Vikingsholm Tours
Closed for 2022 Season…see you next May!
Vikingsholm Tours resume for the 2023 season on May 27, 2023 and run daily through September 30, 2023.
Sierra State Parks Foundation guide staff offers public tours during the summer months. Experienced and knowledgeable guides conduct 30-minute tours of this amazing landmark. Proceeds fund the restoration and education efforts for Vikingsholm.
Explore Lake Tahoe’s Vikingsholm Castle
Vikingsholm Castle, noted for its outstanding architecture and scenic location, represents an era of gracious living. Days at Vikingsholm were not filled with one thrilling event following another. Instead, each day blended into the next in the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight constructed Vikingsholm in the Scandinavian style because Emerald Bay reminded her of the fjords she visited on trips to that region. Mrs. Knight enjoyed entertaining and had a number of guests visiting during the summer months. Contrary to many stories, Mrs. Knight rarely used the Teahouse on Fanette Island, which she also owned. Vikingsholm is a California and National Historic Landmark.
“We had a great time and were very impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the tour guide. It is nice to see things so well run. Thank you.”
TOUR DATES: Offered 7 days a week, May 27 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
VIKINGSHOLM BY BOAT!: For 2023 schedule, go directly to our partners below:
TOUR HOURS: Tours begin every 30 minutes from 11:00 am – 4 pm
TICKETS:
$18 for adults
$15 students 7-17 years and with valid college ID/active duty military/seniors
FREE: Children under 7 years
Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center just past Vikingsholm. The Visitor Center is open daily during the tour season from 10 am – 4:30 pm.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Access to Vikingsholm is via a STEEP one-mile trail from the parking lot located off of Highway 89 or a less steep 1 1/2 mile trail that leaves from the Eagle Point Campground campfire center. Please make sure you are physically able to make the climb back up the hill. If you need ADA assistance, see below under ADA Accessibility.
Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Vikingsholm area, including the trails leading into Emerald Bay.
VIKINGSHOLM BY BOAT!: For 2023 schedule, go directly to our partners below:
Skip the hike and traffic hassles! The Sierra State Parks Foundation is partnering with Action Water Sports and Cruise Tahoe to offer tour packages to the historic Vikingsholm Castle by water! Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Emerald Bay. Then, tour the magnificent Vikingsholm Castle, a must-do on your Lake Tahoe adventure list. Skip the hike down and go by boat!
ADA ACCESSIBILITY: Available June-September
Call California State Parks at 530 525 9543 or email Emerald.BayADA@parks.ca.gov to inquire about eligibility and availability.
VIKINGSHOLM SCHOOL GROUP TOURS:
School group tours can be arranged by calling the Sierra State Parks Foundation office at 530-583-9911. School tours are free of charge to state chartered schools between June 10-June 27 and September 10-30 only. We are pleased to waive the fees for the students and one chaperone per every 10 students. Tour fees apply for others who join in.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
The Sierra State Parks Foundation hosts several fundraising events during the summer months where guests can drive into Emerald Bay. Visit our event page for more details. In addition, The Foundation offers a private experience, Vikingsholm Tour & Tastings, where four may drive down, privately tour the castle, and enjoy a twilight tastings reception for a donation of $1200. Email info@sierrastateparks.org for inquiry and availability.