Karthspire is a cave set into a mountain in the Karth River valley east of Markarth, right across the river from Karthspire Camp. Forsworn guard the entrance, but what they are sitting on is far more interesting than they know: behind a series of ancient puzzles lies Sky Haven Temple. You come here during the main quest Alduin’s Wall, and only the Dragonborn can open the final door.
What you’ll find
- Forsworn surrounding the entrance outside.
- A Forsworn Briarheart and several weaker Forsworn camped in the first room.
- Three puzzles built from ancient stonework – Delphine and Esbern will happily point out that this is definitely Akaviri work.
- The sealed entrance to Sky Haven Temple at the far end.
The puzzles
- The bridge: turn the symbols to the Dragonborn sign – the one that looks a bit like a heart – to lower the bridge across the room.
- The pressure plates: step on anything other than the Dragonborn symbol and flames shoot up through the floor. Pulling the chain on the pillar at the back of the room switches the traps off. Whirlwind Sprint, Become Ethereal and the Light Foot perk all get you across safely too.
- The Blood Seal: with Esbern by your side, activate the circle on the floor. The Dragonborn cuts their hand over a giant Blood Seal and the temple door swings open.
Quests
Alduin’s Wall sends you here with Delphine and Esbern to find Sky Haven Temple and the wall that tells how Alduin was defeated in ancient times. The last puzzle needs Esbern present, so don’t leave him behind.
Tips
Tell any followers other than Delphine and Esbern to wait before the pressure plate room – they are not famous for watching where they step. Clearing the Forsworn in the first room is easier with your two Blade companions throwing spells and swords alongside you.
Good to know
Karthspire itself does not respawn once its Forsworn are dead, while the camp across the river does. So if you see fresh Forsworn on your next visit, they are the neighbours, not the old tenants back from the dead.
Nearby
Closest places covered on TamrielSaga: Karthspire Camp, Red Eagle Redoubt, Reachwater Rock, Soljund’s Sinkhole, Four Skull Lookout.
Location data (hold, map position, editor ID) read from the Skyrim game files; details checked against community wiki articles and summarised in our own words.