Even though it has been 2500 years since the Vikings roamed Scandinavia (and the world), they continue to fascinate us. So, what was life like for them? These historical facts concerning their cleanliness and grooming routines, as well as their various traditions, provide an intriguing peek into Viking life.
30+ Viking Hygiene Facts
Taking a bath every Saturday
We prefer to believe that everyone in the Middle Ages was filthy and understood nothing about cleanliness. That may be true for some people, but not the Vikings. These fierce businessmen and fearsome warriors were all about bathing. So much so that bathing every Saturday was a necessary ritual. There is abundant of historical evidence, both in literary narratives and archeological findings, to show that the Vikings practiced several everyday hygienic habits. We’ll go over what those entailed in this list.
Taking a bath every Saturday
They really cared about their hair
Vikings were quite proud of their hair, which they had plenty of. The preferred style was longer in the front and shorter in the rear (known as a reverse mullet). To maintain their hair in good condition, Vikings brushed and combed it every day. Historians believe the Vikings were more concerned with their appearance than most other people in what is now Europe, including the Anglo-Saxons.
They Really Cared About Their Hair
Frequently changing into new outfits
Viking-era clothing was made of wool and linen, and both men and women enjoyed fashion, much as Scandinavians do now. That is not to say that people had as many clothing alternatives as they do now. However, Vikings washed their garments in rivers and streams and changed attire frequently. They also had very lovely outfits for special events like holidays and weddings. Some argue that the Vikings were vain. That might be an exaggeration, but they were certainly concerned about their appearance.
Frequently changing into new outfits
Nicely trimmed facial hair
Vikings are frequently depicted with huge, unkempt beards in artwork, films, and television shows. However, historians believe that this is an inaccurate depiction. On the contrary, most Vikings kept their facial hair clipped and clean. They used combs, razors, and even tweezers (yes, these things existed in the Norse era!) to ensure they always looked presentable. Part of the reason was that facial hair was associated with masculinity.
Nicely Trimmed Facial Hair
Saunas were super popular
Saunas were popular in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, which is not surprising given how frigid it is most of the year. Vikings enjoyed visiting their local sauna, which served as both a cleanliness practice and a social gathering place. It was a place to unwind, get up on the latest news and gossip, and even meet new people.
Saunas Were Super Popular
You wouldn’t believe how common toilets were
We often consider of toilets as a contemporary invention, yet archaeologists have discovered evidence of toilets in various pre-modern communities. The Norse is one among them. Of course, the Vikings did not have toilets in their homes like we have now. But, like saunas and bath houses, the latrines were communal. These communal latrine outhouses had trenches underground to transport waste away from residential quarters, so they weren’t as awful as they sound.
You wouldn’t believe how common toilets were
They sometimes dyed their hair
When we think of Vikings or Scandinavians, we usually picture tall blondes with blue eyes. Even though modern Scandinavians had Viking ancestors, they were not all blonde back then. Vikings had more different appearances than most people believe, but blonde was the ideal. So Vikings with darker hair and beards would occasionally use lye to bleach it blonde. Not anything a modern hairstylist would suggest. However, because it also helped kill lice, it became a practice that helped improve cleanliness and reduce lice infestations in communities.
They Sometimes Dyed Their Hair
Combs were a staple accessory
We’ve already discussed how much Vikings cared about their hair and beards, but this fact may surprise you. Vikings cared so much that they carried their own combs with them every day. These combs were typically made of animal bone and were used to remove dirt, bugs, and grime from one’s hair and beard multiple times daily. We may think we go to great lengths to keep our appearances nice today, but few guys stroll around with combs in their wallets, Viking style!
Combs Were A Staple Accessory
They reportedly shared wash basins…
Although Vikings bathed more regularly than other Middle Ages inhabitants, the quality of their baths may not have been comparable to modern standards. The same water was used repeatedly in communal bathhouses. As horrible as this may appear, it is vital to remember that science did not yet exist. People simply did not realize unclean water was unsanitary. It was quite usual to pass the same bowl of water around a big group of guys to wash their dirty faces and beards, or to take a bath in a tub filled with recycled bath water.
They Reportedly Shared Wash Basins…
Their grooming equipment was buried with them
Check out this statistic, which indicates that Vikings were focused with hygiene and appearance. As you may expect, Vikings were frequently buried with their weapons and other personal things. However, some of the personal items were grooming tools! Combs, razors, ear picks, and tweezers have all been discovered at historic Viking burial sites. Many of them were meticulously ornamented, indicating that they were high-status artifacts. Historians say they were frequently worn around the neck or carried in boxes (similar to jewelry boxes).
Their grooming equipment was buried with them
The Vikings filed grooves into their teeth
Historians and experts are still unsure on the answer. However, when archaeologists examine remains from Viking burial sites, they frequently discover teeth that have been purposely filed down, as shown in this image. It was plainly done by a skilled professional, which indicates that it was done frequently. There are several prominent theories as to why this was done. One explanation is that the Vikings did it to make themselves appear more menacing to their opponents. The other contends that the grooves were an indication of victory. So, the more grooved teeth the Viking had, the more successful he was as a warrior.
The Vikings Filed Grooves Into Their Teeth
Getting someone dirty was considered rude
Vikings valued cleanliness so much that it was considered exceedingly disrespectful to induce a fellow Viking to become unclean. This included really dumping mud on someone, chopping off their hair, shredding their clothes, forcing them into a puddle of water, and so on. The punishment for such deeds against anyone (save foes, of course) was outlawry. Grágás, a medieval Icelandic legal book, states that anyone who purposefully “disgraced” someone by making them dirty should always face the harshest punishment.
Getting someone dirty was considered rude
Your beard’s length served as a sign of maturity
One of the reasons historians believe the Vikings valued a long, well maintained, and immaculate beard was because it represented masculinity and maturity. Simply said, Vikings believed that men with thick, luxuriant beards were more mature and masculine. Several medieval sources depict Vikings who were unable to grow beards being scorned and reviled. This surely had an impact on their social standing among peers. Another indication that a good beard was significant in the social hierarchy was the fact that each tribe had a professional and well-respected comb maker.
Your beard’s length served as a sign of maturity
Magic was believed to heal injuries
Yes, the Vikings did believe in magic. At least magic as it was understood and practiced throughout the Norse age. When Vikings were hurt in battle, they believed that a little magic and sacrifice would help them heal faster. When reading written reports from this historical period, you will see that the elves are frequently mentioned, such as when begging them to help heal a friend. It may be accomplished by sacrificing a bull or similar valuable animal and putting it on the hill where the elves were thought to live, in the hopes that they would accept the gift and help out.
Magic Was Believed To Heal Injuries
Lack of facial hair meant lack of competence
As previously stated, a man’s absence of facial hair was considered a sign of immaturity and a lack of masculinity during the Viking era. But things get worse. Men without an outstanding beard were thought to be less competent. So these unfortunate males suffered some major prejudice because of their lack of beard, which definitely harmed their chances in both the marriage and job markets.
Lack Of Facial Hair Meant Lack Of Competence
Women too wore their hair long
Literary evidence implies that the beauty ideal for Viking women’s hair was identical to that of male facial hair; the more the merrier. Women grew their hair long and took good care of it. However, this was more than a custom; it was expressly required by law. Grágás, a medieval law text, provides further proof of this. It plainly states that women were not allowed to wear short hair. This included both spouses and mothers, as well as the female Viking warriors known as Valkyries.
Women Too Wore Their Hair Long
Did they have tattoos?
This is still widely debated among historians and archaeologists. However, there is some evidence that at least some Vikings received tattoos. In texts written by medieval businessmen from various regions of the world, some recall witnessing Vikings’ skin covered in “dark-green lines and patterns”. But this might also have been painted on as part of a ceremony or to induce dread in others; we don’t know for certain whether they were permanent tattoos.
Did They Have Tattoos
Hot and cold water amenities existed
That’s right, the Vikings were sophisticated enough (and enjoyed bathing) to figure out how to have hot and cold water taps, just like us. We know this for certain regarding Iceland’s Vikings. Iceland has several natural hot springs because it is placed on two diverging tectonic plates, which causes a lot of geothermal activity and heats up the underground water. There is archaeological evidence of outdoor baths, such as the ones shown, where water pipelines flowing from separate hot and cold springs allowed individuals to adjust the temperature of the bathing water to their preference.
Hot And Cold Water Amenities Existed
Hair washing and cutting was women’s job
Naturally, what is expected of men and women in society evolves throughout time, and there are a few aspects that have changed significantly in Scandinavian countries since the Norse age. One example is that women used to wash and cut men’s hair. It’s unclear why, whether it was something only wives did for their husbands or more of a hairdressing service. But we know that was a big honor. There are literary instances in which ladies promise to trim and wash a certain man’s hair for the remainder of their lives.
Hair Washing And Cutting Was Women’s Job
Meat protein helped them grow tall
In terms of food, Vikings fared well in comparison to many other Medieval societies. For begin, they consumed meat on a daily basis (even the less wealthy Vikings). Many believe that the Vikings’ high protein diet contributed to their larger stature. They were not as tall as modern Scandinavians, but they were significantly taller than the global average at the time. They ate a variety of meats, including horse, reindeer, goat, and elk. Vikings’ diets also included fruits and vegetables, which probably contributed to their height and health.
Meat Protein Helped Them Grow Tall
Women had quite a lot of power
Overall, it is safe to state that women in Medieval times had far fewer rights than they do today in modern nations. However, Viking women fared significantly better than many others. According to research, they also traveled to other countries, played a major role in populating new towns, and served virtually as diplomats with foreign groups. They also possessed some key rights, including the ability to request a divorce (and receive their dowries if they did), as well as own property. Furthermore, even though marriages were arranged, women had a say and may reject a guy they did not wish to marry.
Women Had Quite A Lot Of Power
Living with the livestock and the pets
Vikings lived in enormous, robust longhouses without windows, like the one seen. They were constructed from wood and had straw roofs. A large fire in the center was used to heat and cook. Entire extended families would reside in these longhouses, in one large rectangular chamber (which provided little privacy), and the lack of windows meant that the air was dense with smoke and grime, and probably did not smell good. During the chilly winter, all of the farm animals and pets would be squeezed indoors. This was required for both humans and animals to stay warm, but it was probably not enjoyable.
Living With The Livestock And The Pets
The Anglo-Saxons took advantage of the Vikings’ love of bathing
Being so hygienic may have benefited health, but it was hardly ideal for battle. It did not take long for the Vikings’ adversaries to learn that these tough guys enjoyed swimming. So the Anglo-Saxons decided to take advantage. They have discovered that the Viking invaders of England took regular lengthy baths. So they’d wait until they were completely soaked before attacking. They were somewhat unprotected because they were naked and unarmed.
The Anglo Saxons Took Advantage Of The Vikings’ Love Of Bathing
Those horned helmets were not a thing
A painting or movie image of a Viking without such huge, horned helmets is rare. However, historians agree that actual Vikings were unlikely to wear them. They would have been extremely impractical for this war-torn people and would have put them at a disadvantage in close battle. So, where have they come from? Most likely, this is due to the 19th-century costume designer Carl Emil Doepler. He created costumes for Norse-themed operas. He created the horned hats, possibly inspired by what Germanic priests wore during rites, and for some reason they stuck.
Those Horned Helmets Were Not A Thing
They sold ‘unicorn’ horns
The Vikings have an overblown reputation for being ferocious, cruel pirates. Even though they performed their fair share of pillaging, they were primarily traders and astute businesspeople. They traversed the world, purchased spices and silk from the Middle East, and then sold exotic items such as unicorn horns. That’s accurate, Vikings purposefully stole narwhal tusks and claimed they were unicorn horns. Unicorns were thought to be actual, magical creatures, so there were plenty of wealthy, eager purchasers to trick.
They Sold ‘unicorn’ Horns
Some became elite body guards
The Vikings’ global reputation as fierce and skillful fighters created some intriguing chances for them. As a result, some of them became bodyguards for very important people, including country rulers. The most well-known example of this is the Varangian Guard. It was an elite force of trained and fearless Vikings that guarded Byzantine emperors for several centuries, until the 14th century. We wish we could read the diary of one such bodyguard; what a fascinating fate!
Some Became Elite Body Guards
They probably settled in America before Columbus
As previously said, Vikings sailed near and far aboard their ships, pillaging and trading their way throughout the world. As a result, they most certainly arrived in North America centuries before Christopher Columbus, as evidenced by historical records. L’Anse aux Meadows in Canada is one such location, and additional Viking settlements have been located using satellite photography since 2010. One particularly significant discovery occurred in Newfoundland, where excavations revealed an iron hearth and turf walls. Both are major signs of Viking presence.
They Probably Settled In America Before Columbus
Vikings ate with spoons and knives
Another way Vikings were not as barbaric as many believe or as shown in movies: they ate with spoons and knives (forks did not appear to exist at the time). Bowls and spoons were normally made of wood, but the blades appear to be made of metal. They served multiple purposes, including eating, fighting, and hunting. Spoons and knives, like grooming utensils, were kept close by wearing them around the neck or affixed to belts.
Vikings Ate With Spoons And Knives
They loved to party
One thing movies and TV shows seem to get right about Vikings: they loved to party and were a boisterous bunch when they did! Norse feasts were extravagant festivities with plenty of food, drinks, and hedonistic activities… However, gatherings were significant for more than just eating, drinking, and meeting ladies. They were excellent sites for networking, bonding, reinforcing social status, and advancing political goals.
They Loved To Party
Runes was just the way to write
Today, archaeologists and history buffs are attracted by runes, and unearthing them has provided us with valuable information and hints about medieval society. The irony is that what we consider to be priceless works of historical art and Viking culture were as common to them as grocery lists. Futhark, the runic alphabet, was merely the writing system used by literate men and women (far from everyone). There was nothing unique or exceptional about it.
Runes Was Just The Way To Write
Animal sacrifices were part of life
The use of animal sacrifices to attain goals is a frequent motif in ancient societies, and the Vikings were no exception. They would do it to improve their health or strength, raise their chances of winning fights, or even resolve marital problems. In addition, before marrying, Vikings would perform a blood ceremony to boost the likelihood of the marriage being successful. Traditionally, an animal connected with fertility was sacrificed, its blood gathered in a bowl, and sprinkled on the couple to be married.Pretty hardcore.
Animal Sacrifices Were Part Of Life
Skating and skiing everywhere
Winters in Scandinavia now may appear cold, but they are nothing compared to how freezing they were during the Norse age. However, because the terrain was covered in snow and ice for the majority of the year, the Vikings rapidly learned to take advantage of this. Skiing and skating on snow and ice was the most efficient method to get about and between settlements, thus everyone did it. Hundreds of pine wood skies and animal bone skates have been discovered at Viking-era excavation sites.
Skating And Skiing Everywhere
They ate plenty of fish
The Vikings had the drawback of living in areas with extremely harsh winters, yet they had abundant food resources. Fish, notably, was a staple. With so many lakes, rivers, streams, and even the ocean, Vikings could eat a variety of fish (herring was a favorite). Salting, curing, and smoking fish was the preferred method of cooking, just as it was for meat. This let it last for months and allowed them to utilize it as sustenance while at sea.
They Ate Plenty Of Fish
Interesting burial ceremonies
This is yet another truth that historians dispute, and we have no way of knowing for certain whether it is true. However, there is some evidence that Vikings practiced distinctive burial customs. Yes, they regularly buried their dead, as evidenced by the discovery of burials containing human remains and personal objects. But it appears that other Viking warriors received a more spectacular farewell. The body was placed on a small boat, along with personal items considered to be necessary in the hereafter, and the boat was set on fire.
Interesting Burial Ceremonies
They were no romantics
Marriage was incredibly important to Vikings, but it doesn’t imply they had the same romantic mindset as we do now. Marriage was first and foremost a business transaction, intended to boost both financial and political wealth. As a result, the wedding process took quite some time. Both families had to negotiate terms, and they used legal delegates (medieval versions of attorneys) to do so. If the young couple in question also fell in love, it was simply a fortuitous coincidence.
They Were No Romantics
Mead was a staple
It probably doesn’t surprise anyone to find that Vikings were strong drinkers. Mead, the forerunner of modern beer, was a mainstay. The most popular was honey mead, which was actually prepared with genuine honey. Even in Norse mythology, the love of mead is clear, with numerous depicting a mead-producing goat. Many people believe that beer, which is still the most popular alcoholic beverage in Scandinavia, may be traced back to the Vikings.
Mead Was A Staple
Not just fighters, also story-tellers
The Vikings had a softer side, despite how harsh and tough their daily lives were. They, like other people, enjoyed telling stories, and their myths were full of symbolism and inventiveness. They also had their own sort of spoken word poetry, as we know it today. Vikings would learn extensive stories and then tell them around the fire. This was done both for entertainment and to teach future generations about Viking history, religion, and culture.
Not Just Fighters, Also Story Tellers
The Vikings knew how to make yoghurt
The Scandinavian diet is still high in dairy products, with whole milk, yoghurt, and cheese being essential morning items. This may be traced all the way back to the Vikings, who were particularly skillful with dairy. They raised cows, goats, and sheep, and to preserve the milk, they frequently fermented it into dairy products such as butter and cheese. Skyr is a popular kind that is still widely used in Iceland. It’s a soft, viscous yoghurt-cheese spread that’s high in protein and fairly tart.
The Vikings Knew How To Make Yoghurt
They were skilled farmers and hunters
We prefer to focus on the more daring parts of Viking life, such as world travel and pillaging. However, their excellent agricultural and hunting skills deserve recognition. It’s not like they all spent most of their time sailing around the world. The men, women, and children back home worked tirelessly to keep everyone fed and comfortable. Because of the hard climate, they had to be resourceful, cultivating vegetables and fruit in the summer and freezing both food and meats for the winter.
They Were Skilled Farmers And Hunters
All about that multi-grain bread
Bread was very popular among Vikings, and they ate it on a daily basis. And the bread they prepared would now sell for a tidy penny at the most chic health-conscious eateries. The Vikings created the now-popular sourdough by combining a variety of nutritious grains such as rye, oats, barley and wheat. They prepared it over an open fire by placing the dough in skillets positioned beneath the cauldron in the heat. The bread would start off soft and harden into a crisp bread-style loaf, making it ideal for transport.
All About That Multi Grain Bread