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Top 207+ Best Viking Tattoo Ideas in 2022

Top 207+ Best Viking Tattoo Ideas in 2022

  • Next Luxury / Style, Tattoo Ideas
  • by — Jono Elderton

Viking Tattoos

The term Vikings meant “a pirate raid” in Old Norse.

The Norseman’s unrivalled sea trade and pillaging created a huge European diaspora that has in turn led to a massive tattooing subculture centered on Viking mythology.

Viking, Norse, and Celtic tattoo (they’re very closely related) is rich with symbolism, superstition, warrior Gods, and powerful animal motifs. Whether it’s a viking skull tattoo, a tattoo symbol calling to the Gods, or a simple horned helmet and sword piece, there’s body art that will appeal to you.

The following collection of top 207 best Viking tattoo ideas showcase the breadth and depth of Viking age tattoo style, featuring a range of brilliant designs for your tattoo artist to help capture the essence of bravery and martial skill.

See more about - The Top 50 Best Ultimate Tattoo Ideas

1. Viking Compass Vegvisir Tattoo 

Cool Men's Viking Tattoo Forarm

 

 

See more about - Top 71 Viking Compass Tattoo Ideas

The Viking compass – known also as Vegvisir – is a bit of a mystery. Only mentioned in one Icelandic manuscript, it supposedly keeps the wearer (or bearer) safe in all types of horrific weather and keeps them from getting lost.

In addition, it can help get travellers where they’re going, even if they don’t know where that might be. 

A Vegvisir tattoo often incorporates runes at the end of each line. These can be used to spell out the name of a place you’re headed, the place you call home, or the name of a loved one.

Remember that precise linework is essential for a bold Viking compass tattoo idea. Each rune should be crisp and readable. 

 

2. Viking Tribal Tattoo Style Design 

Viking Runes Tattoo Men Half Sleeve

Viking Longship Tattoo For Men

Viking Men's Celtic Tattoos On Arm

Sleeve Danish Viking Men's Tattoos

Cool Vikings Tattoos For Men On Back

Viking Shoulder Blade Men's Tattoos

Viking Tattoo Design Ideas For Guys

You may associate knotwork with Celtic history. When Vikings began to invade and colonize these lands – between 600 and 1200 AD – they adopted some of these popular patterns into Viking design. 

While Celtic knotwork features a never-ending line bent into a circular or other design, the Norse took a slightly different take.

Nordic knotwork does not have to use one continuous line, and often makes a person, animal or object the star of the design instead of the knotwork itself.

Precise linework and, in many cases, shading is crucial for this type of Viking era tattoo.

 

3. Nordic Arm Tattoos

Sleeve Manly Men's Nordic Viking Tattoos

Men's Viking Tattoo Sleeves

Men's Viking Tattoo Sleeve

Full Sleeve Men's Tattoos Of Vikings

Forearm Viking Ship Tattoo For Men

Masculine Viking Ship Tattoos

Viking Mythology Tattoos For Men On Outer Forearm

Viking Tattoo Meaning For Men

Wrist Men's Viking Symbol Tattoo

Men's Vikings Tattoo Bicep Arm Skull

War Helmet Eyes Viking Tattoos For Males On Bicep

See more about - Nordic Arm Tattoo Ideas

Arm tattoos inked in the Nordic genre come in a wide variety of styles.

Whether the tattoos are a depiction of the Vikings themselves – bloodthirsty berserkers from a Viking ship wearing a horned helmet – or tattoo symbol of these great warrior’ mythology, an arm tattoo is an ideal location for storytelling.

The arm is a great place to show off any Viking culture tattoo, as it is in an easily viewed area. Simultaneously, it is a relatively simple spot to cover up if need be, assuming one is comfortable wearing long sleeves.

That being said, not everyone is required to cover their tattoos by their work or other responsibilities, so to them, the arm might be an even more attractive as a spot to place their next Viking tattoo design.

 

4. Viking Longship Tattoos

Shoulder Male Viking Boat Tattoos

Bicep Manly Viking Tribal TAttoo

Viking Tattoo Designs For Men

Viking Symbol Tattoos For Men

Wrist Viking Sleeve Tattoo For Guys

Viking Tattoos Designs For Men Of War Ship

Viking Compass Tattoo For Men On Ribs

Upper Arm Ship Viking Style Tattoo On Men

Bicep Traditional Viking Tattoos For Men

Vikings Tattoo Designs Men On Bicep Of Ships

One of the many things Vikings remembered for in our modern times are their means of transportation. Traveling primarily by sea, the Vikings often navigated the fierce waters in their trademark longships.

Needless to say, the Viking ship was a vital part of life and culture. For this reason, it is not uncommon to see them inked into a Viking tattoo.

Longship tattoos are a fitting way to show one’s connection to Vikings history.

 

5. Rune Tattoos 

Viking Cross Men's Tattoos

Viking Symbols Tattoo For Men

Men's Viking Tattoos On Upper Arm

See more about - Top 79 Best Rune Tattoo Ideas

At once everyday and mysterious, runes comprised the Viking culture’s alphabet.

These symbols – very few of which survive today – were an ancient method of communication. It’s easy to see why they’re frequently incorporated into Nordic tattoos.

There are a few things to consider when designing a rune tattoo:

  • Remember that runes are primarily linework, so select a tattooist skilled in this area.
  • Be absolutely sure of what you want to say. Work closely with your tattoo artist to ensure your finished art spells things out perfectly
  • Understand that are three major and several more minor sets of runes. Northern Europeans, Brits and Scandinavians all had their own different sets of runes, so be sure to use a set or image depicting the Norse runes

 

6. Valkyrie Tattoos

Half Arm Guys Valkyrie Tattoo

Incredible Valkyrie Tattoos For Men On Chest

Quarter Sleeve Guys Valkyrie Tattoo Design Idea Inspiration

Valkyrie Norse Tattoo Design On Man Half Sleeve

Male With Cool Full Back 3d Skulls Valkyrie Tattoo Design

Mens Cool Half Sleeve Viking Ship Valkyrie Tattoo Ideas

See more about - Top 57 Valkyrie Tattoo Ideas

One unique character in the violent Viking history is the Valkyrie. These warrior angels choose who dies and who lives in battle, then accompany the fallen to the afterlife in the hall of the slain, Valhalla.

In the Norse tradition dying in battle was the highest honor so Valkyries and their role as “chooser of the slain” are powerful symbols of protection, purity and honor.

Valkyries have long been popular tattoo subjects among modern day soldiers, and the massive popularity of certain super–hero movies, has reignited interest in these stunning but deadly female seraphs.

7. Blackwork Nordic Tattoos 

Male Viking Dragon Tattoos Sleeve Tribal

Viking Helmet Men's Tattoos On Chest

The world of blackwork encompasses many specific components, from artistic styles to techniques like dotwork. Quality linework and shading make up many of the best Viking tattoos, while weak lines and blotchy fades tend to create Norse tattoos to avoid. This is true across virtually every genre of tattoo. 

Since much Viking and Nordic artwork and lettering consisted of wooden carvings, knotwork and runes, keeping things crisp and sharp is essential for truly paying homage to this proud and fierce part of your ancestry. 

8. Mjolnir Tattoos

Norse Mythology God Thor With Mjolnir And Dragon Guys Full Back Tattoos

Awesome Wolf With Mjolnir Mens Half Sleeve Tattoo Ideas

Cool Bone Necklace With Mjolnir Mens Upper Chest Tattoo Ideas

Glowing Orange Lighting Bolts Mjolnir Mens Sleeve Tattoos

Manly Mjolnir Forearm Tattoo Ideas For Gentlemen

See more about - 70 Mjolnir Tattoo Ideas

Thor, with his mighty hammer Mjolnir, was the Viking God of thunder and war. He prized strength, honor, and valor in battle above all else.

The Norsemen would invoke his name in prayers for the strength to cleave their enemies, as well as for protection: for themselves, and for their loved ones back home.

Much of the Norse way of life revolved heavily around what was seen as Thor’s area of influence over the natural world. He was believed to grant victory to the brave and the strong, and to welcome them to his side in Valhalla after they’d fought their last battle.

9. Odin Tattoos

Viking Head Tattoo For Men

Elbow Men's Viking Tattoo Ideas

Viking Tattoo Symbols On Men On Back Shoulder Blade

Guy's Viking Ship Tattoo Designs Sleeve

Viking Style Tattoos For Guys

Rib Cage Side Male Norse Viking Tattoos

Viking Rune Tattoo On Man On Back

Viking Norse Tattoo Designs For Men On Back

Swedish Viking Men's Tattoos On Back Side

Back Celtic Viking Men's Tattoos

Cool Viking Tattoos For Gentlemen On Back

Creative Men's Back Viking Warrior Tattoo

Man With Viking Sword Tattoo Full Sleeve

Viking Tribal Tattoos For Men

Realistic Lower Leg Viking Men's Arm Tattoos

Viking Knotwork Male Tattoos

Viking Tattoo Art For Guys On Right Chest

Forearm Men's Viking Dragon Tattoo

Small Chest Viking Warrior Tattoos For Men

Tattoo Viking Men Sleeve

Men's Viking Skull Tattoos Sleeve

See more about - Top 57 Odin Tattoo Ideas

Those who want to embrace their Norse ancestry often look to the greatest Viking God Odin as a symbol of strength and power.

Odin is associated with the “berserker”, a warrior whose fighting style focuses on raw, frenzied and ferocious techniques.

People that look past Odin’s war-like nature admire him for his appreciation of wisdom. Viking style tattoo often portrays Odin with an empty eye socket.

This symbolizes that his eye was sacrificed for wisdom, and is one of Odin’s most noticeable features.

 

10. Valknut Viking Tattoos

Cool Black Ink Valknut Borromean Rings Male Tattoo On Upper Chest

Awesome Dotwork Mens Leg Calf Valknut Norse Tattoo

Watercolor Valknut Tattoo Designs For Guys On Arm

Men's Viking Back Of Leg Calf Tattoos

Traditional Valknut Knot Mens Upper Chest Norse Tattoos

See more about - Top 51 Valknut Tattoo Designs

The valknut is three interconnected triangles, whose name was coined by the Old Norse words valr, meaning ‘slain warriors’, and knut, meaning ‘knot’. The exact meaning behind this Viking symbol is unknown but has had a number of explanations supposed by Norse Mythology scholars.

The popular modern Nordic tattoo is mainly believed to have been used by Germanic Pagans, as it appears on many objects during the 8th and 9th century – the time of their ‘heathen’ existence before Christianity.

It is also supposed to represent the power of Odin, who had the ability to ‘bind and unbind’ a person’s mind during battle.

Because the symbol often appears on burial gifts during these time periods, it is assumed that it is associated with death and the afterlife.

 

11. Viking Wolf Tattoos

 

Shoulder Masculine Viking Helmet Tattoo

See more about - Top 55 Norse Wolf Tattoo Ideas

The Vikings had a great respect for the wolves of the forest, with many involved in traditional folklore and tales as violent but strong characters with great ties to the warrior ideals of family, strength, and courage.

The wolf most associated with Nordic tattoo comes via the giant wolf Fenrir.

Dictionary.com defines Fenrir as: “a wolflike monster, a son of Loki and Angerboda, chained by Gleipnir but destined to be released at Ragnarok to eat Odin and to be killed by Vidar.”

Most realism style interpretations of Norse wolf tattoos feature Fenrir, snarling and violent, either chained or breaking free from his shackles.

 

12. Norse Tattoos Featuring Wooden Carvings 

 

13. Nordic Dragon Tattoos 

Dragon Norwegian Viking Tattoos For Males

Viking God Men's Tattoos

 

14. Odin’s Ravens

Creative Odins Ravens Tattoos For Men

Men's Ancient Viking Tattoos On Upper Arm

Awesome Odins Ravens Tattoos For Men

Guys Odins Ravens Huginn And Muninn Tattoo Design Ideas

See more about - Top 57 Odin's Raven Tattoo Ideas

Rooted deep in ancient Norse mythology, the ravens Huginn and Muninnn are a powerful tattoo choice for the thoughtful and wise.

Their names mean ‘thought’ and ‘mind’ and together they were the trusted allies and friends of Odin, the wisest and wiliest of the Viking gods.

The legends tell of these beautiful black birds leaving Odin’s shoulders every morning to fly around the world, gathering all the knowledge and wisdom there was to be found in the day.

Every night they would return to him and whisper in his ears all the information they’d gathered, adding to his power and reinforcing his reputation as the all-knowing all-father.

 

15. Yggdrasil Tattoos

abstract Yggdrasil design, the tree, branches and roots, both flow into respective triangles

mid-arm multiple lush segment color

tree top bird perched multiple emblem accent

minimalistic Yggdrasil design dotting technique

two circle darkened portion Yggdrasil piece creativity

bare minimum Yggdrasil hourglass design

See more about - Top 50 Best Yggdrasil Tattoo Ideas

The Yggdrasil is a particularly impressive piece of art that displays the image of a tree, one known well in Norse Mythology.

As explained by the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Yggdrasill, Old Norse Mimameidr, in Norse mythology, the world tree, a giant ash supporting the universe.”

As you can see, this tree was no small matter to the Norse.

The legend of the great tree states that one of its roots went into the underworld, another went into the land of the giants and still another went into the land of the gods.

 

16. Kraken Tattoos

Heavily Shaded Kraken Forearm Male Tattoos

Old School Mens Kraken Sailing Ship Forearm Male Tattoos

Black And Grey Arm Kraken Male Tattoos

Kraken Male Full Sleeve Tattoo Ideas

Realistic Kraken Mens Underwater 3d Sleeve Tattoos

Cool Kraken Ship Wheel Male Tattoo Inspiration

Legendary Sea Monster Mens Kraken Half Sleeve Tattoo

See more about - 100 Kraken Tattoo Ideas

Norse mythology will come to life when you pursue sensational Kraken body art.

This gigantic aquatic beast is an iconic symbol of ancient maritime mystique. With enormous tentacles, this monstrous sea-dweller is a legitimately badass creature of the deep.

Fans of the fabled destroyer emphasize the Kraken’s ability to crush ships, whether in nuanced balc and gray ink, bright color, or classic American traditional style pieces.

 

17. Ragnar Tattoos

Thigh Male Tattoo With Ragnar Portrait Design

3d Forearm Guys Tattoo Ideas Ragnar Designs

Abstract Leg Sleeve Male Cool Ragnar Tattoo Ideas

Cool Ragnar Vikings Tattoo Design Ideas For Male Leg

Gentleman With Ragnar Viking Ship Inner Forearm Tattoo

Manly Vikings Ragnar Walking In The Woods Arm Tattoo Design Ideas For Men

Mens Cool Arm Ragnar Tattoo Design Inspiration

See more about - 60 Ragnar Tattoos

What better way to show off your badassery and skill in combat than to get a tattoo of Ragnar from the hit TV show Vikings?

The name Ragnar Lodbrok alone could inspire fear in the hearts of men. A fierce warrior, Ragnar is one of the stars of the show – played bay Aussie Travis Fimmel – and formed the bedrock of the popular tv series’ plot.

Why not get such a badass tattooed on your chest, back, or even your arm?

18. Helm of Awe Tattoos

Incredible 3d Skull Helm Of Awe Upper Arm Tattoos For Men

Cool Male Dotwork Upper Chest Norse Runes With Helm Of Awe Tattoo Designs

Guys Helm Of Awe Tattoo Design Ideas On Upper Chest

Red Ink Mens Helm Of Awe Chest Tattoo Ideas

Unique Mens Helm Of Awe With Wolf Arm Tattoos

Palm Remarkable Helm Of Awe Tattoos For Males

See more about - Top 37 Helm of Awe Tattoo Ideas

The Helm of Awe, known also as Aegishjalmur, is an ancient Norse symbol granting spiritual protection and power.

In the Poetic Edda, one of the oldest Norse mythological texts, the dragon Fafnir claimed it’s protective power helped grant him indestructibility.

During the Middle Ages, Viking warriors would head into battle adorned with the Helm of Awe symbol either tattooed on their bodies or drawn onto their foreheads.

The center circle, and eight trident runes crossing through it are protective symbols linked to victory during battle, to show strength against fear, and draw protective regard from the Gods.

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Viking Tattoo FAQs

What does Viking tattoo symbolize?

Viking and Norse tattoo is a symbolic tattoo culture, with most tattoo design ideas incorporating Nordic tradition, culture and religious beliefs into their design.

Traditional Viking tattoo design centered on martial power – the sword, axe, and warhammer – strength, courage, and honoring the traditional Gods of Norse Mythology.

A Viking tattoo is a great style of body art for those of the Scandinavian Isles, or even Brits and other Europeans that claim ancestry to the Norse.

What are the most popular Viking tattoo styles?

With a focus on tradition, martial prowess, and the Norse Gods there are a range of awesome tattoo designs you can apply to your body art apart from viking warrior symbols . These include :

  • The Valknut
  • Rune and Wyrd lettering
  • Viking Longship
  • Valkyrie
  • Nordic and Celtic Tribal Tattoo
  • Norse God Designs
  • Yggdrasil (The World Tree)
  • The Helm of Awe (Aegishjalmur)
  • Viking Compass tattoo (Vegvisr)
  • Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer)
  • The Giant Wolf Fenrir
What is the Meaning of a Vegvisir (Viking Compass) tattoo? 

Combining the Old Norse words vegur (way or road) and visir (pointer), the literal meaning of Vegvisir is to point the way. According to the Huld Manuscript – an Icelandic collection compiled in 1880 – the symbol was quite powerful.

If carried, the Vegvisir would keep a person on track through storms and all types of bad weather, even if they didn’t know where they were going.

What does the valknut tattoo mean?

The valknut is three interconnected triangles, whose name was coined by the Old Norse words valr, meaning ‘slain warriors’, and knut, meaning ‘knot’.

The exact meaning behind the symbol is unknown, although it’s linked to the power of Odin, who had the ability to ‘bind and unbind’ a person’s mind during battle.

Because the symbol often appears on burial gifts during these time periods, it is assumed that the Valknut is associated with death and the afterlife.

What did the giant wolf Fenrir symbolize in Norse Mythology?

The wolf most associated with Norse tattoo comes via the giant wolf Fenrir.

Dictionary.com defines Fenrir as: “a wolflike monster, a son of Loki and Angerboda, chained by Gleipnir but destined to be released at Ragnarok to eat Odin and to be killed by Vidar.”

Most realism style interpretations of Norse wolf tattoos feature Fenrir, snarling and violent, either chained or breaking free from his shackles.

Jono Elderton

Writer

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

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