Vikingsholm
Vikingsholm
4.5
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Built as a summer home in 1929, this grand castle on Emerald Bay is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere.
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4.5
803 reviews
Excellent
467
Very good
263
Average
57
Poor
12
Terrible
4
Empty Nesters
Louisville, KY382 contributions
Jul 2021
The hike down and back to Vikingsholm was very pleasant (although moderately difficult coming up). The house is absolutely beautiful and the tour guides provided colorful and interesting history of the home. The visitor center also had great historical information on the house. The view of Emerald Bay was beautiful. This is definitely worth the hike down and the $15/person cost for the tour.
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerjon
Mojave, CA719 contributions
Jun 2021
Emerald Bay is a gorgeous cove in Lake Tahoe and the Vikingsholm house sits on the shore of the lake with a great view. The hike down is very steep; I found it more difficult going down than up, although visitors should heed the sign that warns you must be relatively fit to do this hike. It took me about 20 minutes down and 30 minutes up (bring water and a light snack!).
Vikingsholm house is gorgeous and I did the 30 minute tour. The tour is mostly conducted outside with a brief walkthrough the ground floor of the building. This was due to COVID restrictions; the tour would have been so much better if we could have seen some of the upper rooms. We did get to peek in the adjacent building with kitchen and servers' quarters.
Although my visit was just a short one, you could make a nice picnic down on the shore for those that would want to carry provisions down (and up) the hill.
Vikingsholm house is gorgeous and I did the 30 minute tour. The tour is mostly conducted outside with a brief walkthrough the ground floor of the building. This was due to COVID restrictions; the tour would have been so much better if we could have seen some of the upper rooms. We did get to peek in the adjacent building with kitchen and servers' quarters.
Although my visit was just a short one, you could make a nice picnic down on the shore for those that would want to carry provisions down (and up) the hill.
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anh L
San Francisco, CA22 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
While walking along the trail, there was a nice home near the lake. It overlooks the lake and there are nice benches and a beach where you can sit and see the birds. The trail was a pleasant walk, not too bad for hiking and is suitable for all ages. One may need to check on their health because going down is easy, but going up the trail may take time. The tall trees were very nice; loved seeing the different species of birds around the area.
Vikingsholm was not open for tours at this time unfortunately but it was a beautiful house. Reminds me of the houses I see in children’s storybooks.
Vikingsholm was not open for tours at this time unfortunately but it was a beautiful house. Reminds me of the houses I see in children’s storybooks.
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,652 contributions
Jul 2022
I stopped at Vikingsholm Castle during my visit to Emerald Bay State Park in July. More than the castle, the one mile trail to the castle from the parking lot itself is well worth doing even though the hike back up could be strenuous. The views of Lake Tahoe and its surroundings are astounding. There is a $10 parking fee (in 2022) at the State Park parking lot, but free parking is available at the nearby Eagle Falls trailhead (National Forest Service). In addition, a tour of the Castle is $15. So, a complete visit of Vikingsholm will require a substantial budget. When I visited , the castle was not open for indoor visits. But I enjoyed walking around the castle, and the nearby surroundings including Emerald Bay, Lower Eagle Falls, and the State Park Visitor Center.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy M
7 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
The hike was beautiful in its self you go down to lake level and you see so much beauty but the hike back out isn't for the weak of heart.... But it was well worth it To learn of the history of Lake Tahoe was amazing. I never would of known if I didn't take this hike. ..
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
critiqueVirginia
virginia75 contributions
Nov 2020
This was an excellent hiking trip. Busy trail. The trail is well groomed but has an incline for those who may find that hard. The scenery was great!! The water side home there is a historic treasure. It was not open when we went but you can see how they a trying to preserve it and has historical info there.The lake area has picnic tables and the scene is unforgettable!!. Definitely worth the trip!! Benches on the trail and parking is easy. We parked down the road and walked up a safe sideroad trail to the trail head.
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shellie S
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
The actual house was closed because of COVID-19, so we we're just able to walk around. We followed the trail around the bay to the boat in campsites. Lovely weather, beautiful trails, and well maintained. Definitely get there early. We parked around 7:30 and there were only a few other cars. By the time we left at 11:30 the parking lot was full and there were a lot of cars circling. The walk down was definitely easier than the walk up, but then again, I'm not in the best shape.
Written 22 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2TropicsTravelers
Orlando, FL61 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is such a cool place! We tour a lot of historic homes/mansions in the places we travel and this was very different than anything we had seen. The history, architecture and location make this a great stop on your visit to the area. It offers unique architecture, wonderful, knowledgeable docents, affordable admission price. What to know: Visit the Emerald Bay State Park website for up to date information about the mansion. The park website is very thorough and open about important considerations for your visit - area is very busy, parking is tough, lot parking is for a fee, and there is a one mile hike to the site. This is all very clear, and appreciated. The Emerald Bay Area is very popular, and the beach is public, so quite busy. The biggest downside is the parking. We actually attempted this twice in the day - we arrived early in the morning (so we thought), but the lot and road were full - and since many people come here for the day, the parking turnover is minimal. So we tried again mid afternoon and were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time for a spot in the lot. The hike takes you down the original driveway to the house, which is a wide, gravel path and although a little steep, very doable. The views throughout are spectacular. It would be great if there was a ferry from one of the marina’s to bring people for the tour. Because the area is busy, it’s a little bit of an effort to get here, but definitely worth it.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marianne R
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Being rather out of shape, instead of taking the "steep" hike down from the highway parking area to the castle (if you could find a parking spot), we took the boat tour out of Camp Richardson to get there. It was a beautiful home and the docents provided an excellent tour and history of the property, architecture, and furnishings. You even get a little free time to explore the parts you are most interested in. From the castle, the visitor center has an archival video and photographs that were very informative. The lower Eagle Falls are a very short and easy hike from the castle and were a bonus feature we hadn't been aware of beforehand. The only detriment was that for the public, there are only pit toilets available onsite. Some women had issues with that, so be prepared if that is important to you.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brillfrogs1
Escondido, CA36 contributions
Aug 2022
Excellent tour of an amazing place full of fascinating history. The house is beautiful and designed after Viking architecture. We decided to take the trip from Camp Richardson by boat and it was well worth it. We avoided the mile walk up and down the path to Vikingsholm and the short ride was beautiful, especially the entrance to Emerald Bay. It provided a close up view of the small island in the bay with a tea house on top of it. There is a beach on the shore after your tour. Some great hiking is available if you choose to park and walk the path down.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If we take a boat over to Vikings home castle how far is the walk to the castle?
Written 13 June 2024
TeamDJTravels
Tinley Park, Illinois
Quick question about the hike... I am heading to S. Lake Tahoe next week with my husband and had this on our list to do. How intense is the hike, I am 5 months pregnant but very active. Also, how much time should we dedicate? Thanks!
Written 8 September 2019
Hi My husband and I are 67. It takes me about half an hour to hike a mile - on pretty much flat ground. The to the castle is downhill and the way back is uphill. We didn't find it too steep, although my husband had to stop a couple of times on the way up. Take water and use the bathroom at the top. There's not another until you get nearly to the castle. It's absolutely worth seeing and should be a marvelous hike.
Written 9 September 2019
Is there a way down for handicap people ?
Written 21 September 2018
I believe if you call ahead they can arrange for a cart to transport up and down the hillside.
Written 22 September 2018
There is a small fee to tour the castle. There is a small parking fee at the top. There is no fee to walk in the park.
Written 9 September 2019
Is there another way to get to Vikingsholm besides the hike? i.e. boat? Public transportation?
Written 2 January 2017
Yes there's now a boat tour out of Richardson at the Beacon. However it's $99 for adults I think 69 for kids
Written 8 July 2019
I have only 8hrs to spend in South Lake Tahoe, and I want to visit within 2 places, 1st is in Emerald Bay State park, 2nd in Heavenly Ski Resort. Do you guys think I have enough time to make it? Thxs in advance
Written 28 December 2016
I think you would be very rushed. I would choose one and spend time to enjoy it.
Written 29 December 2016
I don't have time to tour both, so I'm trying to choose between thunderbird lodge and vikingsholm. Which one is better, more beautiful, more interesting?
Written 21 September 2016
I agree with what was said. I prefer Vikingsholm. That being said, don't let the hike down to Vikingsholm worry you.. It is a switch back road and not a trail. One of our friends, whose son is in a wheel chair, pushed him both up and down the road. Go and enjoy.
Written 23 September 2016
I'd like to hike one way from Emerald Bay to DL Bliss Park, using two cars to transport our 10 people party, and I want to go in this direction to minimize the hilly hiking from Vikingsholm to the highway. How close can I get to the trailhead in each direction? Some of us are old, but its a special occasion.
Written 15 August 2016
They have parking at the trail head for Vikingsholm, but it filled up before lunch when we went last week on a Tuesday. Cars were being towed and people had parked a good mile down the road off the sides of the road and at other pull offs. My advice on that would be to get there early. Absolutely remember to take plenty of water. The trail is not bad, not easy, but not horrible. Just wear proper shoes and don't get in a hurry. The view is AMAZING. Coming back up took more effort and water. There are restrooms when you get there, just no running water.
Written 16 August 2016
I believe they are not allowed, however, I did see one or two.
Written 15 August 2016
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