Viking Tattoo Ideas and Designs

Updated on February 8, 2016

The Basics of Viking Tattoos

If you are at all familiar with Celtic and Scandinavian heritage, then you know that the Vikings were fierce and mighty warriors, who commonly sported long-braided beards, corneal helmets and… some wicked tattoos as well.

That makes a Viking tattoo a great choice for those who want to depict the virtues of courage, heroism, strength, and loyalty.

Common Colors:

Most of those who get Viking tattoos get them in black or in dark shades. It's not the kind of design that would look good in hot pink.

One other option would be to use a brown-rad palette scale of hues for this kind of tattoo. That might give it the "mud and blood" look that Vikings were often known for.

Colorful tattoos of that kind tend to be a bit unusual. I'll show you some examples below, so you can make up your own mind about what you prefer.

Common Locations for Viking Tattoos:

The #1 spot for having a Viking tattoo is the arm, and the upper arm specifically.

There is nothing more intimidating than seeing a vicious-looking Viking tattoo across a 28" bicep or a well-developed shoulder.

Other possible locations include the back, which is a wide space and so could fit a larger and more detailed tattoo - and the leg, which is where women tend to get Viking tattoos if they get them.

A Viking tattoo will often be adorned by symbolism related to the Viking heritage such as a wooden longboat, a skull, dragons, a helmet, shields, and the Viking weaponry of choice: axes, swords, and hammers.

Viking Head

A detailed depiction of a Viking head. Note the use of hollow eyes which add awe to the piece. | Source

A Viking's Bow

A two-sword mighty Viking taking a bow. A powerful moment. | Source

Viking in Sepia

Viking depicted in Sepia. Note his unique face expression and the Norse knot coming out of his mustache. | Source

Viking God Thor

Thor the Viking God of thunder in Sepia on the leg. | Source

One Eyed Viking

A one eyed viking definitely adds mystery to a Viking's tattoo. Combine it right with a Viking warship and you've got a spectacular tattoo. | Source

Viking Warrior

This Viking tattoo looks so alive due to its high detailing and brilliant use of black and white colors. | Source

Palm Viking

Quite uncommon location for a Viking tattoo yet a fierce one none the less. :) | Source

Viking on Leg

Viking tattoo on the leg is the #1 location of choice for women. | Source

Viking Madness

This colorful mad Viking is a one of its kind. | Source

Viking Helmet

A Viking helmet had to be earned - in blood. | Source

A Viking Onslaught

A Viking Onslaught. It's gonna be messy... | Source

Wrath of the Viking God

Stunning tattoo of Viking God of Lightning Thor & his mighty hammer at work. | Source

Viking With A Shave

Although it may look strange at first glance, it could be a great idea to tattoo your face or someone close to you as the real Viking beneath all this beard. | Source