Located in El Dorado County, California near the shore of Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, open to the public as a living history museum offering guided tours. Throughout the mid-19th century, Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay became a prominent site for summer homes for California’s early business and civic leaders, beginning with the construction of a seasonal residence overlooking the bay for stagecoach magnate Ben Holiday in the 1860s.
-
Who originally owned the land where Vikingsholm was built?
- The home and its surrounding land were sold in 1880 to Paul Kirby, who constructed a number of resort cabins for public rental.
- In 1892, the property was sold to William Henry Armstrong for personal use.
-
Who purchased the land to build Vikingsholm?
- Lora Josephine Knight purchased the land in 1928 for $250,000 with the intent of creating a grand summer home.
-
What inspired the design of Vikingsholm?
- Knight was inspired by her frequent European travels and chose the location for its resemblance to Scandinavia’s fjords.
- The design was based on historic Swedish castles and Norwegian churches, which she and her architect studied during a 1928 summer planning trip.
-
Who was the architect of Vikingsholm?
- Knight’s nephew, Lennart Palme, served as the architect.
-
When was Vikingsholm built?
- Construction began in 1928 and was completed the following year by a team of 200 workers.
-
What materials and methods were used to build Vikingsholm?
- Nearly all materials were gathered from the Lake Tahoe area.
- The building utilized traditional Scandinavian construction methods without nails or spikes.
- All timbers were hand-hewn and all metal work was hand-forged.
- The home’s intricate wood carvings were custom made by hand.
-
Who owned Vikingsholm after Lora Josephine Knight?
- Knight vacationed at the home for 15 summers until her death in 1945.
- The estate was later owned by rancher Lawrence Holland and lumberman Harvey West.
- West negotiated a deal with the State of California to donate the mansion in 1953.
-
Who owns and operates Vikingsholm today?
- Vikingsholm is owned by the State of California under the supervision of the Sierra State Parks Foundation.
- It operates as a living history home museum open to the public for guided tours during summer months.
-
What historical designations does Vikingsholm have?
- Vikingsholm is part of Emerald Bay State Park’s Harvey West Unit, which has been declared a National Natural Landmark.
- In 1996, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
-
What architectural style is Vikingsholm?
- Vikingsholm is an example of the American Craftsman and Scandinavian Revival architectural styles.
- The mansion features granite boulder work similar to 11th-century Swedish castles.
- Timber work and carvings resemble early Norse architecture.
-
What unique features does Vikingsholm have?
- The home’s sod roof is covered with wildflower plantings.
- Roof ridges showcase dragon head sculpture work.
- The interior features Nordic fireplaces, wall and ceiling paintings, and dragon carvings.
- Many of Knight’s original furnishings have been preserved, including a hallway clock known as “Selma”.
-
When are public tours available at Vikingsholm?
- Public tours are available daily from the end of May to the end of September.
- Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
- Tickets may be purchased at the park’s Visitor Center.
- Tour proceeds benefit restoration and educational programs.
-
Are there any accessibility concerns for visitors?
- The mansion is only accessible via a steep mile-long trail hike from the parking area.
- Visitors with accessibility concerns should contact California State Parks before purchasing tickets.
- The mansion can also be accessed via private boat service.
- It may be viewed during the off-season from the park’s South and North Shores.
-
Does Vikingsholm host any special events?
- The Sierra State Parks Foundation organizes periodic public event programming at the mansion.
- Events include semiannual fundraising gala events.
CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142, Phone: 530-525-9530, website, Map
Map:
Plan Your Trip