The Seven Thousand Steps is the long pilgrim’s path that coils around the Throat of the World, the tallest mountain in Tamriel, up to the Greybeards’ monastery of High Hrothgar. It starts at the bridge near Fellstar Farm by Ivarstead, where you’ll first overhear Klimmek and Gwilin talking about the climb. During the main quest, getting up these stairs is the first test the Greybeards set for you.
What you’ll find
- Ten wayshrines along the route, each with a carved passage to read and contemplate.
- Trolls, bears and wolves on the way up.
- Around 15 snowberry bushes scattered along the path.
Quests
You climb the Steps during The Way of the Voice to answer the Greybeards’ summons.
Tips
Read all ten wayshrines and you’ll earn the Voice of the Sky blessing, which lasts for a day. Trolls, bears and wolves can ambush you along the way, so don’t make the pilgrimage in your underwear. And don’t bother counting the steps: you’ll only get to roughly 700–800 visible ones before snow and wear take over.
Good to know
Todd Howard once joked he’d count every step himself. Jarl Balgruuf made the pilgrimage once and admits he envies you, while M’aiq the Liar claims he simply lost count.
Details checked against community wiki articles and the Skyrim game files, summarised in our own words.
