It is known that Vikings were concerned with adorning and decorating their bodies. They wore colorful clothing and jewelry to highlight status and individuality, so it's not hard to imagine that some of them would have also adorned their bodies with tattoos.

One of the most famous sources indicating Viking tattooing practices is Ibn Fadlan. He was an Arab traveler who visited the Viking trading post in present-day Russia in the 900s. In his travel diary, he described Vikings who had tattoos all over their bodies and described it as a form of war sign. These tattoos were used to distinguish warriors from ordinary citizens, and also to mark victories in battle.

Another source that suggests tattooing practices among Vikings is a discovery at a Viking grave site in Austria. A Viking woman found she buried at this site had tattoos on her arm and wrist consisting of geometric lines and dots. This shows that tattoos could have had a symbolic meaning and could have been used as a form of artistic expression.
While there is limited evidence of tattooing practices among Vikings, it is likely that some of them actually had tattoos. Tattoos may have had a symbolic meaning or been used as a war sign among Vikings. So the next time you think of Vikings, remember that some of them may have had impressive tattoos on their bodies.

While there is limited evidence of tattooing practices among Vikings, it is likely that some of them actually had tattoos. Tattoos may have had a symbolic meaning or been used as a war sign among Vikings. So the next time you think of Vikings, remember that some of them may have had impressive tattoos on their bodies.