“I almost expected a Viking to break the silence on the dock.” That’s what I thought as I stepped off the trail and saw Vikingsholm’s steep rooflines and turf-covered quarried walls mirrored in Lake Tahoe’s clear green embrace. The place felt like a secret Scandinavian retreat tucked into the pine-scented canyon.

The castle-like house belonged to the shore, its stones and wood reclaimed from local cabins and Norwegian designs. I wandered inside: low ceilings, hand-hewn beams, shingles carved with runes. The air smelled of cedar and the lake’s gentle breeze drifting through open windows. Every step felt built for intimacy, not grandeur.

There was no official café, but I’d brought a thermos of hot jasmine tea and rye crackers to the lakeside picnic area. As I sat on a weathered log, I sipped and thought, “This tastes like pine, water, and the quiet spaces between.”

I joined the guided tour through the 38-room home, learning it was built in 1929 as a summer escape by Mrs. Lora Knight. I traced my fingers along the carved balustrades and peeked into the sauna-like room, imagining summers spent by those same waters. I felt a hush settle—like I’d stepped into someone else’s daydream.

Afterward, I walked along the shoreline trail, light lapsing over stones and reeds. When I returned to the porch, I looked back at Vikingsholm’s timeless reflection and realized how rare it was to feel both far and perfectly at home.

Vikingsholm At a Glance

  • Drive time from South Lake Tahoe: About 3 minutes to Emerald Bay parking, then ~0.5 mile downhill trail
  • Address: Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe, CA
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall—trail accessible, emerald waters at peak clarity
  • Vibe: Tranquil, historic, storybook-lakestyle
  • Highlights: Nordic-inspired architecture, lakeside trail, guided tours, Emerald Bay views
  • Facilities: Parking at Emerald Bay, restrooms at the top, interpretive signs and picnic areas
  • Cost: State park entry fee per vehicle; guided tour fee small (cash or local card)
  • Hours: Daylight access; guided tours typically late morning to midday—check seasonal schedule
  • Food Nearby: No on-site dining—pack a picnic; restaurants and cafés located a short drive up the hill

Recommended For

Architecture Aficionados: Explore detailed Scandinavian designs and American Craftsman features in a lakeside setting.

History Lovers: Learn about California’s early 20th-century elite and the story of pioneering women like Lora Josephine Knight.

Nature & Culture Explorers: Combine a scenic hike with cultural enrichment and historic ambiance.

What to Expect

  • Location: Emerald Bay State Park, El Dorado County, California
  • Setting: Nestled on the shore of Emerald Bay, surrounded by pines and granite cliffs
  • Experience: 30-minute guided tours of a historic mansion with preserved furnishings and handmade details
  • Access: 1-mile downhill trail hike or via private boat

History & Legacy

  • Early Ownership: Originally developed in the 1880s by Paul Kirby and later owned by William Henry Armstrong
  • Builder: Purchased by Lora Josephine Knight in 1928 for $250,000 as a summer estate
  • Architect: Designed by her nephew Lennart Palme; inspired by Swedish castles and Norwegian churches
  • Construction: Built in 1928–29 by 200 craftsmen using local materials and traditional methods—no nails or spikes
  • Later Ownership: Donated to California State Parks by Harvey West in 1953

Architectural Features

  • Style: A blend of American Craftsman and Scandinavian Revival architecture
  • Materials: Local granite, hand-hewn timber, and hand-forged metalwork
  • Decor: Carved dragon roof ridges, wildflower-covered sod roofs, and original Nordic furnishings
  • Interior: Nordic fireplaces, painted ceilings, wall art, and the famed hallway clock “Selma”

Public Tours & Access

  • Season: Daily tours available from late May to late September
  • Duration: Tours last approximately 30 minutes
  • Tickets: Purchase at the park’s Visitor Center—proceeds support restoration and education
  • Accessibility: Access via steep trail or private boat; limited access for those with mobility concerns—contact the park in advance

Events & Programming

  • Special Events: The Sierra State Parks Foundation hosts seasonal galas and cultural events at the mansion
  • Educational Use: Operates as a living history museum under the California State Parks and Sierra State Parks Foundation

Recognition & Preservation

  • National Register of Historic Places: Listed in 1996
  • Harvey West Unit: Part of Emerald Bay State Park and recognized as a National Natural Landmark

Visitor Tips

  • Plan for the Hike: The trail is steep and about 1 mile each way—wear comfortable shoes
  • Boat Access: Consider arriving by private boat for easier access
  • Best Views: Emerald Bay and the mansion are visible from both North and South Shores during the off-season

Contact & Map

Vikingsholm – Emerald Bay State Park
CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142
Phone: 530-525-9530

Map: