Vikingsholm Castle, located in Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, is a magnificent example of Scandinavian architecture in North America. This historic castle, built in 1929, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to explore the rich history and stunning natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region.
History of Vikingsholm Castle
Vikingsholm Castle was commissioned by Lora Josephine Knight, a wealthy Chicago widow, who purchased the property in 1928 for $250,000. The construction of the castle involved 200 workers who hand-hewed timbers, carved intricate designs, and forged hinges and latches. The materials used were primarily from the Tahoe Basin, including trees cut for their size and lack of knots, and granite quarried from behind the house.
Before starting construction, Knight and her architect, Lennart Palme, traveled to Scandinavia to gather ideas for the house. The design of Vikingsholm was influenced by buildings dating back to the 11th century, with some sections containing no nails, pegs, or spikes.
After Knight’s death in 1945, the estate was sold to Lawrence Holland, a rancher from Nevada, and later to Harvey West, a lumberman from Placerville, California. In 1953, West donated the property to the State of California, which now manages it as part of the Harvey West Unit of the Emerald Bay State Park.
Accessing Vikingsholm Castle
Visitors can access Vikingsholm Castle in two ways:
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Parking and Trail: Visitors can park in the Vikingsholm parking lot off Highway 89 and then hike down a steep one-mile trail that drops 500 feet in elevation to the house. This trail is not suitable for those with medical conditions or mobility issues.
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Boat Access: Alternatively, visitors can take a boat tour to reach Vikingsholm Castle. The Sierra State Parks Foundation offers boat tour packages in partnership with Action Water Sports and Cruise Tahoe from May 29 to September 30.
Tours and Information
Vikingsholm Castle is open for guided tours seven days a week from Memorial Day to the end of September. Tours start at 10:30 AM and the last tour is at 4:00 PM. The tour fee is $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children (7-17), with children under 7 admitted free.
The Sierra State Parks Foundation also hosts fundraising events during the summer months, allowing guests to drive into Emerald Bay. They also offer a private experience, Vikingsholm Tour & Tastings, for a donation of $500.
Limited handicapped access is available to Vikingsholm. Visitors can call California State Parks at 530-525-3384 or email [email protected] to inquire about eligibility and availability.
Unique Features of Vikingsholm Castle
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Scandinavian Architecture: Vikingsholm Castle is a unique example of Scandinavian architecture in North America, with design elements influenced by 11th-century buildings.
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Hand-Crafted Details: The castle was constructed using traditional methods, with 200 workers hand-hewing timbers, carving intricate designs, and forging hinges and latches.
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Natural Materials: The materials used in the construction of Vikingsholm were primarily sourced from the Tahoe Basin, including trees and granite, giving the castle a strong connection to its natural surroundings.
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Boat Access: Visitors can access Vikingsholm Castle by boat, offering a unique and scenic way to experience this historic site.
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Guided Tours: The castle is open for guided tours during the summer months, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of its history and architectural significance.
Conclusion
Vikingsholm Castle is a true gem of the Lake Tahoe region, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the rich history and stunning natural beauty of the area. Whether you choose to hike down to the castle or take a boat tour, a visit to Vikingsholm is sure to leave a lasting impression.
References
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1158
- http://vikingsholm.com
- https://www.swimtahoe.com/tahoe-viking-swim/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikingsholm
- https://visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do/vikingsholm-castle/