Vikings meet Earthquakes: Tahoe's Spookiest Castle Gets a Glow-Up This Summer

Photo by Navdeep Raj | License
Listen up, adventure seekers and history nerds – Vikingsholm Castle is about to get its epic summer makeover, and we’re here for all the historic drama.
Nestled dramatically at the tip of Emerald Bay, this Scandinavian-style mansion isn’t just another pretty landmark – it’s basically the Bay Area’s coolest historic flex. Built in 1929, Vikingsholm has survived decades of mountain drama, including a cheeky 4.2 magnitude earthquake that tried to mess with its vibe back in 2021.
A Castle That Won’t Quit
This summer, California State Parks is giving the castle some serious TLC. Crews will be stabilizing chimneys and repairing the Morning Room, which apparently took a bit of earthquake damage. But don’t worry – the castle will remain open for tours, because nothing stops this Nordic-inspired badass.
Hiking Adventure Required
Want to see this architectural gem? Pack your hiking boots and prepare for a steep one-mile trek down from Highway 89. It’s not for the faint of heart, but trust us, the views are worth every breathless step. Tours run from Memorial Day weekend through late September, so mark your calendars, adventure fam.
Winter? Hard Pass
Seriously, unless you’re into potentially dangerous, icy hiking experiences, stick to the summer season. State parks officials are aiming to wrap up all restoration work by fall, ensuring Vikingsholm continues to be the most Instagram-worthy historical site in Tahoe.
Tahoe’s Viking-inspired castle is proving once again that it’s basically the Chuck Norris of historical landmarks – earthquake-resistant, restoration-ready, and always ready to slay.
AUTHOR: kg
SOURCE: CBS News