Monastery of the Greybeards near the top of the Throat of the World, reached by the 7,000 Steps from Ivarstead. The player learns Unrelenting Force and Whirlwind Sprint here during The Way of the Voice.
High Hrothgar is in Whiterun Hold, about 0.6 km south-east of Whiterun and about 0.4 km south-east of Honningbrew Meadery. The nearest hold capital is Whiterun, which carriages from the other major cities can reach. From there, head south-east for 0.6 km to reach High Hrothgar.
Collectibles at High Hrothgar
Word wall: High Hrothgar. Teaches "Ro" of Unrelenting Force. Taught by the Greybeards during The Way of the Voice. Teaches "Dah" of Unrelenting Force. Taught by the Greybeards during The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Teaches "Wuld" of Whirlwind Sprint. Taught by the Greybeards during The Way of the Voice.
Type
Temple
Group
Sacred sites
World
Skyrim
Where High Hrothgar is and how to get there
High Hrothgar is the monastery of the Greybeards, built about halfway up the Throat of the World, the tallest mountain in Skyrim. On the map it sits southeast of Whiterun and northwest of Ivarstead, on the border of Whiterun Hold and the Rift.
The only path is the 7,000 Steps, which start at the bridge in Ivarstead. Despite the name there are only around 700 to 800 actual steps, and the walk takes a few minutes. Ten etched tablets line the route; reading all of them grants the Voice of the Sky effect for 24 hours, which stops animals attacking you. Expect at least one frost troll near the top regardless of your level, along with wolves, snow bears and ice wraiths. Full route with the troll spot marked: how to get to High Hrothgar.
Before you leave Ivarstead, talk to Klimmek by the bridge. He gives you a bag of supplies to drop in the offering chest outside the monastery doors. He pays a leveled gold reward, 500 gold at low level and more later.
Inside High Hrothgar and the Greybeards
The building is one large hall with sleeping quarters and a back courtyard. Four Greybeards live here: Arngeir, the only one who speaks normally, plus Borri, Einarth and Wulfgar, whose Voices are so strong the ground shakes when they talk. Their leader, the dragon Paarthurnax, lives at the summit above.
Nothing here is worth stealing early on, but after you complete The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller the Greybeards let you take the potions, ingredients and books lying around the hall.
Quests at High Hrothgar
The Way of the Voice: the Greybeards summon you after you absorb your first dragon soul. Einarth teaches Ro, the second word of Unrelenting Force, and you test it on spectral targets. In the courtyard Borri teaches Wuld, the first word of Whirlwind Sprint, and you sprint through a gate before it closes.
The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller: Arngeir sends you to Ustengrav for the horn. Bring it back and the Greybeards formally greet you as Dragonborn and give you the third word of Unrelenting Force.
The Throat of the World: Arngeir teaches all three words of Clear Skies so you can pass the killing winds behind the courtyard (25 points of frost damage per second) and climb to Paarthurnax.
Season Unending: if the Civil War is still running, a peace council between the Empire and the Stormcloaks is held here.
Paarthurnax: the Blades ask you to kill the old dragon, which the Greybeards oppose.
Tips for High Hrothgar
Buy or find a Fire spell before the climb; the frost troll is weak to fire and hits hard at low level.
Arngeir can point you to the nearest undiscovered word wall whenever you ask, which is the easiest way to fill out your word wall list.
Do not shout inside Whiterun before the summons; the Greybeards only call once Dragon Rising is done.
Fast travel to High Hrothgar unlocks after your first visit, so the climb is a one time trip.
High Hrothgar: FAQ
Where is High Hrothgar on the map?
On the Throat of the World, southeast of Whiterun and northwest of Ivarstead. The path up starts at the bridge in Ivarstead in the Rift.
How many steps are there to High Hrothgar?
The path is called the 7,000 Steps, but there are only around 700 to 800 real steps and ten etched tablets along the way.
What shouts do you learn at High Hrothgar?
The second and third words of Unrelenting Force, the first word of Whirlwind Sprint and, later, all three words of Clear Skies.
Is there a frost troll on the way to High Hrothgar?
Yes, at least one frost troll always appears on the upper part of the path. Fire damage and the narrow ledges make it manageable even at low level.
Can you live in High Hrothgar in Skyrim?
No. There is no purchasable home, but after The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller you may take any of the items lying around the monastery.
