Are you a river tattoo fan? If so, here is a list of some river tattoo ideas that will surely help you before you get one on your body.

Like any other nature tattoo, river tattoo outlines also have high demands in most tattoo shops.
Bodies of water including oceans, seas, rivers and lakes make up 71% of the earth’s surface and it is needless to mention the utility that has been served by rivers since the beginning of civilizations in this world. No wonder the human kingdom shares a close connection with rivers.
Although water symbolizes life, different bodies of water have different meanings. The river in general symbolizes strength, spirit and determination. But rivers are like human personalities. Some are strong and violent like restless and aggressive people, while others are soft and serene or lively. Either way, a river must always keep flowing. A dead river is like a human without a sound mind.
Tattoos are body art that speaks to one’s personality. River tattoo ideas hold deep meaning based on their depiction of human skin. While some opt for turbulence as a sign of a stern and domineering attitude, some reveal their placidity through a river tattoo. Hence, people are obsessed with the mysteries of river tattoo outlines. Let’s dive then!
Asian river tattoo ‘Flow From The Heaven’ on forearms
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Rivers carry symbols. All the civilizations of the world have emerged and flourished on the banks of rivers. Rivers carry culture. The river tattoo in this image is a clear indication of Asian painting culture. The design reflects traditional styles of art in Southeast Asia, namely China and Japan. The flow of water in the tattoo is long, starting from the top of the forearm to the tattoo artist’s wrist. The stream flows from the sky to the end without maintaining a definite direction. It gives clear meaning to the journey of human life.
The Meaningful Blue River Tattoo “Human Spirit Flows” for Thinkers


It is true that tattoos speak to the inner voice of people. Look closely at this river tattoo. This river tattoo is the result of the artistry of the tattoo artist. The tattoo shows a river flowing down from the top, falling over the person’s head measuring the depth of their mind all the way down covering most of the arm. The face in the tattoo indicates the features of a typical Asian male. The small figures in this river tattoo seem to be drowning in the river of thoughts of this man. The dark blue and black combination is just as perfect.
The awesome grey-black mountain lake and river tattoo sleeve


If you prefer scenic beauty over anything special, a river tattoo is the best choice for you. A perfect sketch from nature is all you can ask for. The mountains, the trees, the lake and the narrow stream flowing from the ultimate image of serenity. Notice how the reflections are done on the water, differentiating the lighter shades from the darker ones. The smallest details of this river tattoo have been patiently handled by an efficient artist. Before choosing someone from your “Tattoo Artists Near Me” list, make sure the artist is a perfectionist in the art of shading as it will take hours and skill to get the exact sketch on your body .
Perfectly crazy Real River tattoo art on the body


Imagine drawing a real river with all its tributaries through the body from one finger to the other side of the shoulder; that too all in their defined positions! Crazy right? This river tattoo is perfect in many layers; a perfectly crazy river tattoo for a perfect river tattoo lover. For people who don’t know this river here tattooed is Indus river with its five tributaries namely, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. An important river that connects India and Pakistan with the common history of the Indus Valley Civilization. Kudos to the artist who spent hours bringing out the perfect course of strokes in this river tattoo. If you want to pay homage to your history, you can opt for any river like the Ganges or even the great Nile.
The Fantasy Inspired River Tattoo


Let’s just admit that we all believe in some kind of fantasy world. So what’s wrong with getting a river tattoo that evokes our childhood love of fantasy! Dragons are a hot favorite in the fantasy world. This mythical creature is an important character in the folklore of China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. The dragon in this river tattoo gives the impression of a Korean legendary creature, Imugi. Imugis are hornless ocean dragons that look like gigantic snakes, but not full-fledged. Recent Korean dramas have portrayed Imugi as an anti-hero opposite Gumiho, a mythical nine-tailed fox. The tattoo is more or less simple. Different colors have been used to make it more attractive. The interesting part is that the artist didn’t give the ocean its conventional blue hue. If you’re a fan of Korean culture and ship villains like Imugi (as seen in The Nine-Tailed Fox), wear your confidence and go for it!
The most minimalistic river tattoo you could ask for!


A minimalist river tattoo? What is that? Just a curved line! That’s it.
In most cases, when people want a simple design for their long river tattoo, this super simple is something they can hardly ignore. But note that it is not just a curved line with another line drawn with it, but the Buna aka Bojana River Europe! It is a small river in Albania that empties into the Adriatic Sea. It is a real perfectly drawn river with its tributary, the Grand Drin attached to it. The river itself gives the impression of pure and simple minimalism and hence the tattoo. Although this river tattoo is like ice cream on the cake for Albanians who want that real crazy river on their skin, you can totally accept it as your own! Because, seriously, who cares!
The sword and the river tattoo


A sword tattoo represents bravery and strength. This sword and river tattoo can be a good choice for gamers. The shading work is splendid on the sword. The flow of the river is carefully inked with patience. The determination of the river is combined with the bravery symbol of the sword in this river tattoo.
Calming Crane and River Arm Tattoo


Not everyone praises the size and strength of the river. The tranquility of the river is therapy for the restless mind. This river tattoo is the messenger of peace. The bright blue color of the river under the flying cranes reveals the calm and composed character of the owner. Light and dark shades on the river with thin lines add more perfection to this simple river tattoo. Cranes add even more elegance to the room.
The Conventional Mountain River Tattoo


Sometimes the most conventional things do the magic. This one is a very basic design for a river tattoo. The flowers and leaves, although mismatched, change the whole perspective of this all too common river tattoo. Dot work on the leaves adds more weight to it.
The Woodcut River Tattoo for the Old School Soul


If you find all the above suggestions too boring and basic, let me give you the tips for getting a quirky and fun river tattoo design – the woodcut river tattoo design.
Although few people are aware of it, this unique style has managed to attract attention in some specific tattoo shops like East River Tattoo in New York. This woodcut tattoo reminds us of the older days; specifically the days of woodcut printing. Nature scenes go well with wood carvings and will surely go well with tattoos. This river tattoo is an outstanding example of a woodcut tattoo. Clouds and riverbeds are carefully drawn with bold lines. It is a guarantee given to tattoo lovers that this river tattoo is enough to catch the eye.
The river tattoo is not just a simple tattoo theme but also an inspiration for many tattoo shops in the United States of America like the East River Tattoo in Brooklyn. Founded by Duke Riley in 2000, the artists at this tattoo shop offer quality custom tattoo designs of various styles. These tattoo studios are James River Tattoo in Lynchburg, Whiskey River Tattoo in Virginia, Eagle River Tattoo in downtown Eagle River, etc.
So, type “Open tattoo shops near me”, find the one you like, enter the store and do it! Good inking!
Here are some suggestions for you:
- The El Mas Grande River Plate Tattoo
- geometric river tattoo
- The Dotty and Abstract River Tattoo
- Mini moon and river tattoo
Disclaimer: Curated and re-published here. We do not claim anything as we translated and re-published using google translator. All images and Tattoo Design ideas shared only for information purpose.