Guides / The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Volkihar Ruins
The Volkihar Ruins are accessed from the castle's rear courtyard during the quest "Chasing Echoes." You and Serana must navigate through crumbling towers, subterranean passages, and an overgrown courtyard to locate Valerica's hidden laboratory. The area requires solving a lunar dial puzzle and opening a portal to the Soul Cairn.
- Region
- Castle Volkihar
- Getting there
- North side of the island behind Castle Volkihar, through the entrance leading under the castle docks to Volkihar Courtyard
- Connects to
- Castle Volkihar, Volkihar Courtyard, Volkihar Undercroft, Valerica's Study
- Related quests
- Chasing Echoes
- Services and people
- Serana
- Enemy types
- Death Hound · Feral Vampire · Gargoyle · Frostbite Spider · Skeleton
Items
0/2
Secrets
0/1
Enemies
Hostile undead hounds found guarding the courtyard and underground corridors.
Aggressive vampires that attack on sight inside the ruined halls.
Statues that animate and attack as you approach certain corridors and the courtyard.
Basic archers and swordsmen scattered throughout the ruins.
Tips
- You must collect all three missing crests from the courtyard and place them into the central Moondial to unlock the passage leading further into the ruins.
- Bring strong fire spells or fire-enchanted weapons, as many undead enemies lurking in these ruins share a vulnerability to fire damage.
Not listed for this area: shops and people.
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