Brattahlid, Greenland

August 2, 2025

Erik the Red founded the first Viking settlement in Greenland. It was warmer back then so he could have a successful farm growing grain and raising sheep. He reportedly named the land "Greenland" because he wanted to entice more Vikings to join him. Today we had a dry landing to explore what remains of his farm.

It was a pleasant walk around the farm.

We saw a statue erected in honor of Leif Erickson, the son of Eric the Red. Leif Erickson is credited with being the first European to discover North America around 1000 A.D. when he was blown off course when heading back to Greenland from Norway. He called the new land "Vinland" because he thought the climate would be good for growing grapes for wine.

Photo by Max Unterharnscheidt

While in Norway, Leif was converted to Christianity. On his return, he also converted his mother. They built the first church in North America in Brattahlid, older than the one in Hvalsey. The original church no longer remains, but its location is marked.

Nearby is the church used by the community today.

It had a playground for children complete with a teeter totter which brought fond memories of my childhood. You don't see many teeter totters anymore.

They have reconstructed the original church, however, so we were able to see what it looked like.

Photo by Max Unterharnscheidt

Photo by Max Unterharnscheidt

Photo by Max Unterharnscheidt

Nearby was a reconstruction of an Inuit home.

A little further up the path was a reconstructed Viking home.

Photo by Max Unterharnscheidt

Across the way were some remnants of the original farm.

I enjoyed the rocky landscapes during the sail away.