City · The Rift
Canal city on Lake Honrich in the Rift, controlled in practice by the Black-Briar family. The Thieves Guild hides in the Ratway below the market, and the Temple of Mara performs marriages.
Riften is the capital of The Rift on the Skyrim map.
Riften is the capital of the Rift, tucked into the far south east corner of Skyrim on the shore of Lake Honrich, close to the borders with Morrowind and Cyrodiil. The city is built from wood on pilings over the water, which is why so much of it creaks. Riften Stables and a carriage sit outside the north gate, and the road west along the lake leads toward Ivarstead and the path up to High Hrothgar.
Riften has three layers. The upper street level (Dryside) holds Mistveil Keep, the Temple of Mara, The Bee and Barb inn run by Keerava and Talen-Jei, Haelga's Bunkhouse, the Black-Briar Meadery and the open market. A wooden walkway runs below it along the canal, and outside the walls on the lake side is Plankside, the docks, with the Riften Fishery owned by Bolli.
Under the city lies The Ratway, a tangle of tunnels that leads to The Ragged Flagon and the Cistern, headquarters of the Thieves Guild.
Jarl Laila Law-Giver rules from Mistveil Keep with Anuriel as her steward. If the Imperials take the Rift during the Civil War, Maven Black-Briar becomes Jarl instead. Once you are named Thane you receive Iona as your housecarl; she waits in Honeyside. The full route to the title is covered in Thane of Riften.
Honeyside is in the north west corner of the city and has two doors, one on the street and one opening onto the docks. The listed price is 8,000 gold, but the steward will accept as little as 5,000. Under Laila you first complete Helping Hand, The Raid and Supply and Demand plus a few favors for townsfolk; if the Imperials control Riften those steps are skipped. Upgrades cost 600 (bedroom), 500 (kitchen), 1,000 each (alchemy lab and enchanting area), 800 (garden), 400 (porch) and 550 for the Hearthfire child's bedroom. Compare it with the other homes in Skyrim houses.
Most Thieves Guild quests begin or return here, starting with Brynjolf in the market. Side quests that start in town include Promises to Keep, The Book of Love and Supply and Demand, and the Temple of Mara is where you buy an Amulet of Mara and hold your wedding (see Skyrim marriage).
In the market you will find Madesi (jewelry), Brand-Shei (general goods), Grelka (armor, and Light Armor training) and Marise Aravel (food). Balimund runs the forge at The Scorched Hammer and trains Smithing, and Elgrim and Hafjorg sell potions at Elgrim's Elixirs. Master trainers in Sneak, Lockpicking, Pickpocket and Archery work out of the Ragged Flagon Cistern once you join the guild.
Riften is in the south east corner of the map, on Lake Honrich in the Rift, near the Morrowind and Cyrodiil borders. Its stables and carriage are outside the north gate.
Laila Law-Giver, with Anuriel as steward. Maven Black-Briar takes over if the Imperial Legion gains control of the Rift.
Help the Jarl with Helping Hand, The Raid and Supply and Demand, do a few favors in town, then pay Anuriel. The price is 8,000 gold, though 5,000 is accepted.
Enter The Ratway from the canal level below the city and follow the tunnels to The Ragged Flagon. The Cistern behind it is the guild headquarters.
Yes. Buy an Amulet of Mara from Maramal at the Temple of Mara, propose to an eligible character while wearing it, then return to the temple for the ceremony.