Whiterun

Whiterun sits on a rocky hill in the middle of the tundra, right in the heart of Skyrim, and almost every adventure passes through it sooner or later. It is the capital of Whiterun Hold and the seat of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, who rules from the great hall of Dragonsreach at the very top of the city. Being so central makes Whiterun Skyrim’s main trading hub – and, during the civil war, a prize both sides would very much like to own.

The three districts

Whiterun is built in three tiers that climb the hill:

• Plains District – the lowest and busiest part, with the market, Belethor’s General Goods, Warmaiden’s blacksmith, Arcadia’s Cauldron and the Bannered Mare inn.
• Wind District – home to the Gildergreen, a sacred tree outside the Temple of Kynareth, and to Jorrvaskr, the mead hall of the Companions, with the ancient Skyforge just behind it.
• Cloud District – the top of the hill, where Dragonsreach looks out over the whole hold.

Role in the story

Most players arrive here during Before the Storm to warn the jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen. From there the main quest moves through Dragonsreach and the Western Watchtower in Dragon Rising, where you are named Thane of Whiterun. Whiterun is also the starting point of the Companions questline.

Breezehome

Once you have helped the jarl, you can buy Breezehome, a cosy house just inside the gate, from his steward Proventus Avenicci for 5,000 gold. Your housecarl Lydia moves in with you.

Good to know

• The stables and carriage just outside the gate make Whiterun a great travel hub before you have unlocked many fast travel points.
• Whiterun’s guards have a lot to say about arrows and knees. You will hear it. Many times.