Head RIGHT to see Vikingsholm Castle, visitor center and the little beach! Tour boats do not dock at the property. WARNING: Visitors with medical conditions or mobility issues … My legs were VERY sore afterward, but I still think it’s something most ages can do (we passed toddlers all the way up to grandparents with their families on this trail!). The exceptional summer home was enjoyed by Mrs. Knight and her guests, for 15 gratifying summers, until Mrs. Knightâs death at the age of 82 in 1945. The Vikingsholm castle stands in one of the most idyllic spots in Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay State Park. In 1915, they purchased a home in Santa Barbara, but had little time to enjoy it together since Mr. Moore died in 1916. Parking is available for a fee. Got questions? Steer yourself towards Emerald Bay and behind Fannette Island. Meals were sumptuous and occupied a good part of each day. They visited Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Once you’re done soaking in all the views, time to hike the Vikingsholm trail to the castle! The castle tours are currently cancelled due to covid. As with all state parks, this does have a parking fee which helps maintain the porta-potties located in the parking lot and of course, keeping the trail clean for visitors. Because of her admiration of Palmeâs home and the fjord-like location of Emerald Bay, she decided to have her summer home built in a Scandinavian design. Credit cards are accepted there, and a selection of souvenirs, ice cream bars, and bottled drinks are also available for purchase. Easy trail. Click to rate this hike! The home is open daily for tours in the summer months from June to September. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mrs. Knight would arrive for the summer in the middle of June and stay until the middle of September. The castle is a house. It also represents an era from the past of lavish but gracious living. You go west around the western shore of Lake Tahoe and after the road winds around giving you amazing views of the lake, the road will start climbing. You can purchase your tickets from the small visitor center just past the mansion at the end of the trail. The length of guestâs visits ranged from a one night stay to an entire summer. Downhill to get to castle. If you came to the castle via boat or kayak, make sure to stop by Fannette Island on your way out to visit the famous Fannette Island Tea House! Here’s what I suggest you pack: Yes! Not a fairy tale castle. Beaching of boats is allowed in the bay from dawn until dusk. Book your tickets online for Vikingsholm, South Lake Tahoe: See 775 reviews, articles, and 528 photos of Vikingsholm, ranked No.7 on Tripadvisor among 48 attractions in South Lake Tahoe. Vikingsholm can be reached by walking a one-mile trail from the parking lot on Highway 89, or by boat. These tours are conducted by guides employed by the Sierra State Parks Foundation. The same trail gets you to the beach. It’s wide and packed with tight gravel, with some parts paved, so you can totally take your stroller if needed. 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’m not going to lie – this woman seems kinda awesome. This is one of my favorite easy Lake Tahoe hikes! I’m not sure if there are rules or permits required since I did not arrive this way, so check before you head out. In the spring of 1929, more than 200 highly-skilled workmen were brought to Emerald Bay and housed in temporary barracks on the property. She commissioned her nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect, to design the home. [Total: 0 Average: 0]Lake Tahoe is a beautiful treasure and Emerald Bay State Park is so beautiful! The rest of the staff was brought from Mrs. Knightâs 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. Discover Vikingsholm Castle in South Lake Tahoe, California: One woman's Viking Castle on Lake Tahoe. I’m told by followers on Instagram that you can paddle over and look around the island. Lora and James Moore had one son, Nathaniel, who married Helen Fargo of the family of Wells Fargo fame. 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. Vikingsholm Castle. A visitor's center adjacent to the main building is available for further information and the sale of tour tickets and other items. Vikingsholm is noted for its outstanding architecture and scenic location. Get there early for a better chance of snagging a parking space, and bring cash to pay for parking. When at the end of the trail take the Vikingsholm Castle tour available 7 days a week from mid-June until the end of September from 10am to 4pm. I’m just clearing that up since we were expecting something different, but to be fair, we had not done our research. Parking and walking the one mile hike or riding by private boat are the only ways to tour Vikingsholm. The castle is a house. 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. Tour boats do not dock at the property. The Kirbys built a number of cabins, intended for resort use, on the parcel of land where Vikingsholm now stands. Vikingsholm is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. When she encountered such situations she hired craftsmen to make copies of the museum pieces. You can learn more about the hike and what to … It’s closed in the winter, which makes sense (who in their right mind is trying to go hiking or hanging out on a beach during a Lake Tahoe winter?!). For the latest information on tour schedules, parking, special events, and directions to Vikingsholm, please visit: Vikingsholm Tour Information. Everyone gathered in the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’m so excited to share this with you! It starts with the Washoe people, Native Americans who once lived around Lake Tahoe dating back possibly to over 9000 years ago. Vikingsholm in 1932, soon after construction. Emerald Bay reminded her of fjords she had seen on numerous travels to Scandinavia. There is no public boat service to Vikingsholm, but Vikingsholm can be reached by private boat. This is a very easy hike … well, the way down it is! In the 1880s Lora married James and her sister, Ada, married William. BUT, Lake Tahoe is also a fantastic place to hunt out fall foliage. This lookout point sits on top of the mountain ridge a couple of hundred feet up and is always one of those views that make me feel so very alive to see in person. The early bird gets the parking spot, or the empty hiking trail, or the good spot on the beach! During the summer months, embark on the challenging hike to Vikingsholm and enjoy a guided tour of the house. It is a great destination for a day of sightseeing, hiking, boating, and swimming. She also was a major benefactor to the Christian Science churches in Santa Barbara, Reno, and South Lake Tahoe. Various Westerners owned the portion of land that the castle stands on now. The Vikingsholm parking lot is about 9 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89 and it isn’t very big! Located in Emerald So, drive slow and watch for hikers. If you go mid-week, you may have the place all to yourself. You can safely swim here if you want to bring swimsuits (there’s a bathroom near the visitor center you can change in!). His land was eventually sold to Paul Kirby in 1880. Tours are available at Vikingsholm Castle Lake Tahoe from Memorial Day weekend until the last week of September. Description: This popular trail offers spectacular views of Emerald Bay and Fanette Island from the shoreline. The hike back up is a true workout only because you gain a lot of elevation in a short amount of time. Play full screen, enjoy Puzzle of the Day and thousands more. Added by Jake Young. These hiking trails are SUPER popular and thus there’s always cars parked on the side of the road and people dashing across. The foundation was laid in the summer of 1928. About the Castle. The home is open daily for tours in the summer months from June to September. Next time we’re back up at Lake Tahoe I’ll be making sure we visit the castle again because I really want to see what it looks like on the inside. 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. Since you’ll probably be hiking in the summer (or late spring / early fall) keep in mind that it’s will most likely be hot out. If you come from South Lake Tahoe you take the road that goes around Lake Tahoe. over a year ago Problem with this answer? Days at Vikingsholm were not filled with one thrilling event following another. Keep reading for my must-know tips, photos and other fun history facts about this castle! Guests are welcome to enjoy the grounds and beaches year-round; however, the trail and parking lot may be impacted by snow or ice. This also means staying on trail, not partaking in destructive water sports and respecting the land so Lake Tahoe is beautiful for everyone (including you) for future visits! Guide to Apple Hill Wineries: Where to taste & things to do in the area! In the 1950’s after Lora Josephine Knight died, the castle was sold to Harvey West, which is a name you probably recognize if you’ve spent some time around Lake Tahoe. 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 usually had a staff at Vikingsholm of approximately 15. There’s also a dock that Robin and I had a little morning snack/picnic on. âSelmaâ the clock, one of the most striking pieces, stands in the hallway. Vikingsholm is noted for its outstanding architecture and scenic location. 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. This spectacular site was originally built to be the summer residence of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. You made it! Distance: 1. It’s about a one-mile trail each way if you needed to carry your tot instead. These tours are conducted by guides employed by the Sierra State Parks Foundation. Sorry, I don’t have any interior photos to show you! It’s like that with almost anywhere in Lake Tahoe in the summer. Tour boats are available from South Shore and North Shore. It transferred a lot of hands, eventually being sold to Lora Josephine Knight in 1928. The main way to the house is by walk I guess there's some way to arrange access by vehicle in advance, but I'm not sure how/where you'd go about doing that. They also traveled extensively, making many trips to California as well as abroad. 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. Getting to Vikingsholm Castle parking lot is quite easy. As in, you’ll want your car in the lot no later than 8:30-9am. PS: you can rent Vikingsholm Castle out for events and things like weddings. Instead, each day blended into the next in the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. The trail was pretty emtpy and there weren’t many people around the castle. The lot was SO packed, we spent 20 minutes circling around with no luck. Mrs. Knight commissioned Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect and her nephew by marriage, to design Vikingsholm. Vikingsholm was completed in the fall of 1929. The castle tours are currently cancelled due to covid. 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. Vikingsholm provided a calm, quiet, relaxed way of life combined with an elegance that is rarely found today. If you have any tips to add, leave a comment below for everyone to see. The later is obvious. Pack a picnic, your swim suit, and enjoy … 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. Difficulty: Easy. (It is one of the few easy hikes in Lake Tahoe so I get it!). It represents an era of gracious living. I hope this post inspires you to visit this majestic Emerald Bay castle! In 1928, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought the Armstrongâs land with the desire to build a summer home that would compliment the magnificent natural surroundings. It’s fun year-round but summertime is especially stunning with all the open trails for hiking and beaches for swimming. The William Henry Armstrong family acquired the property in 1892 and they used the cabins as their summer residence for over 32 years. At the bottom, you’ll find a split in the trail. After you have enjoyed the castle, hike the short trail to Lower Eagle Falls which begins directly across from the castle or relax at Emerald Bay Beach. Vikingsholm can be reached by walking a one-mile trail from the parking lot on Highway 89, or by boat. This means picking up your trash (don’t leave your chips bag on the trail or in the lake waters for mother nature to deal with!) To get to the mansion, take Highway 89 to the lake’s southwest shore. Guided tours inside the mansion are offered during the summer season every 30 minutes from 9-4pm. When Mrs. Knight purchased the land at Emerald Bay, where Vikingsholm would be located, she was not a newcomer to the Tahoe area. Not a fairy tale castle. There is no public boat service to Vikingsholm, but Vikingsholm can be reached by private boat. This is a self-pay parking lot that costs $10 (2018), but you can pay with cash, check, or credit card. Its location is not publicly accessible by car. Here’s the thing: you’re going to want to hike this lake trail RIGHT away in the morning. Answer 1 of 5: Is there a shuttle to/from Vikingsholm Castle to the parking lot above? Vikingsholm, South Lake Tahoe: 93 answers to 14 questions about Vikingsholm: See 775 reviews, articles, and 528 photos of Vikingsholm, ranked No.7 on Tripadvisor among 185 attractions in … best fall colors in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, South Lake Tahoe Breweries Ranked From Best To Worst, Top Lake Tahoe winter activities (that’s not skiing! These boats allow passengers to view Vikingsholm from the water but they do not dock in Emerald Bay. ), Swimsuits if you plan on swimming (I think, Towels & other beach gear if you plan on hanging at the beach, Backpack with a trash bag so you can pack out your trash (I love. These terms were agreed upon, and in 1953 the house and property were acquired the the state. I can only picture her in a full-blown petticoat standing on the shores of South Lake Tahoe – which back then was very rustic compared to the way it is now – declaring that she wants a Scandinavia-style castle built here. This lookout spot faces east, which means you can catch a colorful sunrise here most mornings if you are up for an early wakeup call! Need a place to eat in South Shore (CA) Restaurant Info . In 1928, she purchased the property from them for $250,000. Downhill to get to castle. This trail isn’t that long, but it is all downhill so you’ll need to hike […] A dock is provided for loading and unloading only. The highway will merge into Emerald Bay Road which will take you directly to the parking lot of the castle. Fast forward to the turn of the century. That’s right, in traditional Lake Tahoe fashion, there’s a beach here! We tried again the next morning and when we arrived around 8:30am, the lot as already half full but we got a spot and it was a much more peaceful way to start a hike. Parking Directions for Hiking to Vikingsholm Castle: The three parking options for Emerald Bay and to access Vikingsholm are: Vikingsholm parking lot – the large parking area on the lake side of SR 89 that overlooks Emerald Bay. It has a grass roof, stain-glass windows and even a little tower that really looks like a castle. They were reproduced in exact detail, including aging of the wood and duplication of scratches found on the originals. Remember, no matter when you go, to Keep Tahoe Blue! The estate was sold to Lawrence Holland, a rancher from Nevada. If you are coming from Sacramento, like most visitors, all you need to do is take Highway 50 North of the city. which isn’t hard because many trailheads and beaches have trash cans for you. Vikingsholm Lake Tahoe is located on the shore of Emerald Bay and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The castle is part of the Sierra State Parks Foundation and thus open for public tours for a small fee during the summer months. There are benches along the way if you need to stop and take a rest. 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. I guess there's some way to arrange access by vehicle in advance, but I'm not sure how/where you'd go about doing that. The photo opportunities are endless. People probably thought she was crazy. I toured Vikingsholm on Sunday, 8/6/2017. And it will keep climbing for a while. The Washoe people usually spent summers on the lake and winters in the foothills or valleys of the Sierras. This is a moderate, dirt and paved road hike (with about a 400-foot elevation change) from the parking lot to bottom of Emerald Bay, but be prepared to hike back up. While not really a castle, it is an exceptional mansion whose views and importance in California history are undeniable. All the spots on the side of the road were taken by earlier hikers so we gave up. Highway 89 at Emerald Bay, CA; View Map Go To Site. The brightly painted bridal table, which stands in the living room, represents the quality of these outstanding reproductions. Head to the parking lot which is across the road from the Eagle Falls Hiking Trail and campground lots. You’ll find a beach and dock there to park your boat or kayak. Many antiques were purchased abroad for the home. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Furnishings were carefully chosen by Mrs. Knight to enhance and carry out the Scandinavian theme. 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. 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