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Lake Tahoe

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Vikingsholm


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 34 attractions in Lake Tahoe
Traveler Description:
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...... more » 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. « less
Familiar with Vikingsholm? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Castle, Historic home, Architectural building
Activities: Hiking
Address: Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay State Park Lake Tahoe, CA
Tel: 530-541-3030

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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4 of 5 stars
xi5   11 contributions
Houston, TX
Aug 31, 2009

As others have said, the walk back up is harder than it looks. The path is wide, smooth gravel, but deceptively steep and the thin air really does pack a punch. Not a good idea for anyone with walking or breathing difficulty. For others, bring water and rest occasionally. We packed a picnic, which we ate on the shore after... more

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5 of 5 stars
DMS-Pleasanton   2 contributions
Pleasanton, CA
Aug 12, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

If you are visiting Emerald Bay during your trip to Lake Tahoe, definitely make the time to visit Vikingsholm! I would allow 2-3 hours from start to finish to have a really nice experience. It is a 1 mile hike down to the castle (which is really a house-not really a castle) but it has Norgweigen design and looks like... more

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4 of 5 stars
tex012   10 contributions
San Antonio, TX
Apr 6, 2009

We went in early april and it was closed, but the hike was still great. more

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4 of 5 stars
Jasonhomey   13 contributions
Columbus Ohio
Nov 29, 2008

Set at the bottom of Emerald Bay is the beautiful house of Vikingsholm, but this is not one vacation stop that you can just drive up to, you have to earn the trip here. I nice steep hike down to Vikingsholm is not for the weak at heart because the hike back up will get you if you are not... more

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3 of 5 stars
laxlife   4 contributions
virginia
Jun 29, 2008
1
person found this review helpful

The hike down to Vikingsholm is very easy and is only a little over 1 mile, but the trip back to the top is really a lot harder. The incline is rather steep and the air is very thin at this altitude...not a hike for anyone who gets winded easily or who is really out of shape...and don't be fooled... more

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4 of 5 stars
TootiesTravels   33 contributions
Edgewood, New Mexico
Oct 27, 2006
13
people found this review helpful

I have been to Tahoe several times, but we just never got around to touring Vikingsholm, until this year. It was my moms' 70th birthday and she wanted to go. The walk down (1+ mile) was not bad at all, it is downhill so good shoes are a must. There are tons of waterfalls under the greenery on the walk,... more

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4 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Fresno, CA
Jun 30, 2005
26
people found this review helpful

The Vikingsholm castle is a treat that is earned. Bring your tennies and plan to hike downhill from the parking lot to the castle at waterlevel. There is a parking lot that is worth the $6. If you don't use the lot, you can add steps to your hike. The path to the castle is smooth (paved at parts) but... more

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Vikingsholm Address

Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, CA
Tel: 530-541-3030