This guide will provide you with all possible dragon locations in Skyrim. You will know where to find dragons, including random encounters, as well as unique dragons that play special roles in the world of Tamriel.
Where to Find Dragons in Skyrim
Look for Dragon Lairs
There are nine distinct kinds of dragons in Skyrim that can be distinguished by colors and elements:
Brown Dragons (Fire, Frost) Green Blood Dragons (Fire, Frost) White-Blue Frost Dragons (Frost) Bronze Elder Dragons (Fire, Frost) Red-Black Ancient Dragons (Fire, Frost) Orange Revered Dragons (Fire) Black-Purple Legendary Dragons (Fire, Frost) Blue Serpentine Dragons (Fire, Frost) Undead Skeletal Dragons (Frost)
You can randomly face dragons in the open world, but if you wish a guaranteed encounter with a dragon, then you must visit one of the ten main dragon lairs, where these creatures protect ancient word walls (see the map above for exact spots):
Ancient’s Ascent Autumnwatch Tower Bonestrewn Crest Dragontooth Crater Eldersblood Peak Lost Tongue Overlook Mount Anthor Northwind Summit Shearpoint Skyborn Altar
There are two more dragon lairs that are available in other locations besides the kingdom of Skyrim:
Saering’s Watch. Located in the northern part of the Solstheim island. Bleak Falls Barrow. Located west of Riverwood village.
Quest Dragons
Alduin
This dragon is the main antagonist of the game. You will encounter him several times throughout the main storyline at the following locations:
Helgen, Falkreath (“Unbound” quest) Kynesgrove, Giant’s Run, Eastmarch (“A Blade in the Dark” quest) Throat of the World, Whiterun (“Alduin’s Bane” quest) Sovngarde, Aetherius (“Sovngarde” and “Dragonslayer” quests)
Durnehviir
This undead dragon can be found at the Soul Cairn plane, which is accessible through the portal in the Castle Volkihar, Haafingar.
Krosulhah
This frost dragon can be seen outside of Nchardak to the northeast of Tel Mithryn. You also need to complete “The Path of Knowledge” quest, given by Storn Crag-Strider at Skaal Village, Solstheim.
Kruziikrel, Relonikiv, Sahrotaar
These unique dragons can be encountered during the “At the Summit of Apocrypha” quest, given by Frea at Skaal Village, Solstheim. You will face the dragons after interacting with the Black Book: Waking Dreams at the Apocrypha plane inside Oblivion.
Mirmulnir
While doing the “Dragon Rising” main quest, given by Jarl Balgruuf at Dragonsreach, Whiterun, you will encounter Milmulnir outside Whiterun, attacking the Western Watchtower.
Naaslaarum, Voslaarum
These two revered dragons can be found during “Touching the Sky” quest, given by Serana at the Forgotten Vale, Haafingar. They will attack you both at once at the giant frozen lake.
Nahagliiv
During the main quest this dragon will be resurrected by Alduin. Later you will have a chance to meet him at the Serpent’s Bluff Redoubt, Whiterun.
Odahviing
There are two quests that will require you to face Odahviing:
Dragonsreach, Whiterun (“The Fallen” quest) Throat of the World, Whiterun (“Epilogue” quest)
Paarthurnax
The leader of the Greybeards faction is one mighty dragon, who can be encountered at Throat of the World, Whiterun during the following quests:
“The Throat of the World” “Alduin’s Bane” “Paarthurnax” “Epilogue”
Sahloknir
This dragon can be encountered at Dragon Mound: Kynesgrove Resurrection in the Eastmarch hold.
Viinturuth
Here is another dragon resurrected by Alduin, who can be seen west of Anga’s Mill, The Pale during the “Elder Knowledge” quest, given by Paarthurnax at Throat of the World, Whiterun.
Vuljotnaak
Find this dragon at the Great Henge Resurrection located southwest of Sleeping Tree Camp, Whiterun.
Vulthuryol
The last dragon cannot be found, but he can be summoned by following these steps:
Travel to Blackreach, Winterhold, The Pale Locate a massive orb above the Debate Hall building Use Unrelenting Force dragon shout on the orb Wait for the Vulthuryol to appear
Related guides
Skyrim Companions: How to Get All Followers Skyrim: How to Get Dragon Scales Skyrim: How to Get Dragon Bones
That’s all you need to know on where to find dragons in Skyrim. Also, be sure to check out our other Skyrim tips and tricks articles on the dedicated hub page.
