I have always (or, often?) made an association between dwarves and vikings.
There's a good reason they're connected in your mind. Dwarfs come from Norse mythology.
One of my favorite books, Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton has a part that explores a possible origin of the dwarf mythology in Nordic culture (as well as other Norse myths and 'real' events that inspired them). It's very similar in theme and structure to Beowulf which is also rather dwarfy even though there are no real dwarfs in it. And of course modern fantasy dwarfs are inspired from Lord of the Rings which was in turn inspired by Beowulf, Norse mythology, and Vikings.
Dwarfs are basically subterranean hermit Vikings.
Yeah, I read the book and own the movie. Love Eaters of the Dead, though I have most often heard the Wendol referred to as remnants of the Neanderthal, rather than as dwarfs.
Heh heh... subterranean hermit Vikings! I love it.
The earth is to the dwarf what the sea is to the Viking. Modern dwarf lore, starting with Tolkien at least in my experience, has the dwarves exploring the underground like Vikings explored the sea, and wresting riches from it at their own peril much like the Vikings plundering neighboring lands. Without stepping on anyone's historical toes, I also see the parallel of greed driving both Vikings and Dwarves to excesses.
And then of course there is the commitment to drinking mass quantities.
"It's made from honey!" hehehehehehe.. one of my favorite lines.