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Mission25

Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm

Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe. Photograph Fannette Island, then hike down to Vikingsholm castle.

Start at the overlook above Emerald Bay and photograph the green water with tiny Fannette Island in the middle. Then take the steep trail down to Vikingsholm, a 1920s Scandinavian-style mansion on the shore. From the beach, each try to spot the little stone teahouse on top of the island. Picnic on the sand before the climb back up, which is harder than the way down.

  • Date or adventure
  • Half day
  • Moderate
  • Under $20
  • Outdoors
  • Spring, summer, and fall
  • Daytime

Good with just you, friends, and family

Check before you go: weather and trail conditions, and whether it's open this season

Vikingsholm parking lot, Emerald Bay State Park, Highway 89, Lake Tahoe west shore
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Checked November 2026

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About this place

Vikingsholm was built in 1929 as a summer home for Lora Knight, in the style of an old Scandinavian castle, with sod roofs, carved dragon heads and hand-made furniture. Tours run in summer and take about half an hour.

Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe. Knight built the teahouse at its peak and would have guests rowed out for tea. The island is closed in late winter and spring while Canada geese nest there.

The trail is about a mile each way with a big drop down to the lake. The parking lot fills by mid-morning in summer, and winter storms often close Highway 89 around the bay.

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