Vikingsholm Castle

Vikingsholm is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere, and it sits on the shore of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe. Built in 1929 by heiress Lora Josephine Knight, the 38-room castle was designed by architect Lennart Palme after extensive research trips to Scandinavia, incorporating elements from 11th-century Norwegian stave churches, Swedish castles, and traditional Nordic farmhouses.

The castle is remarkable in its details. Sod roofs (with living grass and wildflowers) top the structure, just as they do on traditional Scandinavian buildings. Dragon-head carvings guard the gables.

Hand-forged iron hardware, intricate wood carvings, hand-painted ceiling panels, and massive stone fireplaces fill the interior. Two hundred workers built the entire complex in a single summer, reportedly without cutting a single tree on the property.

Guided tours walk through the main rooms, explaining the architecture, the original furnishings (many pieces hand-carved by Scandinavian craftsmen), and the story of Lora Knight -- a philanthropist who used her fortune to build this tribute to Nordic culture. Tour guides are docents who welcome children's questions.

Reaching Vikingsholm requires a 1-mile hike from the Emerald Bay overlook parking area. The trail descends 500 feet through forest to the lake shore. The hike down is easy; the return climb is strenuous but manageable for most kids ages 5+ with breaks and water.

The beach at Vikingsholm is a bonus. After the tour, families swim in the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Bay with Fannette Island and the surrounding granite peaks as a backdrop. The beach has sandy areas and flat rocks, and the water is cold but refreshing. The combination of castle tour and beach swimming makes Vikingsholm a highlight of any Lake Tahoe family trip.