Vikingsholm
Vikingsholm, South Lake Tahoe: Hours, Address, Vikingsholm Reviews: 4.5/5
Vikingsholm
Vikingsholm
4.5
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles
Read more
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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Vikingsholm and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
83 within 3 miles
Evan's American Gourmet Cafe
515
324 ft$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Burger Lounge
165
0.5 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Jalapeño's Taqueria
53
0.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly
Sonney's Bbq Shack Bar and Grill
397
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Barbecue
Cakes By The Lake Tahoe
9
0.3 miBakeries • Cafe
Cantina
96
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe Alpina
61
0.7 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
7-Eleven
4
0.7 mi
Hunan Garden Restaurant
84
0.9 mi$ • Chinese • Hunan • Asian
Emerald Bay Bar and Grill
63
0.9 mi$ • American • Bar • Pub
Attractions
61 within 6 miles
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
441
0.5 miVisitor Centers
Pope Beach
311
0.5 miBeaches
Kiva Beach
53
0.5 miBeaches
Tallac Historic Site
581
1.8 miHistoric Sites • History Museums
Lower Eagle Falls
305
1.8 miWaterfalls
Mt. Tallac Trail
241
2.2 miHiking Trails
Stream Profile Chamber
10
0.5 miBodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Rubicon Peak
5
0.5 miHiking Trails
Inspiration Point Vista
350
Scenic Drives
Emerald Bay State Park
904
Bodies of Water
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
791 reviews
Excellent
461
Very good
262
Average
54
Poor
11
Terrible
3
robert c
Sunnyvale, CA3,513 contributions
Jun 2021
Vikingsholm finally opened for tours May 29, 2021, after being closed since March 17, 2020, some 15 months!
We parked on the side of the road 1000 feet away, down near the Eagle Lake Parking lot, which was full of 30 cars by 8am. All parking for 35 vehicles on the side of the road filled by 820am Monday.
Did the Eagle Lake hike in 2.5 hours before coming here.
60 vehicle Vikingsholm parking lot filled by 1130am Monday. $72 citation for cars not displaying the $10 parking permit on their dashboard.
1 mile hike down the service road leading to the mansion. Beautiful views of Emerald Bay and Fanette island. First house I've encountered with a mile long driveway.
The only way for the public to enter the Vikingsholm is by tour. $15 for adults, $12 for seniors like me, under 7 free. Tours run 1030am to 4pm every half hour from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
June 14, 2021. Ticket purchasers must wear masks to enter the visitor center to buy tickets, and tour attendees must wear masks at all times.
The 2021 tour takes place outside in the central courtyard, instead of inside the building as in 2019 and before. Afterwards, attendees can reenter the building to take pictures of the banquet room, the living room, and the kitchen.
No visitor access to the library in the circular turret, nor to any of the upstairs bedrooms, unlike the 2019 tours.
30 minutes to hike back to the top of the hill to the parking lot. Saw people pushing strollers and baby carriages, and people in flip flops trudging up the steep gravel trail.
2pm, Back on the road, all parking spots taken, with cars like vultures looking for any opening.
Had to have the wife get out and direct traffic, when backing my car out of the perpendicular parking on the road, as backing out blind with an oversized van blocking my view.
One lucky guy took my spot, just happened to be driving in the opposite direction, and had the biggest smile on his face as if he won the lottery.
We parked on the side of the road 1000 feet away, down near the Eagle Lake Parking lot, which was full of 30 cars by 8am. All parking for 35 vehicles on the side of the road filled by 820am Monday.
Did the Eagle Lake hike in 2.5 hours before coming here.
60 vehicle Vikingsholm parking lot filled by 1130am Monday. $72 citation for cars not displaying the $10 parking permit on their dashboard.
1 mile hike down the service road leading to the mansion. Beautiful views of Emerald Bay and Fanette island. First house I've encountered with a mile long driveway.
The only way for the public to enter the Vikingsholm is by tour. $15 for adults, $12 for seniors like me, under 7 free. Tours run 1030am to 4pm every half hour from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
June 14, 2021. Ticket purchasers must wear masks to enter the visitor center to buy tickets, and tour attendees must wear masks at all times.
The 2021 tour takes place outside in the central courtyard, instead of inside the building as in 2019 and before. Afterwards, attendees can reenter the building to take pictures of the banquet room, the living room, and the kitchen.
No visitor access to the library in the circular turret, nor to any of the upstairs bedrooms, unlike the 2019 tours.
30 minutes to hike back to the top of the hill to the parking lot. Saw people pushing strollers and baby carriages, and people in flip flops trudging up the steep gravel trail.
2pm, Back on the road, all parking spots taken, with cars like vultures looking for any opening.
Had to have the wife get out and direct traffic, when backing my car out of the perpendicular parking on the road, as backing out blind with an oversized van blocking my view.
One lucky guy took my spot, just happened to be driving in the opposite direction, and had the biggest smile on his face as if he won the lottery.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Empty Nesters
Louisville, KY330 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 July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jerjon
Mojave, CA703 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 June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anh L
6 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 June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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 August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
callucan
Roseville, CA92 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
This was not our 1st visit.
We have toured & hiked at this beautiful, historic spot many times -- in all seasons.
But this visit was short & aggravating. Early on a weekday during a pandemic & every possible parking spot, even the illegal possibilities along the side of curvy Rt
89, was filled. Worse yet were the numbers of people, mostly young adults, without masks.
Tahoe transit needs to institute the kind of free tour busses national parks use. Careless tourists are ruining its beauty & safety.
We have toured & hiked at this beautiful, historic spot many times -- in all seasons.
But this visit was short & aggravating. Early on a weekday during a pandemic & every possible parking spot, even the illegal possibilities along the side of curvy Rt
89, was filled. Worse yet were the numbers of people, mostly young adults, without masks.
Tahoe transit needs to institute the kind of free tour busses national parks use. Careless tourists are ruining its beauty & safety.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alison W
Tadcaster, England, United Kingdom318 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Walked down from the car park to the lake level to enjoy unparalleled views of the lake. The house is not open at this time of year but the exterior is still very interesting. Picture shows gasoline pump behind the garage.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
critiqueVirginia
virginia79 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 November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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 October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wisteriabarb
Stilwell, KS511 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Too bad the tour was temporarily closed. Would have probably made the two mile hike worth it. But I still love history.
The mountain run off in waterfalls was very pretty and peaceful.
Really glad we went late in the day when there were no crowds.
The mountain run off in waterfalls was very pretty and peaceful.
Really glad we went late in the day when there were no crowds.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TeamDJTravels
Tinley Park, IL
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!
Iowawriter
Chicago, IL7 contributions
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.
maddreddog
South Lake Tahoe, CA13 contributions
Is there a way down for handicap people ?
l0tusbl0ss0m
Houston, TX280 contributions
I believe if you call ahead they can arrange for a cart to transport up and down the hillside.
AlexT5294
Concord, CA1 contribution
Is there an admission fee?
Iowawriter
Chicago, IL7 contributions
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.
Is there another way to get to Vikingsholm besides the hike? i.e. boat? Public transportation?
jan v
Lakeland, FL4 contributions
Yes there's now a boat tour out of Richardson at the Beacon. However it's $99 for adults I think 69 for kids
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
Booksloth
Boulder, CO96 contributions
I think you would be very rushed. I would choose one and spend time to enjoy it.
jessica72016
Blue Bell, PA
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?
FosterMT
South Lake Tahoe, CA84 contributions
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.
Harry F
5 contributions
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.
Ginger C
Nashville, TN66 contributions
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.
Cathy W
Paso Robles, CA3 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Lovemymutts
75 contributions
I believe they are not allowed, however, I did see one or two.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vikingsholm
- Vikingsholm is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Vikingsholm tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Vikingsholm tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Vikingsholm:
- Private Boat Charter on Lake Tahoe with Captain Half Day (From $1,050.00)
- Lake Tahoe Private Boat Charter With Captain (From $1,050.00)
- Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Driving Audio Tour (From $10.00)
- Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City (From $11.99)
- Luxury Power Boat Charter on Beautiful Lake Tahoe (From $1,050.00)
- Hotels near Vikingsholm:
- (0.03 mi) Fireside Lodge Bed and Breakfast
- (0.06 mi) Manzanita Lodge
- (0.22 mi) Lazy S Lodge
- (0.08 mi) “Let Your Den Be The Forest”. Large One Bedroom Condo Adjacent To The National
- (4.01 mi) Heavenly Valley Lodge
- Restaurants near Vikingsholm:
- (0.06 mi) Evan's American Gourmet Cafe
- (0.64 mi) Sonney's Bbq Shack Bar and Grill
- (0.48 mi) Burger Lounge
- (0.38 mi) Jalapeño's Taqueria
- (0.34 mi) Cakes By The Lake Tahoe