In a game where exploration is of the utmost importance,Skyrimhas an absolute abundance of areas to explore. Between the sprawling capital cities and thegorgeouscave ecosystems, it can often feel like the average player would never be able to see everything the game has to offer! Luckily, over the years Skyrim has been scoured by millions, being practicallypicked cleanof any secrets it once held.
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This list will take full advantage of that. Whether notable for its beauty, lore implications or distinctiveness, this list will go over the mostfascinatinglocations in Tamriel’s coldest climate.
10Fallowstone Cave
Location: South Eastern Skyrim, North East of Riften
The outskirts of Skyrim tend to remainlargely unexploredby most players due to the obnoxious invisible borders that plague the game. This is unfortunate, as many of the most interesting areas in the entire game are located in these parts! Fallowstone cave is one such location.
The most immediately noticeable aspect of the cave is that it is extremely vast. The open-air and tall ceilings are a real breath of fresh air from the usual cramped and dark cave systems of Skyrim. The cave is so large that there are practicallyentire forestsgrowing in it! Of course, we can’t forget the bears. Fallowstone cave might just have themost bearsper square foot of any area in the entire game, so make sure you come prepared!
9Bloated Man’s Grotto
Location: North of Falkreath, South East of Rorikstead
Bloated Man’s Grotto is a location where many players will come across the early game, due to its proximity to Riverwood. Itsstunningwaterfalls, lush caves, and incredible loot make it a spot that is exciting to visit no matter much in-game progress you have.
If you’re feeling adventurous, keep an eye out for three different hidden chests in the area! You might even come across thelegendaryBolar’s Oathblade sword.
Location: Center of the western border of Skyrim
Seeing one of the game’s majorcitieson this list may seem unfitting, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Theextreme verticalityof the city makes it a sight to behold, and it is difficult to deny the beauty of such a structure tucked away deep in a valley.
Markarth’s lore is truly fascinating, and players can get a taste of it by simply exploring the city! Just be sure to watch your step on those walkways.
7Ancestor Glade
Location: Directly East of Falkreath
Ancestor Glade is an unbelievably stunning area. A giant, lush cave with unique foliage makes it genuinely surprising to come across. The area is so impressive that it has served as an alternative starting area for some of the biggest Skyrimmodsaround! Keep in mind though that Ancestor Glade is only available in the Dawngaurd DLC.
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The cave is home to agiantblossoming cherry tree, which might just be the only one in the entire game. You’re going to want to take screenshots of this one.
6Castle Karstaag Ruins
Location: North West coast of Solstheim
It is a huge shame that the Castle Karstaag Ruins is so often missed by most players. Not only is this giant, icy caveastonishingto look at, but it is also home to what may be thehardestboss fightin the entire game! Unfortunately, this site is only available to those who have the Skyrim Special Edition or Dragonborn DLC, as it is located in the offshore country of Solstheim.
Take the threat of the boss fighting inside seriously. Those who come ill-prepared won’t stand a chance against the frost giant.
5Frost Troll Strikes Back
Location: Bleakcoast Cave, South East of Winterhold
One of the mostwell-belovedEaster eggs in Skyrim is located in Bleakcoast Cave. Keen-eyed players familiar with the Star Wars movies will be able to spot a hilarious recreation of one of the opening scenes of The Empire Strikes Back.
A Frost Troll can be seen guarding a body hanging from the ceiling, having dropped a glowing sword that sits on the floor below. This is a direct reference to the scene in which Luke Skywalker is captured by a Wampa, a creature that closely resembles Skyrim’s Frost Trolls.
4Azura’s Star Cave
Location: Quest can be started at Shrine of Azura, mountain top South of Winterhold
When ranked by sheer distinctiveness, Azura’s Star Cave is rivaled by none. The assets seen here aren’t usedanywhereelse in Skyrim, making it that much more beautiful. However, players wishing to see this area for themselves will have to work for it, as doing so requirestotal completionof the Azura’s Star questline.
It can be activated by speaking to a woman named Aranea Lenith, who spends most of her time at the Shrine of Azura. At the end players will be rewarded with not only abreathtakingview, but also with Azura’s Star itself. The item allows players to collect soulswithout restrictionfor the entire duration of the game.
3Throat Of The World
Location: South East of Whiterun, you can’t miss is it
This list would not be complete without one of Skyrim’s most notable locations, the Throat Of The World. Noted in Elder Scrolls lore as the tallest point inallof Tamriel, the mountain peak offers a stunning view of Skyrim.
For those who love Easter eggs, look for a pickaxe wedged in the stone at the very top of the peak. The tool is named the “Notched Pickaxe” in direct reference to Notch, the creator of Minecraft. If you’re going to try to climb the peak, just ensure to bring a horse!
2Blackreach
Location: Deep beneath Skyrim, can be accessed through Aftland South West of Winterhold
Blackreach is sort of infamous among Skyrim fans. Reason being it is both one of the most beautiful locations in Skyrim, while simultaneously incredible obnoxious to go through. The deep cave is home to enemies that arefarabove the player’s level for when the player typically arrives there in the main quest.
Plus, extremelydrearylighting makes it a pain to traverse as it is so large and confusing. All things considered though, it is still an amazing sight to behold, especially after dungeon crawling in ancient dwarven ruins for hours!
1Forgotten Vale
Location: Accessed through Darkfall Cave, North of Markarth
Another stunning location that is only available in the Dawngaurd DLC, Forgotten Vale is one of the most exciting areas in the game to explore. The area is home to so manyfascinatinglocations that it is better to just let the player experience them for themselves!
Just verify to keep an eye out for those sheer ice cliffs! Two dragons hide among them, waiting to burst out andambushthe player without any warning.
