vikingsholm

This is an interesting tour. It is a fairly short walk down to Vikingsholm and the lake but fairly steep going back up hill. It is worth doing if you have time.

Was in the Tahoe area this past weekend for a ski trip, and the weather had unfortunately closed all the area lifts, so we went for a hike at Emerald Bay instead. The home was closed for the season, but it was still neat to walk around the property and admire the exterior's architecture. There is also an adjoining short hike up to see Eagle Falls which is worthy of a few photographs. Warning, and other visitors have commented on this, but the hike back up is pretty challenging and not recommended for the weak of heart.

Just an FYI for people wanting to visit the castle and reading about it on trip advisor. It is not open, it is closed until Memorial Day. The trek down is not hard and is a gravel road but we did it with very young children, 8 month pregnant women and chronically ill lady and it was difficult coming back up. It is beautiful but we were only able to see the outside of the castle. There are signs stating it was closed but it says open on trip advisor and even lets you book a tour.

I never knew this place was here until I was in a gift shop to buy a postcard and saw a post card of here. My husband and I decided to go. It is a good hike down to get too. We took the tour. It was so neat inside and learning about the history. I love old houses and mansions so glad we went. It's about a two mile walk back up to.

Too icy to make the hike down to the actual house at lake level this time, but that view from the parking area is still worth a million bucks! I keep going back again and again.

This is a nice graveled road that you can walk down to Emerald Bay. There is a cool house at the bottom that has tours available and it offered some neat history of the lake.

My wife and I drove the 72 mile loop around Lake Tahoe and this was one of the overlooks we stopped at to admire the scenery. It was the huge rocks that caught our attention and even though we didn't hike down to the castle, the area at the top was spectacular. This view of Emerald Bay combined with the view from the overlook further up the road were stunning. We explored the rock formations and took a ton of pictures. There were also displays explaining the interesting history of this area.

It's a pretty boring walk down and up a steep paved road to Vikingsholm. But we all very much enjoyed the house tour offered in the summer at not to bad of a fee. Pakring at the street gets very crowded so come in the morining is possible. Stay to sit on the shore - The view of Emerald bay is incredible. I don't believe the house is open in the winter but the destination is worth the walk. I always recommend to bring water and food. Combine this walk (1-2 hrs+) with a hike up to Eage Lake.

This was a cool castle but the hike down and back may not be for everyone. I had several people in my group that wished they could've gotten a ride up after our viewing of it.

You must park at the top of the northern crest above Emerald Bay. You take the old road down to the castle (Vikingsholm) at the lakeshore. They offer tours but be aware the lady with the white Cadillac closes early. Yes there is vehicle raods to Vikingsholm. But they are for Park Workers only. Sort of frustrating hiking a mile down that steep old road and see her driving away early. A lot of people going down that Sunday afternoon. Smoke was moving in from the El Dorado Fire and the lake dissapeared from our view quickly. Completly socked in like a deep fog at the top that afternoon. I guess we spent too much time at Camp Richardson and Vallhala. Had no idea she'd close up and drive out so early.Folk from all over the world were heading down from information given by a State Park lady at the top parking area. A shame she was not informed they were closing early. It is free to walk down. Was told they had info at a gift center(closed).

Great amazing view. If you like nature and beautiful scenery this is a place to go and admire. UIn the distance you can see 2 waterfalls going into Emerald Bay, tall giant mountains filled with snow and of course Emerald Bay. Beautiful spot for pictures

Awesome place, rich in history and beautiful views! Romantic, quiet, tranquil just absolutely stunning And one if a kind.Very long hike down though

Nice tour and interesting, but short, they gave a short spill about the it and then just let you roam around.

The walk down to the castle was beautiful as it is when you get to the bottom. Because it is the off season the castle wasn't open, but still plenty to see. The hike back up was a little rough :).

This hike down to the lake has great views and the historic site really gives a feel for what life was like in the early days of Lake Tahoe. The hike out is all up hill and if it is warm, take your time and bring water.