An Explorer ' s Guide to Skyrim This book is unique in that it allows for the Dragonborn to mark several locations of standing stones onto their map , if they have not discovered them already . Content . Far too often , noble visitors from Cyrodiil see little more of Skyrim than the view from their carriage . To be sure , this coarse , uncivilized province is far from hospitable , but it is also a place of fierce , wild beauty , with grand vistas and inspiring natural wonders awaiting those with the will to seek them out and the refinement to truly appreciate them . If you are of a mind to see Skyrim for yourself , I recommend beginning your adventure as I did , by seeking out Stones of Fate . No doubt you are taken aback by the name , as I once was . The provincials and village folk have all manner of dark tales about these ancient monuments . Stories of necromantic rituals and fell spirits , of great and terrible powers conferred on any who dare to touch them . The stories are , as Jarl Igrof once told me , " A load of mammoth dung . " A bit uncouth , but you get the point . To be sure , keep your guards with you at all times - brigands and wild animals are never to be taken lightly . But the stones themselves are nothing to fear . Quite the contrary , their proximity to cities and roads makes them ideal destinations for the novice explorer , and many boast spectacular views that made the journey well worth the effort . To whet your appetite , here are four such locations : Most travelers enter Skyrim by way of Helgen , " Gateway to the North . " If you find yourself in this backwater hovel , consider taking an afternoon ' s ride to the north , keeping to the road as it winds down the cliffs at the eastern end of Lake Ilinalta . Just off the path , on a small bluff , lie the three Guardian Stones , the greatest concentration of standing stones in all Skyrim . The view of the lake here at sunset is simply sublime . Visitors from Cheydinhal will pass through Riften , city of intrigue and larceny since Tiber Septim ' s day . If you seek adventure in The Rift , leave the city by the southern gate and cast your gaze upon the bluff that rises to the south . Atop it sits the Shadow Stone , a fitting symbol for the city of thieves . Whiterun is the heart of Skyrim , its towering palace rivaling even the great castles of Cyrodiil . But should you tire of the Jarl ' s hospitality , another adventure awaits a few hours east of the city , along the road that rises above White River Gorge . The The Ritual Stone can be found atop the lone hill that rises on the north side of the road , set into an ancient monument . Take time to soak in the incredible view of Whiterun , the tundra , and the gorge from this unique spot . More seasoned explorers may wish to visit Markarth , the ancient city of stone far to the west . The recent Forsworn Rebellion has made travel in the Reach perilous , but for those determined to seek adventure no matter the cost , another stone can be found to the east of the city , perched on the mountain above Kolskeggr Mine . Though the climb is difficult , reaching the summit is a milestone any explorer could be proud of . There are other Stones of Fate to be found in Skyrim - I myself have seen several more , perched on the most remote mountains peaks , or wreathed in fog amid the northern marshes . But the true joy of exploration is in the discovery , and so I leave the rest to you . May the Eight guide your steps .