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Topographical Overview

Whiterun Hold, named for the fortress city in the eastern part of its vast Tundra plain, is the most centrally located of the nine Holds. Roads are numerous and well maintained, and visibility across the plains is excellent.

This Hold is relatively flat, surrounded by the mountains of the Reach to the west, Hjaalmarch and the Pale to the north, and Falkreath to the south. However, Whiterun’s southeastern corner is dominated by the gigantic and soaring Throat of the World—the highest mountain in all of Tamriel.

It is here that many climb the 7,000 steps to High Hrothgar, home to the mysterious and reclusive Greybeards.

Routes and Pathways

Whiterun is certainly one of the most well-tracked Holds, with main roads and excellent access west to the Reach, with a border road north through the town of Rorikstead and up toward Dragon Bridge.

The Tundra plains have a number of odd barrows and giant camps to investigate, and the center is dominated by Fort Greymoor. The road here allows you to travel north, up through the mountains to reach the dreaded Labyrinthian in Hjaalmarch.

Farther east is Whiterun and the roaring White River and town of Riverwood on the southern border with Falkreath. Another road stretches north from here, into the wilds of the Pale.

There’s yet another road that skirts the northern foothills of the Throat of the World, following White River valley into Eastmarch.

And although the first of the 7,000 steps that pilgrims take to reach the summit of the Throat of the World begins in Ivarstead (in the Rift), the actual mountain lies within Whiterun’s domain.

However, only those possessing a Thu’um (Shout) powerful enough to impress the Greybeards of High Hrothgar will be allowed to finish the journey to the summit....