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. Framed by granite cliffs and deep-blue water, the stone-and-timber residence is among Tahoe’s most photographed landmarks and feels transported from the shores of Norway.
The History of Vikingsholm
This spectacular property was originally built to be the summer residence of Lora Josephine Knight. Impressed by her architect nephew Lennart Palme’s Nordic-inspired home in New York, Knight traveled with him to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland to study stave churches, medieval fortresses, and village cottages. Their research shaped everything from the home’s steep gables and dragon-head beam ends to its hand-hewn timbers, leaded-glass windows, and decorative metalwork. Construction began in 1929 and drew on old-world craft techniques—stone set by hand, wood joined with pegs rather than nails, and finishes designed to weather into the landscape.
Fannette Island
Knight also built the tiny stone Tea House on nearby Fannette Island, the only islet in Lake Tahoe, where she hosted afternoon teas. After her death, the estate changed hands and was eventually incorporated into Emerald Bay State Park. Though only the stone shell of the Tea House remains, the island welcomes curious boaters (camping and dogs are prohibited).
Tours of Vikingsholm
Explore the castle on docent-led tours offered several times daily from late May through September, when the rooms are open and period furnishings take visitors back to prewar times. Guides share how artisans reproduced centuries-old details—meticulous stonework; hand-forged hinges and latches; and intricately carved beams. Exhibits highlight rare Scandinavian antiques Knight collected on her travels alongside exquisitely accurate reproductions commissioned for the house.
You’ll also hear the story of Knight herself—an extraordinary philanthropist who married into great wealth and used it to support education for young women. Between tours, you’re free to wander the lakeside lawn, picnic under the tall pines, and gaze across to Fannette Island, imagining rowboats landing for tea in the 1930s.
Getting to Vikingsholm
Reaching Vikingsholm requires parking along Highway 89 at Emerald Bay and hiking a 1-mile trail that drops about 400 feet in elevation. The path is wide and well-graded but steep on the climb back, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. It’s a lovely walk shaded by firs and cedars, with overlooks that frame Emerald Bay like a postcard; benches along the way offer rest stops. Arrive early in peak season to secure a parking spot. When the beach is open, many visitors cool off with a swim or launch kayaks and paddleboards from the shore below the castle.
Things to Do Near Vikingsholm
Make a day—or a weekend—of it by exploring Lake Tahoe’s surrounding towns. To the north, North Lake Tahoe feels laid-back and outdoorsy, with broad beaches and numerous trailheads that lead climbers to panoramic views. South Lake Tahoe has a different vibe, pairing sandy coves with big-ticket fun: ride Heavenly’s mountain gondola for sweeping views, catch a lakefront concert, or stroll the dining and nightlife scene near Stateline.
Tahoe City offers a walkable downtown and lakeside Commons Beach, plus cafés, galleries, and a paved bike path that traces the shoreline. Historic Truckee lies just beyond, its brick-fronted downtown lined with boutiques and restaurants. Nearby, Donner Memorial State Park and Donner Lake invite swimming, paddling, and fishing (fishing licenses required).