during which time he discovered and explored Greenland. When Erik returned to Iceland, he told the people of the new country he’d found. Erik took his family and several other colonists, and established a new home in Greenland where Leif grew up in a place called Brattahlid.

In Greenland, Erik was elected the people’s leader, which did not leave much time for him to pay attention to Leif. So Leif was mostly taught and raised by one of Erik’s followers, a man named Tyrker. 2 In 1000 CE, Leif traveled to Norway where he spent the winter in the house of King Olaf Tryggvason, who was a Christian. Here, Leif converted to the Christian religion. He eventually returned to Greenland where he converted many colonists to Christianity as well. Back in Greenland, Erik the Red was told by a fellow Viking of a rich land to the west he’d seen when he was blown off course during his voyage to Greenland. Erik and Leif planned to go explore this new land. However, Erik’s horse stumbled before they were getting ready to leave. He took this as an omen that he should stay home, which left Leif to lead the adventurous voyage.

Voyages Principal Voyage Around 1000 CE, Leif Eriksson purchased a ship from a fellow Norseman, gathered a crew of 35 men, and set sail for the new lands. Much of what they first explored is believed to be part of present day northern Canada, although it is not known for sure. 3 They first landed in an area that was flat and covered in rocks and glaciers. Eriksson named this region Helluland, meaning “Land of Flat Rocks.” Helluland is believed to be modern day Baffin Island. 4 This bare area of rocks had no use of a potential Norse colony, so Leif continued onward. Moving south along the coast, Eriksson and his crew reached what is believed to be present day Labrador. This area was covered in trees and white sands, so Eriksson named it Markland, or “Forest Land.”

They continued further south until they came to an island. They went ashore and found the area to be green with trees that had sweet wild grapes. Eriksson and his crew built houses and spent winter in this area which he named Vinland or “Wineland.” 5 While on shore, they found an abundance of salmon for food, and that the grass would be good for cattle. Leif divided his crew: half would stay with houses and do work; the other half would further explore the land. To be fair, Leif would sometimes stay to help with the work and other times go exploring. At one point, Leif’s foster father Tyrker, who was part of Leif’s crew, found an area thriving with grapevines. They collected several vines and grapes to be taken back home with them. 6 The next spring, they set sail for Greenland.

Subsequent Voyages Leif loaded his ship with the grapes and vines they had found, and set sail back to Greenland. They had fair wind their entire journey, and the trip was fairly uneventful. At one point, however, during the return trip home, Leif came upon a shipwreck and stranded crewman. Leif took the fifteen men on board his ship, and brought the rescued men back to Greenland with him. The men eventually found homes and settled there. Eriksson was welcomed home as a hero. He then earned the nickname “Leif the Lucky.”

Later Years and Death Leif Eriksson never returned to the lands of North America but his brother Thorvald did. Eriksson spent the remainder of his life in Greenland where he spread Christianity to the people. He assumed leadership of the settlements after his father’s death until his own passing. The exact date of Eriksson’s death is unknown, but is estimated around 1020 CE. 7

Legacy Most of what we know of Leif’s life comes from stories known as sagas. These sagas began as oral stories that were told through the generations, and then eventually written down. The Vikings did not manage to establish any permanent settlements in North America. However, Eriksson voyaged to North American lands nearly five centuries before Christopher Columbus did. October 9th is “Leif Eriksson Day.” It was created by US President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 to honor and recognize Eriksson’s Nordic heritage’s contributions to American history.

• Don Young and Marjorie Young, Iceland Adventure Guide (Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc., 2008), 4.
• Peter Archer, The Book of Viking Myths (Avon: Adams Media, 2017), 25.
• Britannica Educational Publishing, Biographies of the New World: Leif Eriksson, Henry Hudson, Charles Darwin, and More , ed. Michael Anderson (New York: Britannica Educational Publishing, 2013), 14.
• “The Saga of the Greenlanders (Grœnlendinga saga),” accessed June 13, 2017, https://notendur.hi.is/haukurth/utgafa/greenlanders.html.
• Britannica Educational Publishing, Biographies of the New World , 14.
• Meriden Scientific Association, Proceedings and Transactions of the Scientific Association, Volumes 4 – 8 (Meriden: Press of E.A. Horton & Co., 1891), 75
• William J. Mills, Exploring Polar Frontiers: A Historical Encyclopedia, Volume 1, A – L (Santa Barbara: ABC – CLIO, 2003), 219.

Bibliography

Archer, Peter. The Book of Viking Myths. Avon: Adams Media, 2017.

Britannica Educational Publishing. Biographies of the New World: Leif Eriksson, Henry Hudson, Charles Darwin, and More . edited by Michael Anderson. New York: Britannica Educational Publishing, 2013.

Meriden Scientific Association. Proceedings and Transactions of the Scientific Association, Volumes 4 – 8 . Meriden: Press of E.A. Horton & Co., 1891.

Mills, William J. Exploring Polar Frontiers: A Historical Encyclopedia, Volume 1, A – L . Santa Barbara: ABC – CLIO, 2003.

“The Saga of the Greenlanders (Grœnlendinga saga).” Accessed June 13, 2017. https://notendur.hi.is/haukurth/utgafa/greenlanders.html .

Young, Don and Marjorie Young. Iceland Adventure Guide. Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc., 2008.

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Travel in the Footsteps of Erik the Red in Iceland

When Vikings first traveled to Iceland from Scandinavia, they were met with a landscape void of people. It was up to them to turn this volcanic, tree-covered island into a place fit for human habitation. After this goal had been somewhat achieved and settlements grew, more people traveled from the east to live in Iceland.

Iceland became, for many people, a place to live out their exile as they fled from persecution or punishment back home. According to the historical records, this is exactly what happened to Thorvald Asvaldsson, the father of the famous Erik the Red. Thorvald was banished from Norway and therefore sailed to Iceland with his family.

Thus, Erik the Red’s Iceland journey began, and with the help of this article, you can experience the Erik the Red Iceland route for yourself. Trace the path of the famous (or perhaps infamous) explorer, who called The Land of Fire and Ice home for much of his life.

Who Was Erik the Red?

Before we examine the Erik the Red route, let’s learn a bit more about the man behind the journey.

Erik the Red was born as Erik Thorvaldsson, carrying a patronymic last name (son of Thorvald) as was the custom. This tradition continues on in Iceland even now, but has mostly disappeared from the other Nordic nations. The title of Erik the Red came later, as he was nicknamed this because of his red hair. He moved from Norway to Iceland at age ten .

Erik lived and traveled through several areas of Iceland, eventually settling his own farm, Eiríksstaðir. However, he took after his father in resolving his conflicts with violence and was banished from Iceland for many years. It was because of this that Erik decided to sail to Greenland , an unknown land at the time.

Other Nordic men had been to Greenland before Erik, either by accident or design. However, it is Erik who is credited with being the first permanent settler of the land . During his exile, he explored the uninhabited space and found an area which was free from ice, and therefore colonisable. He returned to Iceland to encourage others to join him there.

It is said that Erik gave Greenland its name to make it sound attractive to potential settlers. This intention worked, as hundreds of Icelanders sailed with Erik and together they created two new settlements. Later on, he supposedly died of a disease that killed many in the Greenland colonies.

But Erik the Red’s legacy did not end there. His son was the famous Leif Erikson, who is said to be the first European to land in North America . Most of what is known about Erik comes from the Saga of Erik the Red and the Greenland Saga. The Icelandic Sagas were recorded around the 1200s and 1300s.

Erik the Red’s Journey Through Iceland

Erik the Red’s Iceland journey took him to numerous places along the west coast. The four that we’ll be focusing on are:

Hornstrandir

Haukadalur (eiríksstaðir), the snæfellsnes peninsula.

We will examine how Erik came to be in each place, and how you can visit these places yourself. This is our Erik the Red route map, outlined in the same order which Erik himself took.

This is the place where Thorvald and his family first lived after arriving in Iceland. Hornstrandir is the northernmost peninsula in the country, found in the Westfjords —the northwest region. Since the best farming areas were already populated, Hornstrandir was the short straw for farmers; it had a short-growing season.

Today, however, Hornstrandir is completely uninhabited , with the last residents leaving in the 1950s . It was declared a nature reserve in 1975, meaning that no one could live here again. As a result, the area is full of wild vegetation and animal life, including a large population of arctic foxes.

Hornstrandir is open to visitors, but can only be reached on foot or via boat from the Westfjords’ capital, Ísafjörður . There’s no cell service here and no accommodation options beyond basic unattended campsites. You’ll have to know how to navigate with a map and compass to find your way around the reserve.

If you don’t feel comfortable throwing yourself into the wild, join a guided tour to Hornstrandir. There are excursion companies based in Ísafjörður that can take you on single or multi-day expeditions into the area. Be prepared to see huge fields of wild flowers, stunning rock formations and plenty of birds. Note that Hornstrandir can only be visited in summer.

Here you can find further information on the Hornstrandir Peninsula if you need inspiration for what to see and do when you arrive!

After Erik married and his father died, he moved onto the land owned by his wife’s family at Haukadalur. He established his own farm on their estate and named it Eiríksstaðir . He lived here for many years and had four children with his wife, in land better suited for farming.

Eiríksstaðir is located below the Westfjords, close to the west coast. You can visit the site yourself, where archaeologists excavated a Viking house in the 90s. This house is believed to be Erik’s home, and a museum detailing his story has been set up on-site. Since this museum is an authentic reconstruction of the original, you can really feel the history when you step inside.

To reach Eiríksstaðir from Reykjavík, head north along the Ring Road, then turn onto Route 60. Take a right onto Route 586, or Haukadalsskarðsvegur, and drive along it until you see Eiríksstaðir on the left.

Erik the Red was banished from Haukadalur after a violent clash with a neighbour. The local lawmakers sentenced him to three years of exile for his retaliation killings . He then moved himself and his family to the island of Öxney , this island is located just above the Snæfellsnes peninsula, in the Breiðafjörður archipelago.

To see Öxney, you could join a boat tour of Breiðafjörður which will take you around the islands. Most of the islands are now uninhabited, but there are a few houses on the largest, Brokey. Tours exploring this beautiful area leave from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

After a dispute over wooden beams with another Icelander—which resulted in more murders—Erik was once again banished. At this point, he decided he had had enough of Iceland and wanted to leave. He had heard of lands west of Iceland that had been accidentally discovered by a man named Gunnbjörn decades earlier.

Erik the Red sailed west, leaving from the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula , close to Snæfellsjökull glacier. Despite the long and perilous journey, he reached this new land—Greenland—and became its first permanent settler.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is sometimes referred to as “Iceland in miniature” because it contains many features that are characteristic of the island. This includes a glacier, extinct volcanoes, black sand beaches, natural hot springs, waterfalls and more. The area is truly a wonder to visit, and fortunately, most of it is protected as a national park.

We prepared a very complete blog entry with all you can see and do in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula . This way, you can follow Erik the Red's journey with far more detailed information.

To reach the peninsula, follow Route 1 north of the capital. Turn left onto Route 54, and then that road will take you down most of the peninsula. If you want to drive around the glacier, follow Route 574. You’ll be rewarded with incredible scenic views and the chance to see the glacier up close and personal.

On the way back, re-join Route 54 along the north side of Snæfellsnes to drive past the famous Kirkjufell mountain. This mountain was featured in the Game of Thrones series, where it was known as Arrowhead Mountain.

Erik the red sights in Iceland

Erik the Red, as a farmer, mostly lived and traveled through the more remote parts of Iceland. As you’ve read, even today the areas where he ventured are still almost empty when compared to Reykjavík. If you want a holiday where you can experience the true wilderness of Iceland, follow the Erik the Red route.

You could follow his path completely on foot, but it would be much quicker in a car. Book your preference at Cars Iceland today and get started planning your itinerary!

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Eiríksstaðir – Viking Longhouse

Basic information.

The foremost thing that strikes us when we think of Iceland is of course the snow-capped mountains, extremely chilled weather, and the cold breeze that is always ready to greet and meet the visitors from around the world. But unlike other places on Earth, Iceland has a charm of its own, this place is not just about snow and mountains, there is another side too that is sure to leave you awestruck. Yes, when in Iceland, expect the unexpected! Rugged coastlines, black sand beaches , secret hot springs , staggering waterfalls , colorful Icelandic rainbow mountains , active volcanoes , vivid blue glaciers , misty valleys with cascading waterfalls, majestic lava fields, crystal clear ice caves , and human-sized icebergs at the beach , and what not! There are infinite destinations to explore in Iceland and every place has something you would have never experienced before.

But for those curious travelers who always bombard questions to known deeply about any place and would love to explore how things have unfolded in the past, Iceland has something for them too. If you would like to know more about Iceland’s history, then visiting Eiríksstaðir Viking Village would be the best decision. If you haven’t considered visiting this place, trust us you are missing out on something very interesting. At least if you are interested in the Viking History of Iceland. So, let’s get started and know more about this destination in Iceland.

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Get to Know More About Icelandic History: Experiencing Viking Era

Eiríksstaðir is a unique historical place that will take you back to the Viking Era and how things used to be back then; majorly how Vikings used to live in Iceland. You can closely experience the settlement period and known more about the Vikings and their way of living. You will get to know about the authentic Viking tools, their craftsmanship, handmade original tools along with the techniques, their clothing, and the architecture as well. No doubt, why Eiríksstaðir is known as the best long-house in entire Iceland.

Eiríksstaðir Viking longhouse, which is located in West Iceland , is one of the most prominent historical houses that is visited by the locals and the tourists, and the moment you step in here – you feel like teleported to the Viking Era. It was around year 874 when Vikings came to Iceland from Norway and settled here and from there started the pure Viking history . And Eiríksstaðir, being the most famous destination exhibiting Viking history to date. Eiríksstaðir is the reconstructed former homestead of Erik the Red (also known as Eiríkur Þorvaldsson) and his wife Þjóðhildur; it is located exactly in Haukadalur valley (Dalasýsla region, Iceland). Eiríkur was given this epithet – Erik the Red because of his red hair and beard. This place is also the birthplace of his son, Leif Eiríksson, a Norse explorer who is believed to be the first European to discover North America that excludes Greenland.

A Popular Sight Investigated by Archaeologists as Well

When you visit Eiríksstaðir, you can easily walk around the trails that will take you to the remains of 1000-years old lodge and you will see a statue of Leif Eiríksson – Leif the Lucky as well. When you learn more about history, you will get to know that these people lived here until the 10th century. This site has always attracted archaeologists and has always been investigated by them and to the surprise, there are ruins of buildings that are dated back to the 9th–10th centuries. This makes it even more exciting and worth the visit. But after the archaeological excavation, these ruins were covered with grass and thus, people hardly get to know about this in deep.

What Else You Will Witness When in Eiríksstaðir Longhouse?

In this longhouse, you can sit around the fire burning exactly in the middle of the house. While you will see the locals dressed up in Viking costumes, you can also grab an opportunity to dress up exactly like Vikings and try out the Viking weapons , wear the helmet and closely see the Viking bone skates from the 10th century. This could be the best never before – experience with your family when you visit Iceland. At Eiríksstaðir, the Viking era has been magnificently explained and showcased that is sure to leave you with tons of experience and historical knowledge as well.

How to Reach Eiríksstaðir Longhouse?

Eiríksstaðir longhouse is in West-Iceland, which is on your way to Westfjords. It is approximately 76 kilometers north of Borgarnes . When you reach Borgarnes, continue driving on ring-road 1 (north), towards Akureyri and then turn left and continue on road 60, towards Hólmavík. From here, take right on road 586 and continue driving towards Haukadalur, which is approximately 8 km. You will see Eiríksstaðir on your left side.

Eiríksstaðir on a map

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In the wake of Eric the Red - From Iceland to Greenland

Join us on an expedition cruise from Reykjavík to Kangerlussuaq, which follows the same maritime course set by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago.

Join us on a thrilling expedition cruise from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq, following the same maritime course set by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago. While the spectacular scenery of this region remains unchanged, our purpose-built expedition ship offers significantly more comfort and style than a Viking longship! Our first destination is the spectacular east coast of Greenland, where we will experience the charming silence and breathtaking scenery of the undisturbed Skjoldungen Fjord. 

From here we will sail through the magnificent strait of Prins Christians Dund, a glacier-lined channel separating Kap Farvel (Greenland's southernmost point) from the mainland.  We will venture deep into the fjords of South Greenland to visit the ancient remains of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red's former farmstead in the small farming village of Qassiarsuk. The lush green fields and rolling hills of South Greenland make it easy to see why the Norse gave the island the name it bears to this day - and why the Norse chose to settle in this green paradise.

Following the magnificent coastline of Earth's largest island, we will visit Nuuk, one of the smallest (but no less perfect) world capitals. With everything you would expect from a capital city, including skyscrapers, exceptional museums and boutique shopping, Nuuk still has a strong Greenlandic vibe; tiny traditional wooden houses sit in the shadow of glassy towers, and locals buy seal and whale meat at the city market.

From Nuuk we will chart a course for Disko Bay in North Greenland, a region synonymous with astounding natural beauty. We will experience local Inuit culture in Qeqertarsuaq, a colourful town situated beneath sweeping basalt mountains, and sail to the renowned Eqip Sermia Glacier, one of the most active calving glaciers in the Arctic. From Eqip Sermia we will sail to the city of Ilulissat, one of Greenland's most exciting towns, and the site of the mind-boggling UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, where city-sized icebergs drift into the ocean just a short easy walk from this bustling little city.

Join us onboard Ocean Albatros for an enriching experience combining Nordic and Inuit culture and the natural wonders of the Arctic!

Facts about In the wake of Eric the Red - From Iceland to Greenland

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Reykjavík, Iceland, embarkation

The rock-like columns of Hallgrímskirkja Church loom over the city of Reykjavík, a hip Scandi capital which needs little introduction. With new Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping, fantastic excursions and an easy relaxed vibe, Reykjavík is one of Scandinavia's most welcoming and exciting cities.

In the afternoon, we await to welcome our guests onboard Ocean Albatros. After our mandatory safety drill, enjoy dinner and a glass of champagne as we set sail a course for adventure as we set out across the Denmark Strait, bound for Greenland.

At sea, Crossing the Denmark Strait

The Denmark Strait is the narrow section of the North Atlantic separating Iceland from Greenland. This body of water is among the most productive in the world, where the cold polar East Greenland Current collides with the warm northbound Gulf Stream. These nutrient-rich waters support vast stocks of fish, and the humans, seals, whales and seabirds which rely on them. 

Days at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities onboard for our guests to enjoy to engage the mind, body and soul. Join your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the Ocean Albatros flies across the Denmark Strait. 

Skjoldungen / Saqqisikuik

Today's adventure begins as we sail into magnificent Skjoldungen, a staggeringly beautiful fjord on the southeastern coast of Greenland. The fjord is named for Skjold, an ancient Danish King of Norse legend, while the Greenlandic name, Saqqisikuik, references the sunny climate of the area. Various archaeological finds on the island which sits in the middle of the fjord suggests nomadic Inuit groups visited and stayed in the area in years gone by; more recently, settlers were brought from Tasiilaq to settle the island in the 1930s, but returned there thirty years later; some houses can still be seen on the southern side of the fjord. A small weather station was also operated on the island by the Allies during WWII. 

Today uninhabited, Skjoldungen sits almost 300km from the nearest village, with Mother Nature its only ruler. Vast saw-toothed mountains lined with opalescent glaciers line the deep chilly waters of the fjord, which can freeze even in summer. At the head of the fjord lies the magnificent Thryms Glacier, a magnificent river of ice flowing down from the ice sheet. On the southern side of Thryms Glacier lies the sweeping U-shaped glacial valley of Dronning Maries Dal - a textbook example of a glacially-produced landscape. Join your expedition team for a walk on the flower-lined floor of this valley, and marvel at the stunning scenery. Ensure you are on the outer decks on our approach and departure from this magnificent fjord too: you will not be disappointed! 

Prince Christian Sund

South of Skjoldungen lies Kap Farvel, or Cape Farewell, which is renowned not only as Greenland's southernmost point, but also for its infamously challenging weather, which commonly features large swells and gale-force winds.

With this in mind, we deliberately opt for a far more comfortable but also more spectacular route, cruising via the inside passage of Prins Christian Sund. Known in Greenlandic by it's typically descriptive name of Ikerasassuaq ('the Big Strait'), this 60 km long waterway reaches from the entrance on the southeastern coast of Greenland to the small village of Aappilattoq, connecting the Labrador and Irminger Seas. 

Prins Christian Sund is one of the most spectacular waterways anywhere on Earth. Kept free of ice year round by strong tidal currents, the strait is hemmed in on either side by mountains which rise straight out of the water some reaching over 2,000m in height. Large glaciers flow from the ice sheet into the sea on the northern side of the strait, while sapphire blue mountain glaciers loom over the water from the southern side, and vast icebergs stud the glassy waters. 

QASSIARSUK/BRATTAHLÍÐ

During the early morning, Ocean Albatros will sail through the majestic mountains of Tunulliarfik Fjord towards the small village of Qassiarsuk. The southern fjords of Greenland offer a very different environment to the chilly north of the country. Situated at roughly 60°N, this region is level with northern Scotland or southern Scandinavia, with a climate to match. Here, the weather is calm, stable and humid, with much warmer summers and milder winters than the rest of the country. In place of rocky hillsides, the fjords here are lined with lush green meadows and dotted with small sheep-farming settlements, of which Qassiarsuk is perhaps the best known. 

While the modern village of Qassiarsuk was founded in 1924, the location has a fascinated and much longer history; it was here that Eric the Red, legendary Norse explorer settled after being banished from Iceland. He named the land he discovered 'Greenland' to encourage other settlers to follow him - a marketing ploy that has stood for over a thousand years! 

Erik the Red settled in this green landscape and set up a small farmstead in typical Norse style, naming his new settlement Brattahlíð. Erik himself kept fiercely to the Norse gods, but his wife Thjodhild was a Christian. Legend has it, she refused to join his bed until he built her a church, which he eventually did, constructing a tiny hut (Þjóðhildarkirkja) which was nevertheless the first church in the Americas (although he refused to have it within view of his house). 

The Norse settlers in Greenland stayed for almost 500 years, but disappeared from all historical records in the early 1400s. Whether some plague or famine struck them, or whether deteriorating climate simply forced them to return to Scandinavia remains a topic of lively debate. Today the outlines of buildings (including Erik's house and Thjodhild's church) can be seen, along with stunningly accurate reconstructions of the farm. Modern Inuit farmers continue to raise sheep in the same farms as Erik the Red, and a statue of Erik now overlooks the village, commemorating the first European to reach the Americas, whose son Leif would be the first European to reach Baffin Island and Newfoundland. A site rich in fascinating history and culture old and new, the settlement of Brattahlíð is today part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Nuuk, Capital of Greenland

A mixture of skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, the quaint and the cosmopolitan, Nuuk is a city of contrasts. The vibrant bustling capital of Greenland, Nuuk feels much larger than it’s 19,000 inhabitants, and offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. The calm fjords around Nuuk have been inhabited by Paleo-Inuit cultures since at least 2200BCE, and archaeological evidnece indicates waves of migration through the area as ancient hunters followed migrating prey. Around the year 100CE, Norse colonist from Iceland etablished the Western Settlement in the green meadows of Nuuk Fjord; these settlers mysteriously disappeared several hundred years later leaving the island to the Inuit, who were far better equipped to live in Greenland's harsh environment.

The next Scandinavian to visit the area was Hans Egede, the controversial Danish missionary who 'rediscovered' Greenland, founding Nuuk as Godthåb ("Good Hope") in 1728. Danish initiatives to modernise Greenland in the 1950s left a significant mark on Nuuk. While they brought significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, the many large apartment blocks in the city attest to rapid (and sometimes haphazard) urbanisation. In 1979, the Home Rule Act created the Greenlandic Parliament (Inatsisartut), and procraimed Nuuk the capital. The city's population continues to rapidly grow, with new suburbs being constructed beneath Ukkusissat, the mountain which looms to the east of the city. 

Nuuk offers a huge amount to the discerning visitor; larger than any other city in Greenland, Nuuk has a bustling cosmopolitan vibe, and hosts some of Greenland's best attractions. Swing by Kolonihavn district to visit the Greenlandic National Museum, a treasure trove of history stretching back to the first inhabitants of this icy island - including artefacts from the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods, as well as the spellbinding Qilakistoq mummies. Explore Greenlandic culture at Katuaq, the city's cultural centre, and an architectural marvel; shop for authentic Greenlandic artworks in the city's many boutique shops, or simply relax at a hip curbside café with a Greenlandic coffee and watch this vibrant city in action. Nuuk York (as proud locals call it) is unlike any other city in Greenland, or indeed the world.

At sea, en route to Qeqertarsuaq

From Nuuk, Ocean Albatros will follow the rugged coast of Greenland northwards. All settlements in Greenland (with the exception of Kangerlussuaq) are situated directly on the ocean coast of the country, and the vast majority of residents (some 50,000 or so) live on the narrow strip of coast on the west of the country, facing the Davis Strait. Ocean currents bring warm water up from the Atlantic to the west coast, enriching these wildlife-filled waters. During our day at sea, keep your eyes on the sea! Whales, seals and a huge variety of seabirds are common in these rich waters. 

Days at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities onboard for our guests to enjoy to engage the mind, body and soul. Join your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the Ocean Albatros flies along the coast of Greenland. 

Qeqertarsuaq and Eqip Sermia

Nestled below Disko Island’s 1,000-metre mountains, we pull into port in a beautifully sheltered natural harbour. The place was aptly named Godhavn (“Good Harbour”) in Danish, while its Greenlandic name “Qeqertarsuaq” simply means “The Big Island”. 

For most of Greenland’s modern history, Godhavn was the political and economic capital of North Greenland (while Godthåb, now Nuuk, served this role in Southern Greenland). Its importance was due to the vast economic activity generated by whaling in Disko Bay, the preeminent Arctic industry since the 16th Century. As the whaling industry collapsed in the early 1900s, Godhavn lost its political status as all government functions moved south to Godthåb/Nuuk, and the town was forced to reinvent itself, changing its name to Qeqertarsuaq in 1979 . Today, hunting and fishing are the main industries in Qeqertarsuaq, while tourism is becoming increasingly important. Ferries arrive in the town daily in summer from around Disko Bay, while in winter, access is only by helicopter from nearby Ilulissat. 

Qeqertarsuaq’s sweeping red-and-black basalt mountains are radically different to the rolling granite hills which characterize much of Greenland, and provide a much richer soil. Despite being situated well above the Arctic Circle, this rich volcanic soil and the area’s mild microclimate make it much more green and lush compared to the rest of the country. Locals from all over Disko Bay come to the island in summer to hunt and collect angelica, herbs and mushrooms, and the stunning rock formations and black sand beaches attract visitors from all over the world. The town itself is typically Greenlandic, with quaint multicoloured homes, a splendid museum, and the unique octagonal church nicknamed 'God's Inkpot' (built in the Norwegian stave style). With excellent hiking opportunities, friendly locals, and a fascinating place in regional history, Qeqertarsuaq has a lot to offer. From here, we set sail across Disko Bay towards Eqip Sermia. 

Eqip Sermia (a typically descriptive Greenlandic name meaning 'the Glacier at the End of the Fjord') is a relatively small glacier compared to many in Greenland, although it is still a truly vast river of ice, flowing directly from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also one of the most active, and ice tumbles off the vast glacier-front almost constantly. Watching the vast cataracts of ice fall into the ocean is a sight which has to be seen to be believed - and the comfortable viewing decks of Ocean Albatros offer the best possible platform to do so... Perhaps with a specially crafted cocktail in hand! 

From Eqip Sermia, we will reposition slightly southwards during the evening towards Ilulissat, the largest city in Disko Bay and the Iceberg Capital of the World.

Ilulissat, Iceberg capital of the world

This is it. This is why visitors from all over the world come to Greenland. Translated from Kalaallisut simply as ‘icebergs’, Ilulissat is rightly known the world over as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. Surely no other city on Earth occupies such a spectacular natural setting. 

Situated within a short walk of the harbour lies Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland’s most famous site. Choked with city-sized icebergs so closely packed one could almost walk across to the other side, Ilulissat Icefjord stretches 70 km from its outlet in Disko Bay near the city of Ilulissat back to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. This is the single largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, draining 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and producing 10% of all the ice in the Northern Hemisphere (enough water to supply the annual needs of the entire United States). These mind-blowing statistics, together with the indescribably beautiful scenery, have secured the Ilulissat Icefjord designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While archaeological finds detail the long Inuit habitation of the area, the modern town has steadily flourished in the 280 years since its establishment; legendary Arctic explorer, Knud Rasmussen was born in Ilulissat, and his childhood home now houses the city museum. Today, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, with more than 4,500 inhabitants, and is undoubtedly Greenland’s tourism capital, with more hotel rooms than even Nuuk. The city offers excellent amenities to visitors, with fresh locally caught seafood served in the city’s cafes and restaurants, and excellent shopping – look out especially for the Artist’s Workshop above the harbour, where you can buy handmade artworks direct from the artist. The city typically experiences dry sunny weather throughout the summer, and there are a variety of well-marked hiking routes around the Icefjord, with options to suit all abilities. 

During the visit you will have the opportunity to join a boat trip with a local captain to the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies). The journey takes about two and a half hours and is considered the best way to experience the magic of Ilulissat Icefjord up close. If a hike or a trip by boat does not present enough excitement, there is also an opportunity to join a flightseeing excursion in fixed-wing aircraft over the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies).

Please note the boat and flight excursions to the Ice fjord are not included in the general tour price. Refer to Price Information for further details.

The settlement of Itilleq

The settlement of Itilleq, which translates roughly as "the Crossing place from the Sea", nestles at the foothills of the mountains and and fjords which line central Greenland's backcountry. Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is one of the many tiny villages dotting the coast of Greenland.

The settlement is situated in the heart of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed due to its ancient Inuit hunting heritage, documenting the entire habitation history of Greenland. While the turf houses and hide tents have been replaced by colourful modern houses, the lifestyle here has changes little since the Inuit first arrived in Greenland. The local highways are the water and the ice, and the sea and tundra continue to nourish the locals, as they has for thousands of years. Arctic char, reindeer and muskoxen are typical catches, and are all plentiful in the area.

Despite this ancient heritage, locals in Itilleq are still firmly in the modern world, with smartphones, speedy wifi and satellite TV. However, the people of Itilleq remain justly proud of their ancient heritage, and continue to move their culture forward in a modern fast paced world. Locals are pleased to show off their picturesque town, and visitors are greeted with typical warm Greenlandic hospitality. After departing Itilleq, we will head slightly south and enter the 160km-long Kangerlussuaq Fjord.

Kangerlussuaq, disembarkation

During the night, we will sail up the 160-kilometer/100 mile Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast aboard the ship, we will bid a fond farewell to the ship's crew, Expedition Team and fellow travelers before shuttling ashore by Zodiac.

Due to Kangerlussuaq’s military history and present-day role as an important air travel hub, the town remains fairly isolated from Greenland’s rich cultural traditions, in comparison to other regions. While you still find cultural experiences when visiting Kangerlussuaq, the most impressive attraction is the surrounding nature, which is just beckoning to be explored. The town itself was largely constructed by the American military in the 1950s, and this small airport town has retained something of its Cold War atmosphere. Your Arctic adventure and time in Greenland concludes as we arrive at the sleek modern airport terminal - with memories to last a lifetime.

• 11-day/10-night cruise in a shared outside double stateroom with bathroom/toilet.
• Flight Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen.
• Slow-cruising in Zodiacs in fjords.
• Briefings and guided walks by tour leaders.
• English-speaking guides.
• Inspiring and enriching presentations onboard by qualified lecturers.
• Cultural activities in port, as per itinerary 
• Full board on the ship.
• Free coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on the ship.
• Taxes and tariffs.
• Hotel accommodation in Iceland.
• Travel insurance.
• Cancellation insurance.
• Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Single room supplement.
• Meals not on board the ship.
• Beverages (other than coffee and tea).
• Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day).
• Personal expenses.
• Anything not mentioned under 'Price includes'.

After leaving the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, your expedition vessel will proceed onwards into Greenland to explore the unknown. The goal for the days spent exploring in Greenland is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible, and experience the nature, settlements and culture of Greenland in person.  

Our activities in Greenland will vary widely according to the nature of the locations we visit – some larger settlements need an entire day to explore, whereas some smaller villages can be seen in a few hours. Greenland is Earth’s largest island, and on any itinerary in this region, travel time between destinations can be significant. Activities we offer include landings, Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. Regulations in Greenland limit the number of people ashore at any time at certain natural and historical sites, so we will usually aim to offer a Zodiac cruise while our first group of guests are ashore, and reverse this for the second group ashore to maximise exploration time where numerical limits apply. In towns and cities where the environment is less sensitive, there are no limits on numbers of people ashore. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.

A “typical” expedition day in Greenland may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions and sailing schedule):

• 06:45: Wake-up call
• 07:00-08:00: Breakfast
• 08:30-11:30: Morning activity – arrival in port at anchor, Zodiac ashore to explore Greenlandic settlements, historical sites etc. Depending on the location, we may spend the whole day in port.
• 12:30-13:30: Lunch onboard
• 14:30-17:30: Afternoon Activity – Either in connection with the morning, or at a different site, depending on itinerary
• 18:30-19:30: Evening Recap with Expedition Team
• 19:30: Dinner

Landings are a great opportunity to stretch your legs and set foot on shore to visit the towns and cities of Greenland and experience Arctic nature first-hand. Our experienced Expedition Team will be on shore to help you spot any wildlife, identify the different species of birds and mammals, guide you through Greenlandic settlements, as well as keep our guests safe on shore from any potential hazards. 

We remind our guests that Greenland is a truly wild destination, to consider their physical capability when travelling in the country. In smaller towns and villages, infrastructure for tourism may be less well developed than in other destinations. Most smaller towns and villages lack step-free access, and roads and paths can often be steep and uneven. 

Some sites do not offer landing opportunities, but are locations where exploring on the water offers the best opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife and photography. These Zodiac cruise sites are often known for their concentration of ice, wildlife and even historical landmarks such as Inuit or Norse ruins, where our fleet of Zodiacs offer the best vantage point. This would be the only scenario you may have to wait on the ship (other than in adverse weather conditions), but we will always aim to offer an onboard program during this time, such as seminars given by our knowledgeable and experienced Lecturer team. Zodiac cruises are great for observing icebergs, glaciers, whales, and other marine wildlife. Your skilled driver will navigate around the area looking for wildlife and beautiful landscapes. By the end of the voyage, Zodiac cruises tend to become a firm favourite among our guests because of the vast diversity of scenery and marine life it is possible to experience. 

In the event we encounter bad weather or are in a particularly spectacular location, often our purpose-built expedition vessels are the best viewing platform. The Captain and Expedition Leader will search for locations best accessed with the vessel to seek out the best wildlife and scenery. We encourage everyone to bundle up and either head onto the outer decks with the Expedition Team or relax in superlative comfort in our specially-designed lounges to experience the majesty of the Arctic from the best vantage point. During this time, our Expedition Team specialists will offer skillfully-crafted lectures related to the wildlife, history, culture and conservation of the region, and more! 

Other activities onboard include our ship Gym, where you can burn some calories on our fitness bicycles or treadmills; most of our ships even have other cardio machines and strength/lifting options. Most voyages throughout the season also offer kayaking (booked and paid onboard – weather permitting), and we will often aim to offer hiking excursions onshore when possible. Our new purpose-built ships have a Spa, in which guests can enjoy massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments (additional cost applies). Our Library is a great place to rest between outings, with expansive views and a wide selection of Arctic-related reading material. During your voyage you will also be able to enjoy our tea time in the late afternoon, or indulge in some retail therapy in our onboard shop, which sells personal necessities as well as specially-selected Arctic souvenirs.

In between our landings and activities we offer three hearty daily main meals. Albatros Expeditions always have allergy flexible options, healthy selections as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

Our hardworking galley crew deliver multiple Breakfast options, served in a buffet style along with a cooking station where eggs are made to order.  At Lunch we are also met with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering choices. Safe to say you will have the energy for your next outing!

When it is Dinner time, you can choose to eat at the main restaurant or book a table at the Specialty Restaurant . Your evening meal is served a la carte, with fresh new options daily and always a selection of fixed items. There is always a vegetarian and pescetarian option available. Albatros Expeditions are known for our delicious menus and a variety of exquisite wine pairings.

Onboard you will also have the option to join Afternoon Tea with sweets, cakes or snacks served each afternoon. Albatros Expeditions have tea and coffee freely available all day throughout the vessel, while specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages and hand-crafted cocktails are available at the ship’s bars.

Spring comes late to Greenland, due to its challenging polar climate. During June, migratory wildlife begins to return to Greenland. Geese, wading birds, and seabirds arrive for their breeding season, constructing nests and defending their tiny but all-important territories. While Greenland experiences the midnight sun from May to August, during June, many of the fjords are still frozen, and snow reaches down to the sea. This cold and unpredictable weather can hamper exploration at times.

By July, Greenland begins to come to life. The tundra begins to come to life, as saxifrages, Arctic willows and heathers start to green the otherwise stark Arctic landscape.  Flowers bloom in the brief Arctic summer, rotating through the day to follow the precious sunlight. In wilderness areas, muskox and reindeer can be seen grazing on the fresh greenery, while inhabited locations burst to life. Locals in Greenland take advantage of the brief summer to harvest the ocean’s riches, and summer is prime fishing season. Conditions during July tend to be settled, with calm sunny days the norm (although beware of the mosquitos in windless areas)! Expect to meet plenty of locals – July is the middle of the summer holiday, so expect to see Greenlandic children enjoying their freedom on their bikes and skateboards. Many locals pivot to working in tourism during the brief summer season; even small towns can be bustling when a vessel visits!

August is the peak of the Arctic summer, with long sunny days – although the evenings start to draw in, with several hours of darkness by the end of the month. August is prime hunting season in Greenland – depending on the day, some settlements can be almost empty, with almost all locals heading into the wilderness to hunt reindeer, seals and muskox. Expect to see the fruits of these hunts for sale in local markets, usually proudly sold by local hunters. August is also peak trout season, so expect to see fish hung up to dry around towns and villages, or being smoked in small turf ovens. Most chicks have begun to fledge by this point, and are starting to leave the nest; for cliff-nesting species, this involves a terrifying leap off their nest into the sea – often known as ‘jumping season’. On land, the tundra plants are moving rapidly through their life cycle, and tart crowberries and delicious blueberries are almost everywhere – expect to see locals young and old alike gathering this delectable bounty; some is eaten as-is or used in baking, and the rest frozen to enjoy during the long winter. 

The tundra is at its brightest during September, as the willows, then the saxifrages and heathers begin to show their autumn colours; an autumn forest in miniature! During September, the weather in the North Atlantic can become more challenging and wild, giving an even more rugged cast to this spectacular island. September marks the return of true dark nights to Greenland as autumn sets in. Frosts and even snow showers can occur this time of year, although the longer nights also offer a tantalising chance to see the Northern Lights. This time of year, most migratory birds are starting to head south or out to the open ocean for the winter, so expect to see a variety of birds of all ages heading to sea for winter.

Greenland is a vast island, stretching almost 3000km from north to south. The climate throughout Greenland is subsequently hugely varied, reflecting the variation in latitude.

• South Greenland has a very mild climate, similar to Scotland or Scandinavia. Temperatures here range between 10-15°C (50-59°F), or potentially even higher in sunny sheltered areas. Extending into the North Atlantic, the weather in South Greenland tends to be wetter and more changeable than the rest of Greenland. While rarely cold, rain and drizzle are common in this maritime area.
• Greenland’s west coast (including the Disko Bay region) tend to have a cooler but more stable climate than the south of the country. Expect temperatures between 8-12°C (46-54°F); as in South Greenland, these temperatures can be exceeded in sheltered areas, especially far up fjords – Kangerlussuaq, situated 160km inland for instance regularly records summer temperatures in excess of 20°C/68°F. The weather is generally calm and sunny, although cool rainy or foggy days do occur.
• North Greenland is correspondingly colder than the southern parts of the country. In the Upernavik and Thule areas, long calm sunny days are the norm in summer, but expect cooler temperatures in around 6-10°C (43-50°F). While generally settled, cool misty and foggy days, frosts and light snow can occur any time.
• East Greenland differs significantly from the rest of the country; here, a current of cold water flows down from the Arctic Ocean, moderating the temperature. Temperatures in East Greenland are therefore cooler than at the same latitude on the west coast, with temperatures in Ittoqqortoormiit averaging 5-9°C (41-48°F). East Greenland receives significantly more snow in the winter than the west – street lights in Ittoqqortoormiit are built a metre higher than in the rest of the country to account for this. During late spring, East Greenland also regularly receives rafts of sea ice from the Arctic Ocean, which can linger for several months, cooling the area.

We therefore remind our guests to be prepared for all weather conditions! We highly recommend to our guests to dress in layers (ideally in woolen or synthetic fibers) and a backpack so that layers can be adjusted as the weather dictates. Warm/waterproof layers, hats, waterproof gloves and scarves are recommended for all excursions off the vessel, even on the sunniest days – the weather can deteriorate rapidly at any time. Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm) is also essential – the low angle of the Arctic sun combined with cool ambient temperatures can cause sunburn to easily go unnoticed until it is too late! 

Albatros Expedition strives to employ the very best Expedition Team in the whole industry. We travel in some of the planet’s most remote regions, where planning and on-location experience is key. Our routes and itineraries are subject to the prevailing sea, ice and wind conditions, which are closely monitored by the Bridge Team and Expedition Leader. Drawing on their vast experience, they find the best alternatives in the rare instances where our planned itinerary needs to be changed. Each cruise is a completely unique combination of locations, where the highlights can often be the totally unexpected. Most of our cruises provide the opportunity to spot a variety of unique wildlife, although this is subject to the whims of Mother Nature and can of course not be guaranteed. As you will no doubt experience, the joy from our Expedition Team when spotting different species on land or at sea is as genuine as your own.

This means that you as our guest are part of an adventure, a true expedition, where plans change, wildlife is encountered on their terms and your team consists of the very best experts within their fields. We strive to maintain a mix of specialists within relevant polar subjects including marine biology, ornithology, earth science, history and others. Albatros Expeditions boast a large number of Expedition Staff onboard, allowing us to maintain a high ratio of staff-to-guests at 1:8, amongst the highest ratios in expedition cruising. Some of our staff have decades of experience on ships or research stations, whilst others may be performing their first season. One thing they all have in common is the wish to make each and every journey a special and memorable experience for our guests. Knowledge, skill, and passion are the trademarks of all Albatros Expedition Staff.

To ensure the safety and quality of experience of our guests, please keep in mind that the itinerary and outdoor activities during each voyage are solely dependent on weather and sea conditions. Your safety is our highest priority. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. Albatros Expeditions reserves the right to modify the landings and locations visited during a voyage based on local weather conditions and climate to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Our voyages are expeditionary in nature, and thus changes to timings are commonplace due to the environment we operate in, as well as wildlife opportunities and locations.

Optional excursions

Ilulissat to Oqaatsut Day Hike

Sightseeing, Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Trip to the Reindeer Glacier, Kangerlussuaq

Ice-fjord Flight Sightseeing, Ilulissat, Greenland

Boat trip to the ice-fjord, Ilulissat, Greenland

Departure dates, interested in this expedition cruise, expedition activities.

Icefjord Flight Sightseeing