South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Vikingsholm – A Scandinavian Castle

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010

1. Vikingsholm – A Scandinavian Castle Marker

Inscription. Because Emerald Bay reminded her of a fjord in Norway, Lora J.M. Knight purchased 200 acres here in 1928 for $250,000. She commissioned her architect nephew to design a summer home that combined the features of Scandinavian castles and churches.

Over 200 workers toiled during one season to complete Vikingsholm in 1929. Mrs. Knight used local timber for walls and hand-carved accents as well as stone quarried nearby for the castle’s foundation and exterior. For the home’s interior, she toured Scandinavia to purchase 18th and 19th century furnishings. In addition, Mrs. Knight had workers reproduce additional furnishings from antique drawings.

[ Inset: ]
Visit Vikingsholm
To get there, simply turn right on Highway 89 when leaving Inspiration Point. Drive 1.1 miles to the Vikingsholm parking area. Then walk one mile down to the castle. You can also get there by private boat.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 38° 56.792′ N, 120° 5.905′ W. Marker is in South Lake Tahoe, California, in El Dorado County. Marker can be reached from Emerald Bay Road (State Highway 89). Marker is located at the Inspiration Point Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Lake Tahoe CA 96150, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tahoe By Car (here, next to this marker); Da ow a ga – Lake Tahoe (here, next to this marker); Fannette Island (here, next to this marker); The Hermit of Emerald Bay (here, next to this marker); Enjoy the View from Inspiration Point (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Veteran (approx. 2.6 miles away); Discover the Tallac Historic Site (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lucky's Legacy (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Lake Tahoe.

Also see . . . Vikingsholm. Vikingsholm website with history, photos and additional information. (Submitted on September 1, 2010.)

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010

2. Vikingsholm – A Scandinavian Castle Marker

Close-Up of Photo on Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010

3. Close-Up of Photo on Marker

In addition to Vikingsholm, Mrs. Knight also built several guesthouses, and a teahouse on the bay's only island.

Mrs. Knight's Teahouse on Fannette Island image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle

4. Mrs. Knight's Teahouse on Fannette Island

The small stone structure at the top of the mountain.

Photographed By Denise Boose, August 7, 2009

5. Mrs. Knight's Teahouse on Fannette Island

As viewed from the Tahoe Queen Tour Cruise

Vikingsholm – A Scandinavian Castle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, August 7, 2009

6. Vikingsholm – A Scandinavian Castle

Viewed from the Tahoe Queen Tour Cruise

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,383 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on August 30, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5, 6. submitted on May 20, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.