Norwegian soccer fans have taken Boston by storm as they celebrate their nation’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Embracing their Viking heritage, these enthusiastic fans are drawing attention with synchronized ‘Viking rows’.
A video from Boston’s South Station reveals dozens of Norway supporters, adorned in Viking helmets and Norwegian flags, performing synchronised rowing motions. Chanting ‘Hoo! Hoo!’ as they ascended the escalators, they mimicked a Viking longship crew.
Jeremy Siegel, a journalist from WGBH in Boston, captured and shared the scene. He noted that the display was unprecedented, saying, ‘Adding this to the list of things I’ve never seen before and probably never will again.’
The lively scene resonated with viewers online. A user commented, ‘My usual train ride suddenly feels incredibly boring compared to this,’ while another noted, ‘I’ve seen fans chant, dance, and lose their minds in stadiums – but rowing a Viking ship up an escalator wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card.’
Not everyone was captivated by the spectacle, expressing concern over safety. Observers pondered the risk of capes and flags getting caught in the escalator gears. One viewer questioned, ‘Who else was waiting for that flag to snag in that escalator?’
Boston and its nearby communities have experienced a surge in international visitors, as World Cup fans introduce their unique traditions. The city also welcomed Scottish fans, who enthusiastically celebrated their country’s 1-0 victory against Haiti.
On Sunday, Scottish tourists entertained locals with a lively march to Fenway Park, coinciding with the Red Sox’s Scottish Heritage Night, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere brought by World Cup enthusiasts.