Do you regularly shake on the balcony, avoid ladders and glass elevators, and start sweating just from watching a Fjord Drop video? Then you probably suffer from fear of heights.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone — and the good news is: you can overcome your fear of heights! In this article, you’ll learn what exactly fear of heights is, what triggers it, how it differs from fear of depths, and get practical tips to gradually get your fear under control. Plus, a sporty challenge for those who really want to push their limits!
What exactly is fear of heights?
Fear of heights is the fear you feel when you’re in a high place. This could be a mountain, a skyscraper, a Strong Viking obstacle, or even a staircase. Your body reacts strongly:
- Your heart races
- You feel hot or cold
- You feel dizzy or feel like you could fall any second
- In some cases, you even get a panic attack
For some, it’s just a bit of thrill — for others, it becomes a serious burden. If the fear is so strong that it restricts your daily life, it’s called a phobia: acrophobia.
In this article, we’ll show you how to overcome your fear of heights. If you suffer from it extremely, it’s wise to seek professional help.
Fear of heights or fear of depths?
Did you know that besides fear of heights, you can also suffer from fear of depths? Both feel similar but aren’t the same! They can make you feel like you’re losing all control — and that’s far from pleasant.
- Fear of heights = fear of standing in a high place
- Fear of depths = fear of looking down into a depth, e.g., a gorge, an abyss, or a deep shaft
What Causes Fear of Heights?
It’s clear that fear of heights is unpleasant. But why do some people have it — while others don’t? Let’s take a look at the possible causes:
Your primal instinct – Your brain wants to protect you from danger. Falling from a great height = a bad idea. No wonder your body goes into alarm mode.
A bad experience – For example, a fall or a moment when you felt unsafe at height.
Balance problems – People with a weaker sense of balance tend to get scared more quickly at heights.
Learned behavior – If your parents often said, “Be careful, you’re going to fall!”, you’re more likely to have picked up that fear.
Personality & predisposition – Some people are naturally calmer, others are more sensitive to stress and anxiety.
Overcoming Fear of Heights
The good news: you can really do something about it! Here are practical tips to help you overcome your fear of heights step by step:
1. Start small
You don’t have to climb a mountain or get in a Ferris wheel right away. Start small: with stairs, a balcony, or a bridge. Get used to the feeling — and gradually increase the challenge.
2. Breathe calmly
Sounds simple, but it works! Breathe in calmly through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps your body relax.
3. Distract yourself
Shift your focus away from the height. Sing a song, count steps, or talk to someone. This helps chase away panic thoughts.
4. Keep at it
The more often you face the situation, the less scary it becomes. Your brain learns: it’s safe — no need to overreact.
5. Talk about it
There’s no need to be ashamed. Fear of heights is totally normal. Talking to friends or a coach/therapist often makes the fear feel smaller.
Ready for the real challenge? Time for Strong Viking!
Did you find this article because you didn’t dare try a Strong Viking obstacle due to your fear of heights? Or do you just want tips to overcome your fear? Then try the tips above! Think you’re ready? Want to face your fear in a challenging but safe way? Then join Strong Viking — an obstacle run where you challenge yourself in many ways — including at heights. Three obstacles perfect for beating your fear of heights:
Flying Ragnar – Jump from a great height, grab the handles, and try to ring the bell. You have to let go… and fly. Pretty scary — but really cool.
Fjord Drop – A slide from a great height straight into the water. Cold, wet, and full of adrenaline. Luckily, there’s hardly time to be scared — our volunteers are happy to give you a little push!
Storm the Castle – Maybe not the tallest obstacle, but after running up the halfpipe… you have to climb down a ladder again!
Hanneke, Copywriter at Strong Viking: “I have fear of heights myself. Yet a while ago, I managed Flying Ragnar and Fjord Drop for the first time. Thanks to the adrenaline rush, it was much easier than I expected! Okay — climbing down the ladder at Storm the Castle almost made me cry — but I pushed through. So I know from my own experience: it’s possible — even if it seems impossible. And that feeling afterward? Unbelievable!”