If you feel like taking a break from the main quest, why not visit some of the fascinating locations Skyrim has to offer? In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites:

1.       Markarth

Markarth is widely known as being one of Skyrim’s nine major cities, split by a river and built around the intricate drops and waterfalls. Formerly a Dwarven city, it has some incredible architecture, and challenging side quests you can undertake involving the infamous Silver-bloods family. Visit the Dwemer museum to learn a thing or two from the intriguing ancient civilization. If you take a liking to the bulky, functional architecture, you can even purchase a house in Markarth with a stunning view.

2.       Throat of the World

The highest mountain in Tamriel, rich with lore and mystery, the Throat of the World is bound to astound you. People travel from across the land to behold its majesty, climbing the Seven Thousand Steps to the ancient monastery of High Hrothgar. There, the enigmatic Greybeards dwell in complete silence in their mission to become attuned to the Voice of the Sky. Just don’t run into any dragons.

3.       Blackreach

If you enjoyed the Dwemer museum, you’ll like the Dwarven ruins of Blackreach. Aglow with bioluminescence and towering fungi, this is a truly mesmerizing location. Flog and floating spores permeate the air, and you feel almost underwater. Veins of geodes spread between pools of blue water. Make it through the puzzles and unlock Dwemer mechanisms and there just might be an Elder Scroll in it for you...

4.       Ancestor Glade

Located high in the mountains, an oasis of green pierced by pillars of light, the Ancestor Glade is fiercely protected by three Spriggan Earth Mothers. If you don’t die, scavenge for some of the many plants that grow in the area, and gather some Canticle bark. Take a dip in the shallow waters and the hot springs. There are many valuable items to be obtained here: Ancestor Moths, soul gems, a rainbow bow, and another Scroll. This area is challenging but highly rewarding.

5.       Forgotten Vale

A vast glacial valley tucked behind Skyrim’s peaks, the Forgotten Vale should not be, well, forgotten. You feel uniquely isolated due to the towering walls of icy mountain around you. It’s a great place to find special Wayshrines: huge, dome-like structures made by Snow Elves long ago. Besides looking super cool, Wayshrines are also a way of fast-travelling. Here, the Wayshrines of Resolution, Illumination, Sight, and Radiance can grant you even more.

These are just a handful of magical, wondrous places there are to explore in Skyrim. It’s freeing to take a breath and wander the game like a tourist or an explorer. The amount of detail and the hundreds of minute storylines all woven together is an example of amazing worldbuilding.

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Nicoline A.

I’m a 22 y.o. Mess in the Professional Writing program. I love video games, half-assed home exercise, and going for walks. Different universes have always been an escape for me, but what is it about a fictional world that submerges you so completely?