Nestled in the jaw-dropping landscape of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm isn’t just another Lake Tahoe landmark, it’s a piece of architectural history that’s about to get some serious TLC. This summer, California State Parks is diving deep into a restoration project that’ll breathe new life into the legendary Scandinavian-inspired castle.

Built in a whirlwind summer of 1929 by the badass heiress Lora Josephine Knight, Vikingsholm was no ordinary summer home. Knight went full Viking, importing nearly 200 craftsmen from Scandinavia to construct her dream estate, essentially kickstarting a whole new architectural vibe in Tahoe.

A Castle Tested by Time

After weathering decades of Sierra Nevada winters and a gnarly 4.2-magnitude earthquake in 2021 that cracked its plaster and dinged up its turret, Vikingsholm is getting some much-needed love. The restoration will focus on stabilizing the iconic turret, repairing stone chimneys, and fixing up the dreamy Morning Room, a stone sanctuary with ceiling artwork inspired by Viking-era designs.

Keeping the Dream Alive

“A hundred years later, that building is still standing,” says Alexandra Neeb, cultural resources program manager. And standing it will continue to do, with tours still running this summer. Visitors can expect limited group sizes and a closed courtyard, but the magic of Vikingsholm remains unchanged.

Whether you’re a history buff, architecture nerd, or just someone who appreciates a killer story, this restoration is more than maintenance, it’s preserving a slice of Tahoe’s wild, creative spirit. Who knew a summer home could become such a legendary landmark?

Catch Vikingsholm tours starting Memorial Day weekend, and witness a piece of California history getting the royal treatment.