Had time periods converged, Leif Erickson would have discovered America by sailing into Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay. Vikingsholm would have provided the perfect chieftain home.

However, it was a wealthy American chieftess, with a love of all things Scandinavian, who built the stunning structure in the late 1920s.

Lora Josephine Knight's genealogy was English. However, something about the dreaded invaders of her ancestral homeland thrilled her. Aside from their well-honed pillaging skills, she admired their choice of landscapes — mainly dense Norwegian forests.

Tours led by California State Park volunteers of the mansion designed to resemble an 11th-century Swedish stave church are given daily until the end of September. The architect was Mrs. Knight's nephew by marriage, Lennart Palme. Along with his design skills, Palme also crafted floral carvings and paintings found in a front door closet

It was built in less than a summer season, thanks to the efforts of 200 workmen. The hand-hewn timbers and granite boulders came from the Tahoe area. The only imported materials were the stained-glass panels from Sweden.

To reach Vikingsholm requires a walk down from the parking lot located a mile away. The trek trail is paved. If you see the Golden State's symbolic creature, yell “go bear go” and there should be no roadblocks. Those with special needs can arrange access by calling the state park office with at least 48 hours notice.

The return journey seems double the distance owing to the trail's steepness and the altitude, but for those conjuring up the stamina of a Norse warrior the rewards are great.

Mythical crossed dragon heads, said to keep away evil deities, are found throughout Vikingsholm's interior and exterior. Count them above window and doors, along roof peaks and as specialty beams in the living room.

When she was unable to purchase artifacts from Swedish, Norwegian and Danish museums, Mrs. Knight hired local craftsman to replicate them. In addition she commissioned rugs, sconces and a colorful character named “Selma” who greets all guests in a timely manner.

Outside sod roofs further the Norwegian ambience. Wildflowers abound in the fields as towering pines sway with the breeze and the craggy mountain backdrop proves majestic.

Then there is the lake.

Emerald Bay is said to be one of America's most photographed spots. Standing at its shores with cool water lapping over tired toes creates an unforgettable memory.

Mrs. Knight also owned the Bay's Fannette Island.

Ruins of her once grand tea house can still be seen. As she, and most of her guests, were elderly, chauffeurs, butlers and other servants were recruited to haul both provisions and their consumers from the boat to the house for the occasional afternoon tea.

Touring Vikingsholm is not required to enjoy the nature trails, beach area or the museum-gift shop.

History loving guests might consider volunteering as a guide.

Pine-scented relaxation is what Mrs. Knight and her beloved Vikingsholm gave to her guests. Ten decades later, present-day visitors can discover the same thing.

“Hvor herlig,” (How wonderful) is what Leif would have said.