he Vikings were a diverse and striking people, with appearances shaped by their Scandinavian roots and the practical needs of their environment. They lived between the late 8th and early 11th centuries and came from regions that are now Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. While much of their image has been influenced by myth and media, archaeological evidence and historical sources give us a clearer picture of what they actually looked like.
Physical Features
Vikings were typically tall for their time, with average male heights estimated around 5’7″ to 5’9″. They were generally strong and well-built due to physically demanding lifestyles, including farming, sailing, and warfare.
Hair colour varied widely, though blonde hair was especially common in what is now Sweden, while red and dark brown hair were also seen, particularly in Norwegian and Danish regions. Some Vikings bleached their hair with a lye-based soap, possibly as a beauty standard or to control lice.
Beards were popular among Viking men, often neatly groomed or braided, reflecting both status and personal pride. Viking women typically wore their hair long, sometimes braided or tied back under simple head coverings.
Eye colour ranged from blue and green to brown, with blue eyes thought to have been common, especially in northern Scandinavia.
Clothing and Appearance
Viking clothing was practical but could also be decorative, especially among wealthier individuals. Men wore wool tunics over linen shirts, trousers or leggings, and leather boots. Women wore long wool dresses, often layered with an apron dress secured with brooches at the shoulders. Brightly coloured fabrics were popular, dyed with natural materials, and sometimes decorated with embroidery or tablet weaving.
Both men and women wore jewellery such as brooches, arm rings, necklaces, and pendants made from bronze, silver, or occasionally gold. These were not only decorative but also used to show wealth and status.
Hygiene and Grooming
Contrary to the stereotype of dirty or unkempt warriors, Vikings were known for good hygiene. Combs, tweezers, ear picks, and razors have been found in Viking graves, indicating regular grooming habits. Cleanliness was important in Viking society, and bathing at least once a week was common—quite frequent for the time.
Helmets and Armour
Popular imagery often shows Vikings wearing horned helmets, but there’s no historical evidence to support this. In reality, Viking warriors wore simple iron helmets, if they could afford them, typically with a rounded or conical shape. Most relied on leather or chainmail armour and carried round wooden shields, swords, axes, or spears.
