vikingsholm castle tour

Vikingsholm

Tahoe's Hidden Castle

Located in Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, this magnificent "castle" is a unique blend of nature's spectacular beauty and man's architectural ingenuity.

Emerald Bay provided the setting for one of the first summer homes at Lake Tahoe. Ben Holiday, stagecoach magnate and early-day transportation king, constructed a home there in the late 1860s. His land was eventually sold to Paul Kirby in 1880. The Kirbys built a number of cabins, intended for resort use, on the parcel of land where Vikingsholm now stands. The William Henry Armstrong family acquired the property in 1892 and they used the cabins as their summer residence for over 32 years. In 1928, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought the Armstrong’s land with the desire to build a summer home that would compliment the magnificent natural surroundings. Emerald Bay reminded her of fjords she had seen on numerous travels to Scandinavia. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the home. Vikingsholm was completed in the fall of 1929. The exceptional summer home was enjoyed by Mrs. Knight and her guests, for 15 gratifying summers, until Mrs. Knight’s death at the age of 82 in 1945.

The estate was sold to Lawrence Holland, a rancher from Nevada. He subsequently sold it to Harvey West, a lumberman from Placerville, California. In the early 1950s, Mr. West, a noted philanthropist, negotiated with the State of California and said he would donate one-half of the appraised value of the land and the Vikingsholm outright, if the State would pay him the other half of the land value. These terms were agreed upon, and in 1953 the house and property were acquired the the state.

Vikingsholm is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. It is now a part of the Harvey West Unit of the Emerald Bay State Park. The house is open for tours during the summer months and the magnificent scenery may be enjoyed all year around by those wishing to visit this beautiful setting.

Emerald Bay and Fannette Island

Lora J. Knight

Many people assume that Mrs. Knight was of Scandinavian origin because of her decision to build Vikingsholm but she was actually of English decent. She was born Lora Josephine Small in Galena, Illinois, in 1864 - one of a family of four daughters and one son. Her father Edward A. Small, was a corporate lawyer who accepted two brothers, James and William Moore, into his law firm. These young men eventually grained controlling interests in a number of large companies, including National Biscuit, Continental Can, Diamond Match, Union Pacific, and Rock Island Railroad. In the 1880s Lora married James and her sister, Ada, married William.

Lora and James Moore had one son, Nathaniel, who married Helen Fargo of the family of Wells Fargo fame. During most of the Moore’s married life, James and Lora lived in Chicago, Illinois and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They also traveled extensively, making many trips to California as well as abroad. In 1915, they purchased a home in Santa Barbara, but had little time to enjoy it together since Mr. Moore died in 1916.

In the early 1920s, Lora Small Moore married Harry French Knight, a stockbroker from St. Louis. This marriage was not successful and they were divorced prior to the building of Vikingsholm. Mrs. Knight is probably known best for the building of Vikingsholm, but many still remember her because of her generous contributions to youth groups in California and Nevada and the provision of educational opportunities for young people who otherwise could not have afforded them. She also was a major benefactor to the Christian Science churches in Santa Barbara, Reno, and South Lake Tahoe. She and Mr. Knight actively promoted Charles Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic and were the prime financial backers of that flight.

Mrs. Knight

Mrs. Knight and guests at Eagle Waterfalls

Dinner honoring Charles Lindbergh

Planning Vikingsholm

When Mrs. Knight purchased the land at Emerald Bay, where Vikingsholm would be located, she was not a newcomer to the Tahoe area. For 16 years she had enjoyed her summer home Wychwood, at Observatory Point, on the North Shore. This property was later sold to Robert Stanley Dollar Sr. and is now known as Dollar Point. Through church affiliations Mrs. Knight had become acquainted with the William Henry Armstrong family, who owned 239 acres at the head of Emerald Bay. In 1928, she purchased the property from them for $250,000.

Mrs. Knight commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect and her nephew by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. She had been impressed by the Nordic architecture of the home that Palme had designed for himself in Rye, New York. Because of her admiration of Palme’s home and the fjord-like location of Emerald Bay, she decided to have her summer home built in a Scandinavian design.

Mrs. Knight and the Palmes traveled to Scandinavia in the summer of 1928 to gather ideas for the construction of the house at Emerald Bay. They visited Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. They were inspired by viewing many ancient building such as wooden churches and homes in Norway and stone castles in Sweden. Photographs taken on that trip show how faithfully Mr. Palme reproduced specific features of these Scandinavian buildings in the design of Vikingsholm.

Mrs. Knight (right) with Lennart Palme and family

Rustic Scandinavian home

Roof detail on Vikingsholm

Construction

The foundation was laid in the summer of 1928. In the spring of 1929, more than 200 highly-skilled workmen were brought to Emerald Bay and housed in temporary barracks on the property. They worked diligently throughout the summer and by the end of the season the house was completed. During these months of 1929, the timbers were hand hewn, the exterior wall boards were planed, intricate wood carvings were executed, and metal fixtures, such as fireplace screens, hinges and latches, were hand forged.

Outstanding features of the Vikingsholm exterior include: granite boulders embedded in mortar, typical of Swedish stone churches and castles built in the 11th century, massive hand hewn timbers, characteristic of those used by the early Norsemen, carvings around the doors adapted from those bordering old church entrances; carvings extending along roof ridges with dragon heads crossing at roof peaks, and a sod roof with wildflowers.

The interior of the house also exemplifies the Scandinavian motif, with delicate paintings on the ceilings and walls, Nordic fireplaces throughout, and two intricately carved dragon beams hanging from the ceiling in the living room.

Furnishings were carefully chosen by Mrs. Knight to enhance and carry out the Scandinavian theme. “Selma” the clock, one of the most striking pieces, stands in the hallway. Many antiques were purchased abroad for the home. Mrs. Knight greatly admired some pieces seen in Norwegian and Swedish museums, which were not available for purchase. When she encountered such situations she hired craftsmen to make copies of the museum pieces. They were reproduced in exact detail, including aging of the wood and duplication of scratches found on the originals. The brightly painted bridal table, which stands in the living room, represents the quality of these outstanding reproductions. Fortunately many of Mrs. Knight’s original furnishings remain in the home today.

Vikingsholm in 1932, soon after construction

Window detail

The Round Room wing

Upstairs writing room

Life at Vikingsholm

Vikingsholm is noted for its outstanding architecture and scenic location. It also represents an era from the past of lavish but gracious living. A relaxed, unhurried atmosphere typified the style of life one experienced when visiting the home. Mrs. Knight would arrive for the summer in the middle of June and stay until the middle of September. She usually had a staff at Vikingsholm of approximately 15. A caretaker and his family lived on the property year around and four or five yardmen were hired locally each season to care for the grounds. The rest of the staff was brought from Mrs. Knight’s winter home in Santa Barbara and consisted of her private secretary, personal maid, cook, assistant cook, upstairs and downstairs maids, chauffeur, assistant chauffeur and laundry women.

Mrs. Knight enjoyed entertaining and invited many friends and family members to visit during the summer months. Visitors varied in age from young children to the very elderly. The length of guest’s visits ranged from a one night stay to an entire summer. Meals were sumptuous and occupied a good part of each day. Everyone gathered in the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tea was served in the afternoon on the terrace or in the library, and occasionally at the tea house on the island. During the day guests enjoyed swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and trips around the lake, by boat or car, planned by Mrs. Knight.

Gracious hospitality was extended at all times to guests. For example, guests' cars were always washed, serviced, and filled with gas shortly upon arrival, even if the cars were only used for short trips during a stay.

Vikingsholm provided a calm, quiet, relaxed way of life combined with an elegance that is rarely found today. This way of life seemed to compliment the serenity and exquisite beauty of the Emerald Bay setting.

Mrs. Knight with Vikingsholm guests

Living Room

Dining Room

Visiting Vikingsholm

Vikingsholm is located at the head of Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in the United States. This magnificent structure, now a national and California landmark, is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture outside of the Nordic countries. The property on which Vikingsholm is built includes 232 acres of Tahoe’s most beautiful vistas, the only island in Lake Tahoe, and the only waterfall that flows directly into the lake. It is a great destination for a day of sightseeing, hiking, boating, and swimming.

Vikingsholm can be reached by walking a one-mile trail from the parking lot on Highway 89, or by boat. The home is open daily for tours in the summer months from June to September. These tours are conducted by guides employed by the Sierra State Parks Foundation. A visitor's center adjacent to the main building is available for further information and the sale of tour tickets and other items.

For the latest information on tour schedules, parking, special events, and directions to Vikingsholm, please visit: Vikingsholm Tour Information

Vikingsholm courtyard

Vikingsholm tour

Boating in Emerald Bay

Eagle Waterfalls

Play on a bluebird day

Tours & Attractions

Vikingsholm Castle

This Location:

Considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America, Vikingsholm castle sits on the shore of Emerald Bay with astonishing views of Lake Tahoe. Built in 1929, according to the wish of Lora J. Knight, a wealthy Chicago widow who purchased this then-isolated site and had it constructed into a Norse fortress from 800 A.D, Vikingsholm represents unique blend of art and history.

The Castle is a short hike down from Hwy 89.

The home is open seven days a week from Memorial Day until the end of September. The first tour of the day starts at 10:30 AM and the last tour at 4:00 PM. All tours are guided tours and take approximately one-half hour. The tour fee is $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children (7-17). Children under 7 are free. Please check the   Emerald Bay State Park’s website for updated information.

ADA ACCESSIBILITY: Call California State Parks at 530-525-3384 or email  [email protected]  to inquire about eligibility and availability.

Limited parking is available in the Vikingsholm parking lot off of Highway 89. The parking fee is $10.00. A one-mile steep but well-defined trail leads from the parking lot to Vikingsholm. Many scenic views can be enjoyed during the walk and there are various resting places along the trail. It is to be stressed, however, this is a steep trail at an elevation of over 6,300 feet. Limited handicapped access is available to Vikingsholm.

VIKINGSHOLM BY BOAT: MAY 29 – SEPT 30, 4:30 PM TOURS, MONDAY – WEDNESDAY

The Sierra State Parks Foundation is partnering with  Action Water Sports  and  Cruise Tahoe  to offer tour packages to the historic Vikingsholm Castle by water! Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Emerald Bay. Then, tour the magnificent Vikingsholm Castle, a must-do on your Lake Tahoe adventure list. Skip the hike down and go by boat!

SPECIAL EVENTS: The Sierra State Parks Foundation hosts several fundraising events during the summer months where guests can drive into Emerald Bay. Visit our  event page  for more details. In addition, The Foundation offers a private experience, Vikingsholm Tour & Tastings, where four may drive down, privately tour the castle, and enjoy a twilight tastings reception for a donation of $500. Email  [email protected]  for inquiry and availability.

Interesting Facts about Vikingsholm

Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Virginia City Nevada

CA-89 N, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Start Planning

Plan Your Trip Today!

Make planning easy with this guide to all the must-see vistas, must-eat dishes and must-experience attractions.

Vikingsholm

Top ways to experience Vikingsholm and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Vikingsholm - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Private Boat Charter on Lake Tahoe with Captain Half Day (From $1,250.00)
• Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour (From $16.99)
• Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City (From $11.99)
• 3 Hour Private Boat Charter With Captain (From $749.00)
• Emerald Bay Private Sightseeing Cruise (From $775.00)
• (0.03 mi) Fireside Lodge Bed and Breakfast
• (0.06 mi) Manzanita Lodge
• (0.08 mi) “Let Your Den Be The Forest”. Large One Bedroom Condo Adjacent To The National
• (0.22 mi) Lazy S Lodge
• (0.23 mi) Pvt Hot Tub-Gorgeous Home-Perfect Location-as low as $199
• (0.06 mi) Evan's American Gourmet Cafe
• (0.64 mi) Sonney's Bbq Shack Bar and Grill
• (0.48 mi) Burger Lounge
• (0.38 mi) Jalapeño's Taqueria
• (1.24 mi) My Thai Cuisine

Why & How to Visit Vikingsholm Castle in Lake Tahoe

Vikingsholm Castle in Lake Tahoe sits on a lovely beach in Emerald Bay. It was built in 1927 as a summer home by Lora Moore Knight. She felt that the steep sides of Emerald Bay resembled a Scandinavian fjord and being fond of that region’s architecture, she had the house designed in that style. The result is a lux historic home that blends beautifully into the pine and granite landscape.

When you are visiting Tahoe, it’s definitely worth spending the time to take a Vikingsholm mansion tour. To whet your appetite, this article will give you some history of the home, some photos of the interior and exterior, logistical information on how to get there, and info on when you can tour the building.

History of the Vikingsholm Castle in Lake Tahoe

The Native American Washoe people living in the Lake Tahoe Basin for thousands of years and they are the original residents of the land where Vikingsholm now sits. Nearby Virginia City’s Comstock silver strike of 1859 set off mining rush that brought thousands of miners and settlers to the region, which displaced the Washoe. What is now Highway 50 became a sort of gold rush freeway between Placerville and Carson City.

Mark Twain was part of that mining rush, which he wrote about in Roughing It . It’s worth a read if you are interested in learning about the Tahoe Basin (which Twain accidentally set on fire), Gold Country and Carson City of the time. Bytheway, that forest fire is just one of many interesting factoids about Lake Tahoe .

Once the secret got out about lovely Lake Tahoe, wealthy San Franciscans and Comstock millionaires began visiting the area for recreation. Things boomed again with the advent of the motor car and the completion of the highway around Lake Tahoe sealed the deal. You can drive that highway yourself using our guide for the scenic drive around Lake Tahoe . It’s only 72 miles, but you can take all day doing it because there’s so much to see.

After burying her first husband, inheriting a fortune, then marrying her second husband, then divorcing her second husband, in 1927 Lora Moore Knight decided to purchase the Emerald Bay land and build her dream summer home. She paid $250,000 for the property, which is about $4,000,000 in today’s money.

Knight paid attention to trends of the day– and the architectural trend in the 1920’s was Period Revival. This involved building replicas of European styles. Knight choose a Scandinavian style, studding the house with hand-hewn timbers, wrought iron work, stone floors, and touches of Viking lore. The tour is really worth it because you learn a lot about the home’s craftsmanship and the high-end care that went into feeding and entertaining Knight’s guests.

After Knight’s death, the land was purchased by Harvey West who ultimately sold the property for a song to the California State Parks service. So, the Vikingsholm mansion and surrounding property is now part of the California State Parks.

If you visit a lot of CA state parks, be sure to check out our guide which lists ALL California State Parks and also our advice on whether getting an annual State Parks pass is worth it for you.

When & How to Visit Vikingsholm

Here’s an FAQ on how to visit Vikingsholm details about getting a tour.

When is the Best Time to Visit Vikingsholm?

The best time to visit Vikingsholm castle is between late May and late September. During this time, the parks service provides services, such as tours, the visitor’s center, drinking water and snacks for purchase.

The restrooms are available year-round.

Can I Visit Vikingsholm in the Winter?

IF the trails are clear, you can walk down to the grounds. BUT, that is a big IF. All of the trails to the mansion are steep and they are not shoveled or plowed. I’ve seen articles recommending that it’s great to visit Vikingsholm as a Lake Tahoe winter activity . But I don’t recommend it.

How do I Get a Vikingsholm Tour?

Tours are available seasonally from May 28-Sept 30. They last 30 minutes and cost $15 for adults, $12 for kids 7-17, and are free for kids under 7. You purchase the tickets on site at the Visitor Center. If you have a large group or visit on a busy weekend, you may not be able to get in right away. So bring your lunch and lounge on the beach while you wait.

How to Get to Vikingsholm

You cannot drive to Vikingsholm, so you’ll need to either hoof it in or go by boat. Here are your options:

The shortest and most popular trail is the Vikingsholm trail . It’s 1.7 miles round trip with a 377 foot elevation gain. You get to the trailhead by parking at the Emerald Bay State Park Lookout. This lookout has stunning views of the bay. But it’s also got a small parking lot and parking along Highway 89 is very limited as wekk. So go early or be prepared to circle.

If you are interested in extending your Vikingsholm visit into a longer day hike, then take the Rubicon trail from either Emerald Bay State Park or DL Bliss State Park . Each one has about 300 feet of elevation gain with a mix of forest and open trail. Starting from the Emerald Bay day use area is ~ 4 miles round trip. Starting from the DL Bliss trailhead is ~6 miles round trip. DL Bliss tends to fill up more quickly with day trippers.

Another way to access Vikingsholm is by boat. Even if you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one for the day at Camp Richardson (from $185) or do their seasonal Vikingsholm cruise (from $99). Cruise Tahoe also has a half day Vikingsholm tour that goes from Round Hill Resort in Zephyr Cove. If you have a larger group, you can hire a private boat and captain to take you to Emerald Cove, Vikingsholm and other spots around the lake.

See More of Lake Tahoe

• Get more history and hiking by visiting the cool Donner rail tunnels .
• Slake your thirst at one of Tahoe’s best breweries .
• Find the best Tahoe ski resorts for beginners , along with what to pack for a ski trip .

Share Vikingsholm castle on Pinterest:

Share with your friends

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Jump to navigation

For the latest on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)  click here

Error message

• Lingotek profile ID 4 not found.
• Lingotek profile ID 3 not found.

Vikingsholm

In a fjord-like setting at Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay State Park, the 38-room  Vikingsholm  castle is a rare masterpiece of Scandinavian architecture. This spectacular site was originally built to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. Impressed by her architect nephew Lennart Palme’s Nordic-inspired home in New York, Mrs. Knight travelled to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland to research ideas for her Lake Tahoe house. Together with Palme, Mrs. Knight visited old wood churches and ancient stone castles before construction on Vikingsholm began in 1929.

Explore the castle on tours offered several times daily from late May through the September and marvel at the meticulous stonework, hand-forged metalwork, and intricately carved wooden beams ending in dragon heads. Keep an eye out for rare Scandinavian antiques Mrs. Knight found on her travels, as well as exquisitely accurate reproductions she commissioned by skilled artisans. You’ll also learn about Mrs. Knight, an extraordinary woman who married into extreme wealth, then used her money to educate young women who couldn’t otherwise afford it. 

Insider tip:   Getting to Vikingsholm  means parking in its small lot then taking a one-mile (and fairly steep) hike that goes down 400 feet in elevation. It’s a lovely walk, though, with plenty of places to stop and rest. 

Northern California

Spotlight: lake tahoe.

Blue as a topaz and circled by majestic peaks, this High Sierra gem straddling the California-Nevada border is a bucket list essential. Where else can you get a chance to inhale air that is ‘very pure and fine...it is the same the angels breathe,’ as celebrated author Mark Twain put it. One look around, especially from drop-dead-gorgeous overlooks like the one above Emerald Bay State Park, and it’s easy to see why Twain was so smitten. Lake front towns dot the shoreline, each with their own appeal. Winter and springtime snow lets you carve it up at world-class alpine resorts. Summer brings out the water toys—sailing boats, stand-up paddle-boards, kayaks and almost anything that floats. Autumn paints the hills with golden aspen leaves. But no matter what the season, this is the kind of place that makes you plan the next trip back before you even leave.

Winter Fun in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe lays claim to some of the country’s top alpine resorts, where pint-size skiers and boarders grow up to be gold-medal winners. But it’s not all steeps and bumps here. On the north shore, Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Games, has legendary expert runs, but it also has wide groomers and an outstanding ski and board school, plus a mid-mountain ice-skating rink and supersize hot tubs (how cool is that?). Further north around the lake is Northstar California, a family favourite known for outstanding terrain parks for all abilities, including a massive halfpipe designed as a training site for superstar boarder Shaun White. Après-ski doesn’t get much classier than at Northstar’s Ritz-Carlton at Lake Tahoe, where you can sip craft cocktails in front of soaring windows with views of the snowy runs.  Alpine, the sister mountain to Squaw (you can buy lift passes that access both mountains) is a local favourite, especially on powder days.

"Zip lines, tube runs, scenic gondola rides, and a party-like atmosphere"

On Tahoe’s south shore, Heavenly—one of the world’s biggest ski resorts—offers jaw-dropping lake views from runs as wide and bump free as motorways . Heavenly has also bumped up the fun even if you don’t ski or board, with on-mountain zip lines, tube runs, scenic gondola rides, and a party-like atmosphere on and off the mountain. Kirkwood, south of the lake, is another local secret, with serious steeps and backcountry clinics.

Lower key resorts—Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch, Homewood, Sierra at Tahoe, Soda Springs, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe Donner—offer even more choices for snow play. If you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer in the snow, head for groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails at Royal Gorge or Kirkwood, or take a guided trek with Tahoe Adventure Company. For a real treat, get your mush on with a sled dog ride near Squaw Valley, Kirkwood, or in Hope Valley, just south of Lake Tahoe.

Note: for latest road conditions and closure, call Caltrans (800/427-7623; English only), or check the website. Chains, all-wheel drive, or snow tyres may be required, and some storms close roads altogether.

Everyone—from sun worshippers on sandy beaches to adrenaline junkies on mountain trails—loves Tahoe in summer. Family time at the lake is a summertime staple for many Californians, and cabins, condos and traditional lodgings—as well as a handful of campgrounds—offer an array of places to stay. Finding something to do is about as complicated as walking outside. Trails lace the region, with the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail circling the lake in one breathtaking (sometimes literally, when it crests peaks over 9,000 feet) loop—but don’t worry, most people just do pieces of it, either on foot or by mountain bike. Alpine resorts offer on-mountain activities in summer—try mountain biking trails at Northstar California; zip-lining and ropes courses at Heavenly; or lounge in a sparkling High Camp pool at 8,200 feet at Squaw Valley.  

And then there’s that beautiful lake, skim the surface in a kayak—Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard on the North Shore provides guided tours and hires. Or try your hand at stand up paddle boarding (SUP); South Tahoe Standup Paddle’s Rise & Shine Morning Tour takes all levels of paddlers out on the calm, flat morning waters (keep your eyes peeled for resident bald eagles). Guided cruises by sail or motorboat are another wonderful way to experience the lake, especially at sunset. Or relax on the Tahoe Queen or M.S. Dixie II , paddle wheelers that offer brunch, dinner and day cruises year-round. Feel like just hanging out? Spread out the beach towels at lively Kings Beach on the North Shore or at D.L. Bliss State Park on the West Shore. Just remember the sunscreen: high-altitude sunshine can cause serious sunburn.

Yoga meets music and alpine wow at Wanderlust Squaw Valley , an om-filled, 4-day July event in...

South Lake Tahoe & Stateline

Lake Tahoe has a split personality: half California, half Nevada. The two meet along the lake’s southern shore, where high-casino hotels (in Nevada) bump up against the base village for Heavenly (in California). Millions of dollars have been spent on upping the experience along this part of the lake. Relax at fire pits year-round at The Shops at Heavenly Village , with boutiques, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema in a handsome stone and timber complex. Craft beer enthusiasts can sample local brews at Stateline Brewery & Restaurant . Outdoor concerts draw serious big names—think Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars—during summer. After all that party atmosphere, consider retreating to the zen-like calm of local day spas, such as Serenity Spa in the Heavenly Village.

In the adjacent South Lake Tahoe community, daytime diversions are easy to find as well. During the warmer months, Ski Run   Tahoe Keys Marinas offer watercraft rentals, as well as stand-up paddleboards for rent (with instruction or on your own) at the expansive Lakeview Commons at El Dorado Beach . Afterwards, dine with locals at favourites like The Naked Fish (excellent sushi), Himmel Haus , an expansive temple to all things delicious and German (plus some choice Belgian brews) and Base Camp Pizza Co.    You don’t have to look far on this side of the lake to find some night-time fun either— Whiskey Dick’s Saloon is a classic hipster bar with live music, Rojo’s Tavern offers a lively dance scene with DJs, and South Lake Brewing Company and Tahoe AleWorx , where you can pull your own pints, are two great spots to sample some of the area’s tastiest craft brews.

With a heritage dating back to the Gold Rush, when fortune hunters passed through on their way to mine for silver in the Comstock Lode, North Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe City has a rich history. The town is home to museums and historical landmarks managed by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society , and a visit to any one of them adds insight into how this town has evolved from a frontier outpost to an appealing enclave of shops, boutiques, lake-front restaurants and private estates. Lakefront Commons Beach provides acres of room to spread out and relax in, to listen to a concert in summer or to let the children clamber on a mini climbing wall. At the north end, the park merges with Tahoe State Recreation Area , with on-the-lake camping pitches. The adjacent public pier makes a great place to jump into Lake Tahoe .

At Fanny Bridge, spanning the point where the lake's waters flow out into the Truckee River, you can peer over the edge to see the lake’s resident trout swirling in the clear water below. Take a short stroll down-river to hire inflatable rafts to float along an ultra-mellow stretch of the Truckee River (perfect for children and first-time rafters). Just east of Fanny Bridge, the Gatekeeper’s Museum (a reconstruction of the original historic cabin that was destroyed by fire) houses an outstanding collection of Native American basketry, as well as early photographs and relics from the region. In winter, the town hosts Snowfest , North Lake Tahoe ’s version of Mardi Gras, with parades, live music and snow play. 

The perfect place to stay during your Tahoe City exploration? Basecamp Tahoe City , a boutique hotel located in the centre of the town, has loads of rustic charm and is just five minutes from the lake. When it comes time to refuel, pop in at Fire Sign Café , a family-run breakfast and lunch eatery that has been a Tahoe City favourite for over 40 years, or visit West Shore Market & Deli for gourmet grocery items for a picnic, as well as delicious cakes, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas.

Emerald Bay State Park

Look down on this astounding bay and you can see why Mark Twain dubbed Lake Tahoe "the fairest picture the whole earth affords." While the main lake is as blue as a topaz, a color created by Tahoe’s remarkable clarity and depth, this somewhat shallower bay on the lake’s west shore takes on a startling and beautiful blue-green, made all the more striking by the perfect dot of tiny Fannette Island—the only islet in Lake Tahoe—right in the middle of the bay. From large pullout areas off Highway 89, see if you can spot the ruins of a tiny stone teahouse perched on the top of the island. The teahouse, and the 38-room Scandinavian-style stone castle known as Vikingsholm that’s built on the nearby shore, were constructed by Lora Knight, an extraordinary woman who married into extreme wealth, then used her money to educate young people who could otherwise not afford it. Learn about her and tour her richly detailed, hand-built home, a replica of a 9th-century Scandinavian castle, on tours offered several times daily, late-May to Labor Day—it’s definitely worth the walk down from the parking lot. 

"Look down on this astounding bay and you can see why Mark Twain dubbed Lake Tahoe 'the fairest picture the whole earth affords.'"

You can also access Emerald Bay on the popular and easy Rubicon Trail, which follows the edge of the lake from D.L. Bliss State Park 4 miles/6 kilometers south to the bay. Another short hike with a big reward is the 1-mile/2-km trail that starts across the highway from Emerald Bay and leads up to the icy cascades of Eagle Falls and a panoramic view of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Cruises, such as the  Tahoe Queen  paddle wheeler, also visit Emerald Bay; you can also use it as a great destination if you rent a boat at South Shore. For a big splurge, book a private yacht cruise with Lake Tahoe Boat Rides; along the way, the captain sheds light on the region’s history.

Golfing in Lake Tahoe

With nearly as many golf courses as ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is a golfer’s paradise—not to mention that the views are knockout. Courses snake through glacially carved valleys, trim the edge of the lake and meander links-style through tall conifers. 

The North Shore boasts six championship golf courses designed by legends of the sport (Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones). Serious golfers can test their game at the challenging par-71 The Links at Squaw Valley, on Tahoe’s north-west side. Tall peaks give way to the wide-open Martis Valley at Northstar California’s 18-hole, par-72 course. Post-game, relax with a signature Bloody Mary at the Martis Valley Grille. On the South Shore, swing your clubs at the all-levels-welcome Lake Tahoe Golf Course. Families and beginners will enjoy Bijou Municipal Golf Course—no hidden obstacles or holes longer than 350 yards here. 

Hiking in Lake Tahoe

Hikers will find it easy to indulge their inner naturalist in Lake Tahoe. Glacier-carved granite slopes, snow melt waterfalls and wild flower-painted meadows are just a taste of what’s coming up. Whether you choose to scale a 10,000-foot peak or take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Emerald Bay, you’ll find stellar alpine panoramas that will have you Instragramming non-stop.

If you’re serious about your hiking, or want to backpack into spectacular high country, explore routes into Desolation Wilderness, with miniature lakes dotting a huge expanse of glacially scoured granite. The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail connects the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe; some stretches still follow original routes used by Washoe Indians, early pioneers and Basque shepherds. The trail, which overlaps with the Pacific Crest Trail for about 50 miles, encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin and crosses six counties and two states. In the summertime, it’s open for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians

And here’ a tip if you love to hike but might not have the time or oomph to get way up high: gondolas and chair lifts at Heavenly, Squaw Valley, Northstar California and Kirkwood provide summertime access to high country trails.

Kings Beach

Legend has it that this town was named after card shark Joe King, who won the rights to the area in a poker game nearly a century ago. Despite its royal name, Kings Beach is anything but pretentious, with dozens of family-run motels, eateries and places to collect your ‘I heart Tahoe’ t-shirts. Sunny Kings Beach State Recreation Area is known as the ‘banana belt’ of the North Shore thanks to almost non-stop sunshine making it a prime spot for anyone with a beach towel, especially large groups and families who like the easy parking and walking distance to grab-and-go eateries. If you want to take a break from the action, slip away on a stand up paddle-board, available for hire here (along with instruction). After dark, eat with locals at Lanza’s, a family-friendly Italian joint complete with red-and-white checked tablecloths.  

Positioned at the junction of Highways 267 and 28, Kings Beach is also a good base for skiers and snowboarders looking to hit the slopes at one of the North Shore’s alpine resorts. Shops, restaurants and colourful street vendors round out the fun here. 

Up and over the hill from Lake Tahoe’s north shore, Truckee offers an easy base for an adventure-filled trip. Historically a logging town, Truckee was also the site for major railway construction in the 1860s. Today, its Old West-style town centre has morphed into an artistic hub, with historical sites and appealing shops and galleries. This creative culture earned Truckee the designation of a California Cultural District in 2017.

Pop into Gallery 5830’ , Mountain Arts Collective and Riverside Studios , just three of the many galleries, where you’ll find the handiwork of dozens of local artists, including works of sculpture, hand-blown glassware, woodwork and much more.

Find out more about the local history and wildlife at the independent bookshop, Word After Word , owned by two local mums. Or take home cool souvenirs and home décor with a mountain edge from Bespoke , a carefully curated gift shop owned by husband and wife Brian Hess and Heather River. A few doors down, the couple’s combined gallery, shop and arts classroom Atelier welcomes creative wannabes who want to learn how to do everything from knitting to screenprinting to arranging flowers.

The town has also become something of a foodie hot spot, with sophisticated but comfortable options including Stella , Pianeta and Drunken Monkey , a favourite with sushi lovers. Chef-owners John and Nyna Weatherson dream up inventive prix-fixe menus at Trokay , where you can also take lessons in pairing cheeses or making your own pasta. Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats is Truckee’s nightlife landmark, serving up mountain inn-style food and live jazz inside the 1873 Truckee Hotel. Grab a seat at the bar to watch acts like Mose Allison and Shotgun Wedding Quintet. For quality wines and wine tastings, visit The Pour House , which has more than 350 wines on hand from small vineyards around the world.

Craft beer also has a strong presence here—make sure you visit Alibi Ale Works ’s Truckee location, which does triple duty as a pilot brewery, a pub that serves food (try the gourmet nachos) and a live music venue. Another Truckee beer destination is FiftyFifty Brewing Co. , which recently won best brewing group of the year.

Year-round adventure is easy to find in Truckee. In the warmer months, choose from rafting, swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking and horse riding. Sparkling Donner Lake , also located in Nevada County , is a fun alternative to Tahoe. For a gentle bike ride, follow the 2.75-mile Truckee River Legacy Trail ; much of the paved path parallels the pretty Truckee River.

In the winter, Truckee’s ideal location is just 10–15 minutes away from some of Tahoe’s best ski resorts, including Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort and Homewood Mountain Resort. And if downhill isn’t your style, there are plenty of off-piste tours, snowmobile terrain and sledging adventures nearby.

Celebrate the waning days of winter on the north side of turquoise-blue Lake Tahoe with ...

California Questionnaire: Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson has already won gold in South Korea and the 2018 Winter Games haven't even begun yet. At the official Olympic  snowboarding slopestyle test event  in PyeongChang last February, the  27-year-old  from  South Lake Tahoe  reminded everyone that this is  her  sport by producing a complicated collection of twists, jumps, and tricks to earn top honours. Being the first and only athlete to win Olympic gold in this discipline, which debuted nearly four years ago in Sochi, Russia, means she sort of owns it.

It's no secret that her hometown has been instrumental in making her a champion, which is why she launched the  Jamie Anderson Foundation  in 2013 to help youth pursue their athletic dreams. In four years the foundation has already helped more than 30 winter sports athletes, providing them gear, season passes, and even financial aid to travel for competitions.

The  13-time Winter X Games medalist  returns to her old shredding grounds as often as possible—there's nothing like being home to inspire her to dream big. Anderson is looking to dominate in the  snowboard big air event , newly added to the Olympics for 2018. She shared her favourite things about the Golden State below.

Where do you live? South Lake Tahoe

Why there? I am one of eight siblings. We all grew up in South Lake Tahoe, skiing and snowboarding at  Sierra-at-Tahoe Mountain . My mom home-schooled me so that I could spend most days snowboarding at Sierra with my siblings. It is where I started my Olympic dreams.

Who or what is your greatest California love?  Sierra-at-Tahoe Mountain ,  Fallen Leaf Lake ,  Emerald Bay .

What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we don't work hard. We just know how to find balance.

What is the stereotype that most holds true? That everyone is following a dream. So many Californians find something they’re passionate about and really pursue it.

What is your favourite Golden State splurge? Getting a cabin in the mountains. It is always such a great way to get a good night's sleep, meditate, and do some great snowboarding.

Time for a road trip—where are you going? Probably down the coast to visit my sisters who live in SoCal.

If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Healthy food! It is really easy to find pure, organic, whole foods in California. You are never far from a fresh juice or organic smoothie.

Best California songs? I can’t think of my favourite California songs [off the top of my head], but when I'm on the mountain, I love listening to hip hop.

How would your California dream day unfold? Dinner with friends and family, relaxing in my sauna or a nice hot spring. Near  Mammoth Lakes , there are some amazing  hot water springs  that are relaxing and good for the soul and sore muscles.

How do you define California style? By the outdoors. You can do yoga, hike, surf, or anything outdoors—almost year-round—and dress accordingly. It's amazing. 

Got 10 minutes? That’s all it takes to go from the hot desert floor to cool, piney highlands, thanks to this engineering marvel. Spinning slowly as it ascends—it’s ...

Santa’s reindeer apparently like San Francisco. Several of the antlered beasts of burden—specifically zoo residents Belle, Holly, Peppermint, and Velvet—welcome visitors...

You don’t come across many sparkling Gewürztraminer wines outside of Germany, so this is a rare treat. The wine practically bursts from the glass, with lively...

• North Lake Tahoe
• South Lake Tahoe
• Photos & Videos

Vikingsholm Castle & Emerald Bay

Historic Vikingsholm Castle offers one of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay – one of the most photographed bays in the world. For great images click the Photo Gallery just above the map below.

In 1928 Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the land that encompasses Emerald Bay and Fannette Island for $250,000. Mrs. Knight had traveled Scandinavia with her architect where they were inspired by the architecture. Her Vikingsholm Castle was completed in 1929 and reflected Scandinavian style of construction and architectural design. Two hundred workers were hired to hand hew the timber, carve intricate designs, and for the interior walls hand planned the wood. Much of the materials used such as timber and granite rock came from the Tahoe Basin. There are sections of the Vikingsholm Castle that contain no nails, pegs, or spikes. Visitors are fascinated by parts of the roof covered in sod and large carved exterior sections of wood. The home was heated by six fireplaces built in Scandinavian style with unique fireplace screens.  If you have a chance take a tour of Vikingsholm Castle and prepare to be transported back into medieval times.

Mrs. Knight enjoyed summer afternoon tea on Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island, located in the middle of Emerald Bay. Much of the tea house is still standing and offers amazing 360 degree views of the bay. If you are visiting in the summer you can rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards located at Emerald Bay beach and make your way across to the Island to climb to the tea house and take in the view.

Trail to Vikingsholm Castle Vikingsholm Castle is not accessible by car, but there is the Vikingsholm Hiking Trail (a moderate one mile hike) from the Vikingsholm Castle parking lot to the castle and Emerald Bay beach. You will find the lake views along the trial and forest setting make this a pleasant hike. There are benches along the way if you need to stop and take a rest. Pack a picnic, your swim suit, and enjoy a summer afternoon at  Emerald Bay beach just yards away from the castle.

During peak summer months the Vikingsholm Castle parking lot can experience a lot of traffic and you might find parking difficult. Prepare to get there early or avoid going weekend afternoons. There are bathrooms at the bottom of the trail open during the tour season. Vikingsholm Castle tours are available during the summer and early fall months. All tours are guided and take approximately one-half hour.

Operating Tour Hours for 2013 Season May 26th – June 22nd and September 4th – September 30th Tours: 11 am – 4:00 pm once an hour on the hour.

June 23rd – September 3rd Tours: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm on the hour and half hour.

Tour tickets are $10 for adults, $8 children 7-17 years, children under 7 free.

Photo Gallery

Map / directions.

• Lake Tahoe News & Reviews
• Popular Area Lakes

Connect with us...

Your browser is a-n-c-i-e-n-t! Upgrade to a different browser or install Google Chrome Frame to experience this site.

Cruise Tahoe

There are currently no items in your cart.

Emerald Bay Cruise & Vikingsholm Castle Walking Tour

• Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)
• Location : South Lake Tahoe, CA
• Product code: P9NPA5

This cruise operates in partnership with the Sierra State Parks Foundation. The cruise departs from TAHOE KEYS MARINA Wednesdays through Mondays at 3:15PM and returns around 6:15PM. You will travel to beautiful Emerald Bay, where the Captain will share some of Tahoe's most interesting facts and history, setting the stage for the Vikingsholm Castle Walking Tour. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as Eagles and Ospreys, and the occasional Black Bear may be seen.

Once docked in Emerald Bay, you will disembark and begin your tour of the Vikingsholm Castle with a Sierra State Parks Foundation tour guide.  This walking tour will last approximately 30 minutes.

Cruise runs most Sundays through Wednesdays through September. Cruise schedules frequently change so call if your desired date is unavailable. (775)230-8907

Cancellation Policy- Cancellations must be made 48 hours or more prior to the cruise departure to receive a refund.

Start Booking Now

Please enable cookies in your browser to place a booking how do I enable cookies?

Enter Number of Passengers *

Choose a date *, choose a time *.

Booking Software for Cruises by Rezdy.com | Agent login

• ( 0 ) My Favorites
• 1.800.581.8828 1.800.581.8828 Contact Us
• Vikingsholm Castle

You are here

• Things to Do
• Historical Tours

Emerald Bay provided the setting for one of the first summer homes at Lake Tahoe. In 1863 Ben Holladay, stagecoach magnet and early day transportation king pre-empted land in Emerald Bay and built a summer home. In 1884 a Dr. Kirby bought 500 acres in the Bay and built a resort. A portion of the Kirby land was sold to the William Henry Armstrong family in 1895. Mrs. Knight purchased the land from the Armstrongs in 1928. Mrs. Knight's land included the only island (Fanette Island) in Lake Tahoe and the only water fall (Eagle Falls) flowing directly into the Lake. Magnificent cedars and pines set off by shear granite cliffs make this one of the most scenic areas in the entire United States. Mrs. Knight wanted to build a summer home that would compliment the magnificent natural surroundings. Emerald Bay reminded her of many of the fjords she had seen on numerous travels to Scandinavia. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the plans. Learn all about the rich history of Emerals Bay and Vikingsholm Castle on this informative tour!

Tours of Vikingsholm Castle are available seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September. The first tour of the day starts at 10:30 A.M. and the last tour at 4:00 P.M. All tours are guided tours and take approximately one-half hour. The tour fee is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children (7-17). Children under 7 are free. The maximum number of people on a tour is 30.

Limited parking is available in the Vikingsholm parking lot off of Highway 89. The parking fee is $10.00. (It is advisable to come for morning tours as there are more parking opportunities at that time.) A one-mile steep, but well defined, trail leads from the parking lot to Vikingsholm. Many scenic views can be enjoyed during this walk. There are various resting places along the trail. It is to be stressed, though, this is a steep trail at an elevation of over 6,300 feet.

Bus service to the parking lot is available from both North Shore and South Shore. There is no public boat service to Vikingsholm, but Vikingsholm can be reached by private boat. A dock is provided for loading and unloading only. Beaching a boat is allowed in the bay from dawn to dusk. Tour boats are available from South Shore and North Shore. These boats allow passengers to view Vikingsholm from the water, but they do not dock in Emerald Bay. Limited handicapped access is available.

Subscribe To Receive Exclusive Tahoe News & Offers

Thank you for joining! We'll be sure to keep you up to date on all the Tahoe news and happenings.

Take a Tour of Vikingsholm – Lake Tahoe’s Castle

California , North America , United States

Located in Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm – Lake Tahoe’s castle – is a gorgeous historic mansion constructed in the 1920s. It’s modeled after Scandinavian architecture and the original owner and her architect traveled throughout the region drawing inspiration from homes and castles there before beginning the building process. Nowadays, visitors to Vikingsholm Castle can take a guided tour inside or just enjoy the scenery surrounding the beautiful building.

Getting to Vikingsholm

Emerald Bay State Park is in the southwestern corner of Lake Tahoe and can be reached by car, boat, bike (strenuous ride), or by hiking. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead that will take you to Vikingsholm that requires a fee. If the lot is full – as it often is during the summer – there is limited parking available along certain parts of the main road. Just look out for tow away zone signs and make sure you’re clear of the road.

Check opening dates and hours at the official website for Vikingsholm Castle .

Hiking the Vikingsholm trail

The road and parking lot are located high above Emerald Bay, and getting down to water level where you’ll find the castle requires taking a walk down the Vikingsholm Trail. This mile-long gravel pathway was originally the driveway for the mansion, but it’s not open to private vehicles these days. The trail descends steadily downwards through a series of long switchbacks. Before you leave the parking lot, there are signs warning that the climb back uphill can be strenuous and recommending that anyone with medical conditions not attempt the hike. You’re also warned that there are no rides out if you’re struggling. The Emerald Bay State Park website does have a note about making arrangements for handicapped visitors, so there may be other options for visiting.

The Vikingsholm Trail has some killer views along the way.

The trail was as easy to follow as it gets, so you’d really have to try to get lost along the way. As you wind your way down to lake level, you’ll be treated to peeks of the bright blue water popping out between the pine trees. The way down was definitely easier, but I’m in my early 30s and mostly out of shape and even coming from the very flat Midwest I didn’t find that the trail was too much of a struggle for me to get up. I stopped once on the climb up and sat on a large tree stump overlooking the bay to enjoy the view while I drank some water. If you take it slowly and give yourself breaks when needed, I think it’s doable, but you have to make your own choice.

You’ll definitely want to bring appropriate footwear to hike the Vikingsholm Trail. I passed a group making the walk in flip flops (presumably for some Emerald Bay beach fun) and they were discussing how much they regretted that choice.

Vikingsholm Castle tours

Guided tours inside the mansion are offered during the summer season every 30 minutes from 9-4pm. You can purchase your tickets from the small visitor center just past the mansion at the end of the trail. Credit cards are accepted there, and a selection of souvenirs, ice cream bars, and bottled drinks are also available for purchase. I enjoyed snacking on a strawberry ice cream bar along the shore while I waited for my tour to start.

I think they were excited to start the Vikingsholm Castle tour.

Our group met at the large doors facing the lake and got an introduction to the house’s history. This is actually the back door, though you’d never guess that with its ornate carvings.

Inside the living room, our guide showed us some of the period furniture the original owner, Lora Knight, had acquired on her travels through the Scandinavian countries as well as the architectural details that were copied from real castles in Europe. Some of the pieces that she liked the most weren’t for sale, so she had detailed sketches made of them and her woodcarver recreated them down to the last detail for her home.

We also got a peek inside the dining room. Evidently her guests were all required to attend dinner in formal attire. After meals, she would frequently have the whole party driven up to the main road and then they’d all walk down what’s now the Vikingsholm trail – ladies still in their heels – for exercise. I’d have broken an ankle or two making that walk in heels.

My biggest disappointment was that the library/reading room in the turret part of the building was only visible through a doorway at the far end of the living room.

After showing us around the first floor, our guide took us out the front door into the entrance courtyard. Here we learned a bit more about how summers were spent here (she wintered in southern California). I loved the grass-covered roofs of the out buildings, which are still irrigated by the original sprinkler system installed during the original construction.

The outer courtyard was also where the staff stayed, and several of the doors were open so you could peek into the kitchen and their quarters. Current staff members do live in some of the rooms, so be respectful of the ones that are marked as off-limits.

After finishing her spiel about the history of the house, our guide let us back inside to explore the upper floor on our own. The hallways are somewhat narrow here, so I’m assuming it’s done this way to spread out the foot traffic so everyone can see. While we were outside, she had told us what each of the rooms was used for so we knew what we were looking at.

I don’t know about you, but I’d have been all over this guest room in the turret. Mrs. Knight also had a screened in sleeping porch on the third level that she used to get fresh air at night and that sounds absolutely heavenly even though we didn’t get to see it on the tour.

As we were free to explore the second level at our own pace, everyone milled around in smaller groups and eventually filtered out through the covered portico that marked the entrance to the courtyard.

Kayak to Fannette Island

One of the places mentioned on the tour is Mrs. Knight’s tea house on Fannette Island. The tea house is not included in your tour, but you can grab an Emerald Bay kayak rental from Kayak Tahoe just a short walk from the house. You can rent single or tandem kayaks or stand up paddle boards to head out into the bay. The rental staff can give you more tips for where the best place to land on the island is.

It should take you 10-15 minutes to paddle across to the island where you can beach your kayak and hike up to the tea house. I think the views of the surrounding slopes are the real treat here. There are no services on Fannette Island, so you’ll have to pack out any garbage you might generate.

Once you’re done exploring the island, you can return to the Vikingsholm beach or explore some more in your kayak.

Other things to do near Vikingsholm

Ducks like the Emerald Bay Beach too – there were even some ducklings cruising around the first time I visited.

There is a small beach area right in front of the castle. The roped off swimming area has some shallow area for splashing, but it does drop off pretty quickly so keep kids close to shore if they’re not good swimmers. I swam out to the rope and could see straight to the bottom thanks to Tahoe’s famously clear water. Swimming here will be most pleasant late in the summer when the water is at its warmest. The water was absolutely perfect in late August and was a great way to cool off before starting the hike back up the Vikingsholm Trail.

You’ll also see signs for the Eagle Falls trailhead. This short hike involves a little bit of elevation gain but it takes you to a decent sized waterfall that’s part of the series of cascades you may have driven past when parking. This trail does not lead to the very top of the waterfall though – if you want to get up to see the top of Eagle Falls, you’ll need to hike back up the Vikingsholm trail.

Check out these other Lake Tahoe posts:

• Ten Best South Lake Tahoe Restaurants
• Hiking Your Way to a Spectacular View of Lake Tahoe
• How I Skied for Free at Lake Tahoe
• Squaw Valley for Beginners

Don’t forget to save this post for later on Pinterest!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Terms and Conditions & Disclaimer

• VACATION RENTALS
• CABINS & CONDOS
• SPECIALS & DEALS
• RESTAURANTS
• THINGS TO DO

Vikingsholm

South shore (ca).

• Type Museums & Historical Sites
• Region South Shore (CA)

Do you agree?

Vikingsholm Castle Lake Tahoe Nestled in Majestic Beauty

Features: Gorgeously incorporated into the natural Emerald Bay landscape, Vikingsholm Castle Lake Tahoe is a rare and deeply historic example of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Majestically located among the towering cedars and pines, tourists can also make the short trek to nearby water falls provides additional scenic bonuses.

* Terms & Conditions: Offers, promotions and rates subject to change and may vary based upon date, length of stay and other factors. Some offers do not include taxes and fees. All offers based on availability and are subject to change without notice.

Why We Go: There really is nothing else quite like Vikingsholm Emerald Bay in the Lake Tahoe area. For a change of pace from the small town vibe and typical beaches, experience a does of fascinating history and breath-taking scenery at Vikingsholm Lake Tahoe.

• History Lesson: Vikingsholm Lake Tahoe is the former summer home of Mrs. Lora J. Knight, whose background behind her decision to build Vikingsholm and her family history provide for a fascinating tour.
• Hiking: The trek from the parking lot to Vikingsholm Lake Tahoe is about one mile, and then the trek from the castle to Lower Eagle Falls is about one half mile. No matter where you go within Emerald Bay, the hike is well worth it.
• Picnic Spot: Tourists can easily turn a trip to Vikingsholm Lake Tahoe into a full-day endeavor by hiking through Emerald Bay and packing a picnic lunch. Plenty of gorgeous lookout points and benches and other stopping points make it easy to not get tired.

Inside Knowledge

Inside Knowledge: When Lora J. Knight had Vikingsholm Tahoe built, she ordered that no trees were cut down in the process. Thus, many areas of the mansion incorporate trees in a fascinating and creative manner.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's and Don'ts: 

• Do Pack Water and Snacks: Even though the walk down from the parking lot is not treacherous by any means, the walk back up can be an altitude shock to your system, and you don't want to be caught without ample water and snacks to replenish your system.
• Do Take the Tour: For the nominal fee involved in taking a guided tour at Vikingsholm Castle Lake Tahoe, visitors receive a true understanding and appreciation of what they're visiting. It's only 30 minutes, so there's not nearly enough time to get bored.
• Don't Miss Fannette Island: While you're out at Vikingsholm Emerald Bay, make the short trek to check out Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe.
• Don't Leave the Dog at Home: Canines are allowed on the hiking trails in Emerald Bay, so bring the entire family along.

• Information
• Transportation
• Map --> Map

Vikingsholm Information

Hours: 10:30am- 4:30pm

When to Go: Summer

Age Restriction: None

Phone: 530.525.3345

Website: http://www.vikingsholm.org/

Important Information: Bring sturdy shoes to hike in, because there is a bit of a trek from the parking lot to the castle.

Quick Facts

• Built by Lora J. Knight, Vikingsholm Lake Tahoe is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.
• Tours are available at Vikingsholm Castle Lake Tahoe from Memorial Day weekend until the last week of September.
• Vikingsholm Lake Tahoe is located on the shore of Emerald Bay and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 11001 W Lake Blvd Tahoma, CA 96142 View Map

Need a place to eat in South Shore (CA)

User average review.

Based on 1 review

Rating Distribution

5.0 out of 5 Stars

0.0% recommended it

Vikingsholm Reviews

Mar 12, 2013 at 12:16 am

Joined: March 2013

xxx.xxx.22.3

Would not recommend to a friend

Date visited: 3/13

Please call ahead. . . (530) 525-9530

The place was closed, CALL FIRST. . .We hiked a mile in and a mile out, great exercise! Beautiful scenery, it would have been nice had there been a sign that it was closed and we would have hiked elsewhere, like Eagle Falls 500 ft. away. The place looks as though it has been closed for a long time. . . Please call ahead before you go. . . (530) 525-9530

Vikingsholm Hotel

Other hotels in south shore (ca)., check out events happening all around tahoe, need a place to stay check out these nearby hotels.

Search This Site

Nearby Venues

• A Body ReNew Massage Spa
• Balloons Over Lake Tahoe
• BioSpirit Day Spa
• Birkholm's Water Ski School
• Camp Richardson Campgrounds
• Camp Richardson Corral
• Don Sheetz Fishing Charters
• Eagle Falls Trail
• Elements Spa Lake Tahoe
• Heavenly Mountain Resort

Latest Blog Posts

Tahoe's best, your local connection, about us | privacy policy and terms of use | advertise | press.

Copyright © 1998 - 2024 TahoesBest.com, Lake Tahoe CA

Vikingsholm Castle

California-89, Tahoma, California

Vikingsholm Castle is a historic mansion and architectural highlight of Lake Tahoe. Located in beautiful Emerald Bay State Park, the majestic home overlooks the lake’s scenic Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. Blending seamlessly with its surrounding natural environment, Vikingsholm is considered to be one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.

Vikingsholm dates back to 1929, when it served as the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight. After visiting Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden for design inspiration, Knight had the 38-room house constructed using only natural materials from the area—no nails, pegs, or spikes. She also built a small teahouse on Fannette Island in the middle of the bay, accessible by boat, kayak, and canoe. Lake Tahoe boat tours often pass by the Vikingsholm, and cruises that visit Emerald Bay share history of the house and the area. You can also spy Vikingsholm from the air by helicopter tour. To see the interior of the house, you must be on a guided tour led by an official state park guide.

Vikingsholm is a top Tahoe attraction for architecture buffs.

The castle’s interior is available for 30-minute, fee-based tours in summer, from late May to late September.

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes if making the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike to the castle.

While the castle can be seen from the water, road, and sky, getting an up-close look is difficult for those with limited mobility.

Vikingsholm is located in South Lake Tahoe on the California (western) side of the lake. To get to the mansion, take Highway 89 to the lake’s southwest shore. The house is a short, 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike away from the Emerald Bay State Park lookout parking lot, which is worth stopping at for views of the bay and Fannette Island. Public bus service is available from both the north and south shores. Private boats can also pick up and drop off from a dock near the home.

Visitors can see the house exterior at any time of year. House tours are available only during the summer, from late May to late September. Guided tours last 30 minutes and are conducted on the half hour from 10:30am to 3:30pm.

As you enter the castle, take a look at the sod roof, which covers both wings of the house. It sprouts wildflowers each spring. Once inside, be sure to notice the level of exquisite detail, from the delicate paintings on the ceilings and walls to the antique furnishings and Nordic fireplaces.

Things To Do Available ( 6 )

3 hour private boat charter with captain.

Duration: 3 hours

Emerald Bay Private Sightseeing Cruise

Duration: 2 hours

Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Tour: South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City

Duration: 120 to 150 minutes

Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Driving Audio Tour

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Lake Tahoe: Private Boat Charter for Up to Six

Duration: 4 hours

Lake Tahoe Private Luxury Power Boat Charter

Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

Vikingsholm: Scandinavian Castle of Lake Tahoe

Right in the middle of one of the most beautiful lake beaches in all of California, Emerald Bay, is a Scandinavian  home built in the mid-1900’s that is now affectionately known as the castle of Lake Tahoe. This castle comes complete with a fun history of an eccentric millionaire that bought up the land and brought Scandinavia  to the United States. You can still tour Vikingsholm daily to get a glimpse into the life and history of the castle. Here is all the information.

• Cost: $15 for adults and $12 for kids (prices as of 2019)
• Hours: 10:30 AM to 4 PM, tours are an hour-long and begin every 30 minutes
• Open May 25 – September 30, 2019

Getting There

To get to Vikingsholm, you must park in the state park lot directly above Emerald Bay, which costs $10, then walk down a one mile road to the bay where Vikingsholm is located. This hike is beautiful on the way down but a decent uphill walk on the way back up. You will want to buy your ticket for the tour at the visitors center that is about 300 feet past Vikingsholm (open 10 – 4 daily).

This is the short history; you can read the long history here .

In 1928  Mrs. Knight bought 239 acres around the bay from a friend for $250,000. She traveled to Scandinavia to research the house she was to build there. After hiring an architect, the house was built for a cost of $125,000 in 5 months. She spent 15 summers here and also created a 16′ x 16′ tea house on the island out in Emerald Bay. When she passed away, the house was sold to a man who flipped it to another wealthy landowner. He kept the land for a little while before gifting it to the California State Parks for $125,000 in the early 1950s.

Living Room

After lining up outside the main entrance of the house, the tour began, and we entered Vikingsholm.

The first room you go through is the living room. In here, there are many different antiques and replicas from Scandinavia. The original owner even commissioned exact replicas based on pieces in the national museum, so it looked as close as possible to Scandinavia.

While we were there, we saw one of the old boats that tour Emerald Bay go by as well. I haven’t done this, but I am sure it is a fun way to see the lake.

In the living room, there was a big standing clock that was one of the prized possessions of the house and welcomed guests when they entered.

From here, the tour moves into the courtyard where our guide explained all about the road the owner put in, the design of the exterior, and where the hired help lived. You have the opportunity to see the old cars that are still in the garage as well.

Turning around, you can also see the roof where she planted wildflowers and had a full sprinkler system.

The maid and the cook quarters are also open if you are interested in seeing where they lived.

After the courtyard, you are free to walk upstairs and see all of the well-preserved rooms. Here are a few photos:

My favorite room was the one at the end of the hall, which had a full fire-place right near the bed and a reading room that overlooked the water. It would be a fantastic place to relax and read.

The Maid Quarters and Kitchen

After seeing the upstairs, you can go down to see the kitchen as well.

My favorite part of the kitchen was the old KitchenAid that was still there.

After the kitchen, the tour is officially over, but you can walk around for a while and see what you may have missed on the first go-around. Eventually, you will have to leave as they make way for another tour.

All in all, I am glad I got to experience and understand more of the history of this area. Emerald Bay is one of the most beautiful places in California, and you must experience it. Whether or not you should take this tour is up to you. If you like history, I am sure you will love it, if not then you can probably just spend time on the beach. Make sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Similar Posts

Watts Towers in Los Angeles: History, Tours and Pictures

Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom in Santa Rosa

Skiing / Snowboarding at Heavenly Resort in South Lake Tahoe

11 Things to do at Point Reyes National Seashore

15 Things to Do in Siskiyou County

Folsom Prison Museum: Johnny Cash & Jail History

Tahoe Trail Guide

Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe

• Trails Overview
• • Best Day Hikes of Tahoe
• North Tahoe Hiking
• South Tahoe Hiking
• • Short South Tahoe Hikes
• East Tahoe Hiking
• West Tahoe Hiking
• Jared Manninen’s Cross-Country Skiing VLOG
• North Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
• South Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
• East Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
• West Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
• Trip Planning
• • Backcountry Travel Considerations
• Trip Documenting
• XC Skiing Explained
• • Buying XC Skis
• • Classic XC Skiing
• • Backcountry XC Skiing
• • Waxing Waxless XC Skis
• Snowshoeing Basics
• Natural History
• • Naturalist Resource List
• Local History
• Search for:

Vikingsholm: A Brief History (Nordic Castle at Emerald Bay)

When visiting Emerald Bay, or driving around it, the island sitting in the middle of the bay is what tends to draw the eyes of both first-time visitors and long-time Lake Tahoe locals. Fannette Island, as it’s called, is the most recognizable feature of Emerald Bay and happens to be the only island located in Lake Tahoe. For this reason alone, it’s worth stopping to take pictures of the geological curiosity.

Upon closer inspection, however, people are surprised and intrigued to find a small stone structure sitting atop Fannette Island. “What is that and who built it?” or some variation thereof is a typical response to this discovery.

Support Tahoe Trail Guide with a financial contribution via PayPal (single contribution) or Patreon (reoccurring contributions) . Your support of Tahoe Trail Guide is very much appreciated!

The short answer is that it’s a “teahouse” and was built in 1929 under the direction of Lora Josephine Knight as part of her summer home called Vikingsholm.

As with most lessons in history, however, one question begets another so that answer is only a fraction of the story yet to come…

Please note that although this article is, in some ways, a virtual tour of Vikingsholm, it’s not meant to replace visiting and/or taking an actual tour of the place. My intention is to provide contextual information to enhance your experience when visiting Vikingsholm, as well as to offer a starting point from which to launch your own inquiry into Vikingsholm and Lora Josephine Knight. Also, if you’re simply looking for directions to visit Vikingsholm click on Vikingsholm Castle .

Background of Lora Josephine Knight

Lora Josephine Small was born in 1864 in Illinois. She spent much of her early life and time during her first marriage living in Illinois and Wisconsin, and traveling across the country and overseas.

In 1916, she and her first husband, James Moore (who, along with his brother, held a controlling interest in large US companies), moved to Montecito, CA. James Moore unfortunately died soon after the move.

Sometime at the beginning of the 1920s, Lora Small Moore married a St. Louis-based stockbroker named Harry French Knight. They divorced prior to 1929, but Lora kept the “Knight” name.

Lora Josephine Knight was a philanthropist who valued community and education. She made financial contributions stretching from Santa Barbara, CA, to Reno, NV, and went toward youth groups, community centers, and college scholarships. And, as a friend of Charles Lindbergh, she provided financial support for his flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

For the 16 years prior to purchasing Emerald Bay, Lora Knight had owned and used as her summer home the area that is now called Dollar Point (near Tahoe City).

Although she was not of Scandinavian decent, Lora Knight held in high esteem the art and architecture of the Nordic countries.

It was the fjord-like appearance of Emerald Bay and the surrounding mountains that truly inspired her to envision Vikingsholm . In 1928, she purchased the 239 acre lot of Emerald Bay (which included Fannette Island) at an appraised value of $250,000.

Construction of Vikingsholm

Soon after her acquisition of Emerald Bay in 1928, excavation of the site began.

However, early winter storms caused construction to be placed on hold.

Once the snow melted enough to resume work the following spring, a small army of 200 skilled laborers (all of whom lived on site) set about building Vikingsholm. The craftsmen were hired locally, coming from Reno and Sacramento, and were paid $18 per day (equivalent to about $300 per day in today’s money).

Within six months, the Scandinavian-style castle was completed.

Vikingsholm sits at the head of Emerald Bay and is obscured by trees, which is why you can’t see the castle from the road above Emerald Bay (SR 89).

In fact, even after you’ve hiked down the trail from the parking lot the one mile and 500 feet of elevation drop to witness it first-hand, you’ll still be challenged to take in the castle in its entirety.

I would argue that there’s no one quintessential view or aspect of Vikingsholm that sums up the entire place. This isn’t by accident.

When exploring Vikingsholm, you can’t help but marvel at the details of its construction and craftsmanship, nor can you help but feel like a child exploring the forest and trying to see what lies just beyond that next tree or boulder.

Like any masterpiece, there’s mystery inherent within Vikingsholm’s design that causes you to keep looking and asking more questions. Vikingsholm isn’t a standard square or rectangular structure that seeks to maximize its footprint in relation to the acreage its set upon. Rather, the place is dynamic because it forms a circle.

Although the lumber, stone, and other raw materials used in the construction of Vikingsholm were sourced locally, Lora Knight required of her architect, Lennart Palme (nephew by marriage), to design Vikingsholm without cutting down any trees in the immediate area. So, the surrounding trees not only grow around the castle’s outer edges. They also grow from within its courtyard giving the impression that, perhaps, Vikingsholm simply sprung from the forest floor one day.

On top of (nearly) everything, literally, is a sod roof that further camouflages its presence.

The use of the term camouflage is not a completely accurate description, however, because that implies deception. This was not the intention of Lora Knight. Rather, she sought harmony between her home and the existing landscape.

She ultimately wanted a place that would blend in with the natural surroundings. So, the sod roof was originally included in the design and it has always incorporated native grasses and wildflowers because Lora Knight made a point to use native species whenever planting around Vikingsholm.

Unfortunately, during the last few years some of trees on the north side of the castle have been lost, so most of the grasses on that side of the sod roof (in spite of the integrated irrigation system) have dried out and died.

Most of the furniture throughout the castle are replicas of Scandinavian furniture.

While traveling to the Nordic countries with Lennart Palme in preparation for the building of Vikingsholm, Lora Knight was unable to buy or obtain original pieces due to the laws in place at the time prohibiting the exportation of items or works of value. Therefore, most of the replicas were designed based on Lora’s photos and drawings.

Those pieces of furniture were then either built or assembled primarily in Sacramento. For example, the stained glass used for the windows was imported from Sweden, but it was sent to Sacramento for assembly.

Fate of Vikingsholm

Sometime after Lora Knight’s death at the age of 82 in 1945, a rancher from Nevada named Lawrence Holland bought Vikingsholm from her estate. It’s said that he had intentions of developing Emerald Bay into a playground for the Hollywood elite.

Fortunately, that vision never manifested and he wound up selling the property to a lumber man from Placerville named Harvey West. Although Harvey West appreciated the property he, too, gave up any plans to make use of it or further develop the site.

Amazingly, it’s thanks to Harvey West that Emerald Bay is now public property.

The reason being is that in 1953, he agreed to donate one-half of the land’s appraised value to the State of California so long as they compensated him the value of the other half. At that time the land was 282 acres, yet the value had still only been appraised at $250,000! So, the State of California acquired Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm for $125,000.

One would think that California’s acquisition of Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm would be a boon for the public. However, for about a decade after its acquisition in 1953 the property laid dormant.

It fell into disrepair and everything began to decay. This prompted the state to start dismantling structures in the 1960s, beginning with the servants’ quarters and outlying guest homes, as well as to remove multiple trees (that had been carefully preserved by Lora Knight). The idea behind the clean-up process was to return Emerald Bay to a more primitive state and then feature campsites and picnic areas throughout Emerald Bay.

Not the worst idea in the world, but did you happen to notice that architectural work of art that happens to be sitting in the middle of everything? You know, the one that resembles a Scandinavian Castle?

In the state’s defense, however, Vikingsholm wasn’t a historical site at the time since it had only been in existence for about 30 years. Though, it still seems odd that they didn’t perform more research into the origin of Vikingsholm due to its unique nature.

Helen Smith to the Rescue

In 1965, a woman named Helen Smith was handed a newspaper article by her child’s babysitter. “Have you ever been to this place?” the babysitter asked.

The article described Vikingsholm, California’s acquisition of the property, and what they were planning to do with Emerald Bay.

The reason the babysitter asked about Vikingsholm was because Helen had told her about the visits she made to Lake Tahoe as a young child.

Helen Smith’s mother was one of Lora Knight’s college scholarship recipients, and the two of them developed a friendship over the years.

In fact, Helen Smith’s parents were allowed to honeymoon at Vikingsholm while Lora Knight was traveling in Brazil. Later, Helen Smith’s family would drive up from their home in Santa Barbara each summer to spend a few weeks at Vikingsholm.

Helen Smith had been one of the few children who actually visited Vikingsholm since Lora Knight was much older and generally associated with people her own age.

Thoughtfully, Lora Knight invited a local girl to visit whenever Helen was at Vikingsholm. Those two girls still correspond and see each other from time to time.

Another example of Lora Knight’s thoughtfulness and compassion occurred when Helen Smith accompanied Lora Knight (and other guests) on a road trip to Reno. On the drive back to Tahoe, they stopped at a small store and Lora gave Helen a dollar to buy some paper dolls. Helen went inside and began to look around. However, she couldn’t make up her mind about which paper dolls to buy. Lora came into the store to see why Helen was taking so long. Helen explained her dilemma, then Lora said, “We gotta learn how to do this.”

Helen was horrified that she held up the group, so she followed Lora’s instructions. Lora showed her a step-by-step process whereby Helen would eliminate the ones she didn’t want and then having narrowed down the field, choose the ones she really wanted. Helen has stated that she still often uses this process of elimination when making decisions.

After reading the newspaper article in 1965 about Vikingsholm, Helen Smith and her husband took a trip to Lake Tahoe and visited the site. She was astonished to find so many original items and furnishings remaining at Vikingsholm after so many years and after passing through so many hands. For example, she found many of the original water pitchers still sitting next to the beds.

What Helen Smith found disappointing, however, was that no one onsite knew much about Vikingsholm. The stories personnel told her did not line up with her personal experience having lived at Vikingsholm.

Helen Smith contacted the California State Parks office and offered her services to help educate people about Vikingsholm.

However, the state’s response was something to the effect of, “We don’t hire women in the field at State Parks.” Although she could’ve worked as a secretary in an office for State Parks, the role she was attempting to fulfill was technically a field position. And, it was still around 1965, so workplace discrimination was rampant.

Several years later, and after having been a teacher and earning a PHD in Education from Stanford University, Helen Smith became one of the first women in the field for California State Parks.

For over 40 years, Helen Smith communicated with the public regarding Vikingsholm and lived four summer months each year onsite. She has since retired, but still takes part in various events such as the Sierra State Parks Foundation’s “Conversation with History: My Summers at Vikingsholm.”

There are a million and one details about Vikingsholm, Lora Josephine Knight, and Helen Smith that would be fun to discuss, but you’d be better served learning about them by actually visiting the historic site.

I highly encourage making a day trip to Emerald Bay to see Vikingsholm and, if at all possible, taking an actual guided tour.

Just keep in mind, however, that Vikingsholm is only open during summer months for guided tours, so check online before visiting to ensure they’re open.

I also encourage you to become a member or simply donate to the Sierra State Parks Foundation so that they can continue to care for and maintain Vikingsholm.

For more information visit:

• Sierra State Parks Foundation
• Vikingsholm
• Vikingsholm: The Legacy of Lora Knight & Helen Smith (DVD) #ad
• Vikingsholm: Tahoe’s Hidden Castle (booklet written by Helen Smith and can also be purchased from the Sierra State Parks Foundation store) #ad

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Tahoe Trail Guide welcomes all meaningful feedback. Post a comment, and I'll respond ASAP. I manually approve first-time comments (spam control), so it'll initially seem like your comment disappeared. Cancel reply

Although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility. Tahoe Trail Guide copyright © 2016-2023 by Jared Manninen. All rights reserved.  This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Per the Associates Program Operating Agreement I must disclose the following statement: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” when you buy something via an Amazon.com advertisement.

Classic Tahoe Cruises Since 1950

Elegance on the water: where history meets luxury., capture the moment : where every snapshot tells a story., looking for a smaller craft or a more intimate experience, join us on our sister boat, the radiance.

Experience Lake Tahoe in Classic Style on the Tahoe!

The tahoe has been cruising lake tahoe since 1950. she is a custom built high speed cruiser built entirely of wood. glide with us across beautiful lake tahoe with up to 21 passengers., emerald bay & vikingsholm.

In partnership with the Sierra State Parks Foundation, Cruise Tahoe is offering the Emerald Bay Cruise and Vikingsholm Castle Walking Tour. The cruise includes light appetizers and lots of Tahoe History. Available Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

"> "> THUNDERBIRD LODGE

Step back in time as you board our 1950 woody to the historic Thunderbird Lodge. Cruise includes light snacks, walking tour of the Thunderbird Lodge and boxed lunch. Available Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Some additional days may be available.

WEDDINGS & PRIVATE CHARTERS

We specialize in intimate events and can host up to 21 passengers. Let us help you plan your wedding, engagement, family gathering or corporate function. The Tahoe can pick up and drop off at many locations around Lake Tahoe. We will work with you to create a memorable cruise on Lake Tahoe, and we can recommend top-notch vendors for catering and photography.

Book your journey now!

A portion of every public cruise ticket sale supports lake tahoe.

The Emerald Bay Cruise & Vikingsholm Castle Walking Tour supports the Sierra State Parks Foundation which operates Vikingsholm Castle and other sites around Lake Tahoe. The Thunderbird Lodge Cruise & Tour supports the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society.

Emerald Bay Cruise & Vikingsholm Castle Walking Tour

Ages 6 and Up • 3 Hours Up to 16 People!

Thunderbird Lodge Cruise and Tour

Ages 6 and Up • 6 hours Lunch Included • History of Lake Tahoe

Private Lake Tahoe Cruise

Ages 6 and Up • 2 Hours Up to 18 People!

Book us for your special events next year!

Visiting Lake Tahoe for the first time or looking for some other things to do?

I look forward to meeting you, - ed broadbelt (captain/owner), real reviews from real cruise tahoe customers..

My husband and I have been boating and snow skiing at Lake Tahoe since we were both children. Over the years we’ve visited the many beautiful and informative sites around the lake (e.g., Vikingsholm, Tallac cottages, Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, Emigrant Trail Museum in Donner, Pope Estate, Taylor Creek Stream Profile) and recommend all of them. However, our visit to the fabulous Thunderbird Lodge this past July was a true highlight. Captain Stacey and first mate Chris took the time and care to make the couple hour ride to the mansion from Zephyr Cove a delight. The boat arrival was well-worth the extra time and money compared to arriving to the mansion by bus. The Tahoe cruised us past many beautiful properties and we learned much about the history of the east shore. I recommend bringing a jacket (even if the forecast calls for sun) and a good camera and wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you have time, read The Saga of Lake Tahoe by E.B. Scott to give you a greater appreciation for what you will see and a strong context of what you will learn while you’re on the boat ride and taking the Thunderbird tour.

August 2018

I took both of their cruises. The boat is lovely. The crew, Stacey and Chris were fabulous. Both of their tours were very informative and fun. I highly recommend.

Best tour ever! The cruise to Vikingsholm castle was amazing! They made us feel like a million dollars! Kept offering us drinks and then snacks after the tour of the castle. It was absolutely the best! We only wish we had more cash on us to leave a tip. Thank you Cruise Tahoe! You made our week!!

We had it out on a perfect day with eight others on an antique large Chris-Craft boat with a cover. Nice and clean with two crewmembers, and coffee, donuts, and muffins were served to start us out. We cruised out of Zephyr Cove and paused in front of several magnificent mansions. We were given a history of the famous people who lived there including Harrah from Harrah’s Casino, Larry Ellison, and the owner of Costco. Wowza! We continued on to the Thunderbird house and had a full tour of the grounds, house, ending with a wonderful lunch served on the back terrace. We then cruised back, and drinks were served. Would highly recommend this to see the lake, some of the wonderful houses and history of Tahoe.

August 2015

We took the Tahoe from Zephyr Cove up to the Thunderbird Lodge. It was about 2 hours but didn’t seem like it. The boat is beautiful, and they served refreshments and danish on the way. The captain and mate were very knowledgeable about the boat and the lake.

August 2019

This is an excellent way to spend a portion of the day. A beautiful boat trip from Zephyr Cove to the incredible Thunderbird Lodge. Along the way you will get a narrated tour of the Lake Tahoe coastline. The Lodge is beautiful and extremely interesting. The walking tour will take you through the property and give you the history of George Whittell. We were offered a continental breakfast on the boat and a nice lunch at the lodge. Your guides are fun, interesting and informative. This is a really good tour. Highly recommended.

September 2019

My wife and I have been to Lake Tahoe many times, but we’ve never actually toured Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay. Cruise Tahoe is one of the few vendors who can provide a boat trip to Emerald Bay and provide a tour of the castle by a docent. Besides that, the trip, handling about 16 people, included drinks and appetizers on this afternoon excursion. Stacy and Brad were great hosts.

Tahoe is a beautiful boat and the 2 member crew were amazing. There were just 8 passengers on our cruise.

October 2022

We did the east shore tour with Thunderbird Lodge. Amazing tour. The 2 man crew was great. Very knowledgeable about the area and the Lodge. Told us about many former residents of the houses along the shore. The tour at the lodge was wonderful and very informative. I learned a lot. We ate lunch on the grounds with amazing views all around. The sites from the boat were amazing.

September 2018

On our 30th Anniversary I was treated to a trip to South Lake Tahoe as part of our Membership orientation for Diamond Resorts. The captain, mate and deckhand were all amazing. The trip in was just fantastic and the water that day was as smooth as glass, so it made handling my mimosa much easier. 😉 I really enjoyed the fantastic views you can only see from the water and traveling in an oversized paddleboat does not give you the same intimate “water level” experience as on a smaller boat. We were served a light continental breakfast that was just enough for everyone. The overall value of the trip seemed exceptional.

Classic Tahoe Cruises Since 1950.

© 2024 Cruise Tahoe

Vikingsholm Castle

South Lake Tahoe & Stateline

Heiress Lora Knight's quirky mansion on the bay, Vikingsholm Castle is the focal point of Emerald Bay State Park , and a rare example of ancient Scandinavian-style architecture. Completed in 1929, it has trippy design elements aplenty, including sod-covered roofs that sprout wildflowers in late spring. The mansion is reached by a steep 1-mile trail, which also leads by a visitor center.

Get In Touch

530-525-7232

http://vikingsholm.com

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Emerald Bay State Park

Sheer granite cliffs and a jagged shoreline hem in glacier-carved Emerald Bay, a teardrop cove that will have you digging for your camera. Its most…

Bower's Mansion Regional Park

27.68 MILES

Just 12 miles north of Carson City off Hwy I-580, almost halfway to Reno, you'll find this fabulous regional park with manicured gardens perfect for…

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

The largest, and arguably most luxurious of the state parks at Lake Tahoe, Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine State Park (formerly known as Sugar Pine State Park), sits…

Tallac Historic Site

Three 1920s-era estates – Baldwin, Pope and Valhalla – sprawl across this 150-acre site on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. Free, self-guided tours wind…

Nevada State Museum

23.56 MILES

Housed inside the 1869 US Mint building, the Nevada State Museum generally hosts one visiting exhibition to complement its four excellent permanent…

Inspiration Point

Swoon-worthy views of Emerald Bay, as the camera-wielding crowds testify.

Tahoe Meadows

26.09 MILES

Good for hikes in summer and skiing and snowshoeing in winter; there's also a sledding hill.

DL Bliss State Park

DL Bliss State Park has the western shore's nicest beaches at Lester Beach and Calawee Cove. A short nature trail leads to the Balancing Rock, a giant…

Nearby South Lake Tahoe & Stateline attractions

1 . Emerald Bay State Park

2 . Fannette Island

This uninhabited granite speck in Emerald Bay State Park is Lake Tahoe’s only island. It holds the vandalized remains of a tiny 1920s teahouse belonging…

3 . Inspiration Point

4 . DL Bliss State Park

5 . Tallac Historic Site

6 . Meeks Bay

With a wide sweep of shoreline, sleek and shallow Meeks Bay has warm water by Tahoe standards and is fringed by a beautiful, but busy, sandy beach. West…

7 . Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

This elegant 1903 Queen Anne–style mansion on the lakefront is also known as Pine Lodge. Guided tours take in the richly detailed interior, including…

8 . Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum

This small but interesting museum displays artifacts from Tahoe’s pioneer past, including Washoe tribal baskets, vintage black-and-white films, hoary…

Inspired Imperfection

Food, adventures, & musings on juggling a business, loving a family, living inspired, and embracing imperfection

Historic Vikingsholm Hike At Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Published By Jennifer Bourn on September 6, 2015

This past Labor Day weekend, we took a quick, fairly last minute trip to Lake Tahoe for two full days of outdoor adventures and hiking. We opted to come back Sunday post hiking to give us all one full day at home to relax before getting back to school and work.

The first day of our Tahoe weekend getaway included hiking the upper Eagle Falls trail , riding the Heavenly Gondola to the mountaintop, and enjoying a fabulous dinner at Riva Grill . Now with a good night’s sleep under our belts we were off to hike down to the historic Vikingsholm Castle on the shores of Emerald Bay.

Like we did with the Eagle Falls hike, we got up super early in the morning to hit the local grocery store for sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and drinks for another yummy picnic in the Tahoe National Forest — and to get to the small Vikingsholm parking lot before it filled up!

Vikingsholm Trail

The Vikingsholm Trail starts at a stone observation area high above Emerald Bay . There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic, relax, and take in the stunning views of the sparkling blue-green waters of Emerald Bay, serene Lake Tahoe, and Fannette Island . We spent quite a bit of time here as the kids love to climb all over the large boulders and granite rock formations.

The trail is a wide, mostly paved, two mile, round trip hike, descending and ascending roughly 450 feet in elevation. It starts just past the parking lot and is very steep. Every so often there are benches to sit and rest. We didn’t need the benches on the hike down to Vikingsholm Castle , but stopped fairly often to check out several smaller waterfalls along the side of the trail.

The hike uphill to the parking lot was a completely different experience. We used every single bench on the hike back to rest. Going down is fast, so fast that you don’t think much of the hike back up until you have to do it — and let me tell you, ascending 450 feet in elevation to the observation area (6,300 feet elevation) in just one steep mile is tough, even for those in good shape!

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its brilliant panorama of glacier carved granite. Then in 1994, it was designated an underwater state park and is the resting place for many boats, launches, and barges used in the lake before the turn of the century and in the construction of Vikingsholm.

We reached the shoreline of Emerald Bay well before the tours of Vikingsholm Castle began for the day, so we decided to explore the area and go play on the beach.

On our upper Eagle Falls hike, we discovered that Eagle Falls had dried up in the California drought, which meant there wasn’t much to see at the bottom of the 170 foot lower Eagle Falls. We were bummed, but it meant we could hike through the waterfall bed, over rocks, and around driftwood and fallen trees, finding all sorts of interesting treasures.

On the beach we found the beginnings of a fort made out of giant driftwood pieces.

Carter was in heaven and took off running the minute he saw with Natalie not far behind him. Clearly we were going to spend a lot of time playing in the fort. We easily spent over an hour just dragging over more driftwood to beef up the fort and make it bigger. It was so fun to just play and relax and build — and to do it in such an exquisite location with views of Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island, and the mountains around us.

Eventually it started to get hot and we knew it was time to figure out the Vikingsholm tour details so we could check out the inside of the authentic Scandinavian Castle replica. Pulling the kids away from the driftwood fort wasn’t easy though!

Historic Vikingsholm and Fannette Island

We paid for the Vikingsholm Castle guided tour at the small visitor center and gift shop, then headed over to the front of the Castle to wait for the tour. We got there only a few minutes early and there were already a lot of people waiting. They do limit the tour size, so be sure to be there early if you don’t have time to wait for the next tour.

We’ve toured a lot of historic buildings and the inside of Vikingsholm was impressive and way better than we thought it would be . The docent leading the tour was entertaining, informative, and answered all of the questions from the group. She also didn’t rush us through the house or the courtyard, letting us explore the rooms and look around at our own pace — which was very helpful with the kids.

Vikingsholm, considered to be one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture existing in the United States, was one of the first ever summer homes on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Here are just a few facts about Vikingsholm:

• In 1928, Mrs. Lora Knight purchased the property for Vikingsholm — 239 acres at the head of Emerald Bay — from William Henry Armstrong for $250,000.
• In the spring of 1929, more than 200 highly skilled workmen were bought to Emerald Bay and housed in temporary barracks on the property. They worked diligently throughout the summer and by the end of the season the house was completed.
• The exterior Vikingsholm architecture includes round granite boulders embedded in mortar, massive hand hewn timbers, carvings around the doors, carvings extending along roof ridges with dragon heads crossing at the roof peaks, and a sod roof seeded with wildflowers.
• The interior of the house features delicate paintings on ceilings and walls, Nordic fireplaces located throughout the home, and two intricately carved “dragon” beams hanging from the ceiling in the living room.
• Many antiques were purchased for the home in Scandinavian countries and shipped to Tahoe. Items she loved in museums in Norway and Sweden that were not available for purchase were reproduced to exact detail, down to the aging of the wood and the duplication of scratches on the originals.

Located in the center of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe. The island, made mostly of granite with sparse timber, rises 150 feet above the water and features a stone structure at the very top that looks like a miniature castle. The 16×16 foot structure with a small fireplace in the corner, is actually the tea house Mrs. Knight had built during the construction of Vikingsholm.

When we finished the tour, we found a secluded, shady spot under the trees to enjoy our picnic lunch and take a break before gearing up for our hike back up Vikingsholm Trail to the parking lot. No one was excited about the one mile hike uphill in the blazing hot afternoon sun. Thankfully we had a lot of water, took a lot of breaks, and didn’t rush it. I was seriously never so happy to finally see the parking lot!

Tips For Hiking To And Visiting Vikingsholm

• Bring lots of water and snacks or a picnic lunch. There is nowhere to purchase food or water once you reach the bottom of the hike.
• Wear comfortable tennis shoes or hiking shoes. The trail is mostly paved, but it is very steep — and keep in mind that the hike back to the car is a one mile hike, all uphill, rising 450 feet.
• The Vikingsholm parking lot is about 9 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89 and it isn’t very big! Get there early for a better chance of snagging a parking space, and bring cash to pay for parking.
• You can tour historic Vikingsholm Castle seven days a week throughout the summer. Tours are about 30 minutes long and begin every hour on the half hour. Bring cash though as the tour costs roughly $10/person.
• Only 30 people are allowed on each Vikingsholm Castle tour, so if you’re there on a very crowded day or holiday weekend like we were, be sure to pay attention to the time and be at the castle doors early.
• If hiking in the summer or on a warm day, consider wearing your bathing suits under your clothes. We were so ridiculously hot and wished we had our suits on to play in the water at Emerald Bay beach.
• Dogs are not allowed on any trails or roads into Emerald Bay, nor on the beach.

Someday I’d love to rent kayaks, head out to the island, and hike to the top to check out the remains of the Tea House. I’d also love to try an alternate hike to Vikingsholm along the Rubicon Trail that begins at D.L. Bliss State Park , also on the West shore of Lake Tahoe.

What About You?

Have you hiked down to historic Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay? Did you visit by Boat tour? Were you lucky enough to visit when Eagle Falls had water? What did you think of the home and the beach?

I’d love to hear from you!

Previous Hiking Upper Eagle Falls Trail At Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

The Heavenly Gondola And Riva Grill At South Lake Tahoe Next

Jennifer Bourn

Designer, Wife, Mom, And Life Juggler

With 22 years experience as a graphic designer and 16 as a web designer/ creative agency owner , Jennifer helps small businesses build brands, create content, and grow profitable online platforms. Her renowned business systems and automations allow her business to thrive while she travels with her husband of 21 years and two teenagers, squeezes in daily workouts , tries new recipes , embarks on ambitious craft projects, speaks at events, facilitates workshops , and leads online courses .

• Jennifer Bourn on Facebook
• Jennifer Bourn on Twitter
• Jennifer Bourn on LinkedIn
• Jennifer Bourn on Instagram
• Jennifer Bourn on Pinterest
• Jennifer Bourn on YouTube
• Jennifer Bourn's website

Many links on this site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link and purchase the item, I may receive a small affiliate commission — it costs you nothing extra but helps me keep the lights on and the hosting for this site paid. All affiliate links on this site use "/aff/" in the URL to denote that it is an affiliate link. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” and in following the rules of the Amazon Associates Program Operating Agreement. Yes, that means I am also an Amazon Associate and earn a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases referred from links on this site.

King Charles opens Balmoral Castle to tours for the first time

Visitors will be able to see parts of Scotland's Balmoral Castle used by the British royal family for the first time this summer.

Guided tours of the royal family's beloved private Scottish retreat will be available from July 1 to August 4, before the King and Queen arrive for their summer break in Aberdeenshire, with each group restricted to 10 people.

Tickets for the "castle interior tour," priced £100 ($126) or £150 ($188) with afternoon tea included, are limited to 40 tickets per day and are already selling fast.

The Balmoral Castle website said the tours were the first since the castle was completed in 1855.

The website said: "They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle.

"You will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the royal family.

"Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today by their Majesty's The King and Queen and other members of the royal family."

The tour also includes access to the ballroom with a collection of Charles' watercolour collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham as well as a collection of outfits worn by Charles and Camilla, the late Queen and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Previous tours, which will continue, have concentrated on the grounds and gardens with access to the castle limited to the ballroom.