Exploration is a staple of The Elder Scrolls series and Skyrim in particular. It is one of the sole reasons that players can spend hours upon hours in the fictional world, and is part of why Skyrim has stood the test of time!
But sometimes, exploring Skyrim leads to some deeper discoveries. Players with a keen eye will find some of the more interesting and secretive areas of the game! Here are best-hidden locations that most Skyrim players never find.
10 Silvermoon Shipwreck
Speaking with the residents of Riverwood will reveal that the shipwreck of Silvermoon is somewhat of a legend among the townsfolk. Players who take a plunge into the lake just south of the Lady Stone will be blessed to find the fabled trade ship themselves!
The ship is home to a leveled chest, meaning that no matter how much (or how little) you’ve played the game, the loot will always be useful. A somewhat decent hand axe can be found wedged in the wood of the cabin, and after a bit of swimming, you may be lucky enough to find the ship’s captain himself! Though, he has certainly seen better days…
9 The Dev Room
This entry is unique on this list in that it is impossible to access without console commands, meaning that without mods it is only accessible to PC players. That being said, it is easily one of the most fascinating locations in the entire game!
The Dev Room is a massive underground area used by developers while creating Skyrim. It is home to every item, crafting table, and even some cut content! Players interested in the dev room will be ecstatic to learn that there are multiple different rooms, including a particularly menacing example where killed NPCs are stored.
8 The Chill
Unless you have committed crimes against Skyrim and her people, it is unlikely that you will ever stumble upon this location accidentally. The Chill is Winterhold’s Prison, located on an isolated glacier at the very northern edge of the world map.
For such a fascinating location, there isn’t much to find in terms of loot. However, explorers are highly encouraged to take the journey to the frigid cave, just be prepared to fight a few Frost Atronachs along the way! Or, for a faster trip, maybe just get arrested.
7 Giant Nirnroot Island
Players wishing to see this spectacle for themselves will need to have the Dragonborn DLC, as the island is just North-East of Solstheim. From a distance, the island doesn’t appear to be anything special, but the unique features reveal themselves upon arrival.
Just as the name suggests, the island is home to a massive Nirnroot, as well as several special Nirnroots that will give the player several copies for each plant they pick. The journey may be long, but the reward is worth it!
6 Kagrenzel
Kagrenzel is a dwarven fortress that, while not exactly hidden, requires a real trek around the edge of the map to get to. The ruins resemble many others across Skyrim, but Kagrenzel is essentially just one giant booby trap.
Inside is a mesmerizing glowing orb, practically begging players to interact with it! But be warned, because activating the orb sets off a trap, releasing the floor and dropping players deep into a sprawling cave system! Surviving the fall is not guaranteed, so use the shout “Become Ethereal” right before falling to ensure a safe landing.
5 Blue Palace Treasure Room
The Blue Palace Treasure Room is going to be your most efficient “get rich quick” scheme in Skyrim. Unfortunately, it is going to require a bit of finessing to reach, so your best bet is to watch a video detailing the process.
To reach the room, head inside the palace and pick up the silver platter off of the dining table. Head down the main corridor, and wedge the platter in between the first bench on the right and the wall. Now, simply begin running into the wall/platter over and over until you eventually clip through! Follow the beam straight ahead and drop onto the chest to your left. Prepare for some serious wealth!
4 Pinewatch Passageways
The Pinewatch passages are a series of interconnected underground tunnels that are missed by a vast majority of players. This is because the entrance is hidden within a wildly unassuming cabin, one that looks virtually identical to the dozens of others all across Skyrim!
To open up the passages, look for a button hidden inside the cottage. This will reveal the horrifying discoverythat a Khajiit family was killed by bandits wanting to use their home. Use the passages to travel throughout bandit camps and avenge their deaths!
3 Arcwind Point
Arcwind Point is the definition of high risk and high reward. The enemies here are relentless, offering a real challenge to even the toughest of players! In fact, upon reaching level 78, Arcwind point becomes a guaranteed spawn point for a legendary dragon.
Players who conquer the temple will be rewarded greatly. A new word of power, a highly powerful restoration spell, and an overwhelmingamount of gold and other goodies are ripe for the picking! Just make sure you arrive prepared.
2 Yngol Barrow
Yngol Barrow is located East of Windhelm, placed off the beaten path in an area that is already highly unexplored. This is a true shame because the dungeon is genuinely one of the most atmospheric and tranquil areas in all of Skyrim!
Aside from the final boss, the dungeon is free from any enemies, allowing players to soak in the ambiance of the Yngol Barrow’s unique lighting. Mysterious glowing orbs will follow the player around, lighting up the fog as he/she progresses through the dungeon. Once all is said and done, players are rewarded with a rather heftyhelmet!
1 Azura’s Star Cave
Azura’s Star Cave is not exactly as “hidden” as it is just difficult to get to. To reach the area, players have to complete a major questline where success isn’t even guaranteed thanks to a few level requirements. On the other hand, the cave is easily the most awe-inspiring location in Skyrim.
To see this beautiful location for yourself, activate the “Azur’s Star” questline by speaking to Aranea Lenith, a woman who can typically be found worshiping the shrine of Azura. Just be sure to truly relishyour time in the cave, as upon quest completion you will never see it again.