The circular tower of the Vikingsholm Mansion 
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Granite boulders and features of the circular tower 
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Courtyard facade with timber beams and carvings 
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North wing with grass-seeded sod roof and chimneys 
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Lake Tahoe's Vikingsholm Castle is a
historic site
of Emerald Bay State Park.
A handout posted in a window at the entrance of the
mansion summarizes its history and architectural features:
Architect Lennart Palme, an immigrant
from Sweden, designed the mansion for his aunt,
Mrs. Knight. It was completed in
September of 1929. Mrs. Knight desired a Scandinavian styled home.
The sod roofs on the servant wings are
just one of the European-inspired features.
The bayfront side of the castle features a small beach and
views of Fannette Island. On the south side of the mansion is the visitor center and the beginning of a short trail to the Lower Eagle Falls. North of the mansion the scenic
Rubicon Trail
follows Lake Tahoe's shoreline to
Bliss State Park with its naturally sculptured rocks, more beaches and an old
Lighthouse.
