Vikingsholm Castle

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

What Not to Miss at Vikingsholm

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.

What is Vikingsholm Castle, and where is it located?

Vikingsholm Castle is a historic mansion built in 1929 with traditional Scandinavian architecture. The mansion is located in Lake Tahoe, California, and sits on the shores of Emerald Bay. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and a popular attraction in Lake Tahoe.

When was Vikingsholm Castle built, and who built it?

Vikingsholm Castle was planned and built by Lora Josephine Knight, a widow from Chicago looking for an isolated area to build. The foundation was laid in 1928, and construction finished in 1929. Knight used the mansion as a summer home until she died in 1945.

Is Vikingsholm Castle open to the public?

Yes, Vikingsholm Castle is open to the public seasonally, from Memorial Day until the end of September. Tours run on the property from 10:30am to 4pm daily. Tickets are purchased at the visitor center, and reservations are not required.

How can I visit Vikingsholm Castle?

You can visit Vikingsholm Castle by boat or hiking. By water, you’ll need to book a boat tour or rent a boat. If you choose to do the steep 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail hike, you can park in the popular lot off Highway 89 at Emerald Bay and walk.

Are guided tours available at Vikingsholm Castle?

Yes, 30-minute guided tours of Vikingsholm Castle are available via tickets purchased at the visitor center. Emerald Bay State Park runs the paid tours daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children 6 and under are free, and students, seniors, and military personnel get a discount.

Are there hiking trails near Vikingsholm Castle?

Yes, to reach Vikingsholm Castle, you'll have to take a hiking trail to the mansion. Other popular hiking trails in Lake Tahoe include Bayview Trailhead, Eagle Falls Trailhead, and Rubicon Trailhead South. There are also other hiking options inside Emerald Bay State Park.

Ways to explore

Many travelers visit Vikingsholm Castle as part of a broader tour of South Lake Tahoe or Emerald Bay State Park, with options that range from self-guided driving trips to private cruises and small-group sightseeing. It’s also possible to take a guided tour of the inside of the castle from June through September, via tours that depart the Vikingsholm Visitor Center at the base of the Vikingsholm Trail. While you’re there, check out the state park’s many scenic highlights, including lakeside viewpoints and scenic walking trails.

Accessibility

While Vikingsholm Castle is not wheelchair accessible, the state park has a shuttle for visitors with disabilities to reach the normally car-free area.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, camera, hiking poles

What to wear

Layered clothing is a must for exploring Lake Tahoe, where temperatures can fluctuate widely throughout the day.

Not allowed

Dogs, bicycles, drones, fires

Amenities

Restrooms, picnic areas, electric vehicle chargers

Address 

Emerald Bay State Park is located 12 miles (19 kilometers) north of South Lake Tahoe, on Emerald Bay Road. The Vikingsholm Trail to Vikingsholm Castle begins at the park’s main parking lot.

Driving

To reach Emerald Bay State Park from South Lake Tahoe, follow Lake Tahoe Boulevard/Highway 50 to Emerald Bay Road/Highway 89. Turn right, and continue 6.7 miles (10.8 kilometers) to the park entrance.

Public transportation

From mid-July through late September, shuttle buses operate between South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay State Park. These must be reserved in advance.

Best times to visit

Arrive first thing in the morning for fewer crowds, or consider a sunset visit; Emerald Bay State Park has some of the best sunset views in Lake Tahoe.

Best days to visit

Come during the week to enjoy Vikingsholm Castle when it’s a bit less crowded.

Best months to visit

Tours operate in June, July, August, and September—and September is especially beautiful, with warm days and aspens tinged with gold.

Special events

Occasional special events bring live music to Vikingsholm Castle; check the park website for event information.