Skyrim:Winterhold (region)

It is initially affiliated with the Stormcloaks, but can be captured by the Imperials after completing Rescue from Fort Kastav.

Winterhold is the northernmost hold in Skyrim, and has weather to match. The Sea of Ghosts is off the northern coast, Eastmarch is to the southeast, and the Pale is to the south and west.

Perhaps the most notable feature of Winterhold is the College of Winterhold, a fortress-like school for mages which was spared on a rocky outcropping even though the Great Collapse tore down most of the capital around it. All that remains of the once-great city are four still-standing buildings (and the collapsed remains of several others) near the entrance to the College.
thumb|right|Map of Winterhold thumb|right|Winterhold, the hold capital
 

Topographical Overview
Winterhold consists of snowy coasts and even snowier mountains. To the west and southwest is the Winterhold mountain range, which marks the border between Winterhold and the Pale, and some of the northern border with Eastmarch. Between the mountains and the sea to the east lies a tundra, where the elements have rendered the landscape barren and lifeless. Rock and ice shelves, and occasionally shingle beaches, form the barrier between Winterhold and the sea to the north and east. To the north the tundra stretches out into the Sea of Ghosts, forming one of the most inhospitable environments in Skyrim.

Flora and Fauna
Not many plants or creatures can survive Winterhold's harsh continental climate, and the hold is generally devoid of life as a result. The only plants that make their home in the mountains are the snowberry bush and some blue mountain flowers. By the coast, Nordic barnacles, clams and spiky grass thrive. The area around the Wreck of the Winter War is known to be rich in fish and dragonflies and a large, isolated population of salmon can be found by the coast.

As for large fauna, only the hardiest of creatures make their home in Winterhold, such as wolves, ice wolves, snow bears, snowy sabre cats, and horkers. Occasionally, an unlucky traveler might also stumble upon an ice wraith, or worse, a wispmother.

Routes and Pathways
There is only one main road running through Winterhold. It originates as a branch of the Whiterun-Windhelm road. It runs northward through the eastern side of the hold right to the city of Winterhold. Another smaller and less used road runs from Winterhold to the ancient ruins of Saarthal.

Places
All locations in Winterhold with individual map markers are listed. There are a few places without map markers listed for their significance.

Hold Capital
 
 

Farms, Towns, and Settlements including Orc Strongholds and Inns
 
 

Camps, including Giant Camps and Military Camps
 
 

Caves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dragon Lairs
thumb|right|Mount Anthor, the highest peak in Winterhold
 

Mines
 

Ruins including Dwarven and Nordic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Standing Stones and Daedric Shrines
 
 
 

Towers and Forts
 
 
 
 

Landmarks, including Bodies of Water, Clearings, Ships and Shipwrecks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Unmarked Places
There are four Shrines in Winterhold.
A Shrine of Arkay near the Winterhold Stormcloak Camp.
Three Shrines of Talos:  
East of Hob's Fall Cave.
East of the Tower Stone.
Northeast of Ysgramor's Tomb.

Winterhold Quests
All quests that are started in or are related to Winterhold (except for radiant quests begun in other holds) are listed here:

Main Quest
 

Imperial Legion Civil War Quests
 
 

Stormcloaks Civil War Quests
 
 

Daedric Quests
 
 

College of Winterhold Quests
All the College of Winterhold quests are related to Winterhold.

Companions Quests
 
 

Dark Brotherhood Quests
 

Thieves Guild Quests
 
 
 
 
 

Side Quests
 

Dawnguard Quests
 
 

Creation Club Quests
 
 
 
 
 

Other
In addition, many miscellaneous quests are located in Winterhold. They are listed here.