Excavation Sites appear throughout the game in and around Nordic, Dwemer and Falmer (Snow Elf) ruins.
Activating an excavation site will have the player chisel fragments from the site and the Archaeology Skill will be raised by 1. Without any archaeology skill perks, a dig site will give 2 Fragments and a chance of one Keystone corresponding to the type of dig site.
There are 46 Nordic, 22 Dwemer and 36 Falmer Excavation sites placed in the world by Legacy of the Dragonborn SSE. See below for additional Sites added by Legacy of the Dragonborn Patches (Official) SE or Creation Club Patch Hub if the respective mod is installed.
Nordic
(The numbering of the images and maps corresponds to the numbering of the sites in the game data)
Outdoors (12 in total)
| RefID | Location | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX35794A | Skuldafn Temple Exterior | After exiting Skuldafn Temple, to the right of the steps leading to the portal to Sovngarde. | Worldmap |
| XX357953 | Skuldafn South Tower | Upper exit of Skuldafn South Tower, on the balcony. | Worldmap |
| XX35785D | Lost Valley Redoubt | Hidden in a stone corner under an aqueduct before the Forsworn using the grind stone. | Worldmap |
| XX357904 | Bard's Leap Summit | At the top on a ledge by the aqueduct next to Bard's Leap. | Worldmap |
| XX357976 | Valthume Exterior | Just to the right of the entrance to Valthume Vestibule. | Worldmap |
| XX3578EF | Labyrinthian Exterior | To the right of the entrance to Shalidor's Maze. | Worldmap |
| XX35787F | Dead Men's Respite Exterior | To the right of the entrance. | Worldmap |
| XX3578C5 | Hag Rock Redoubt Exterior | Bottom of the stairs near the Alchemist's Hut. | Worldmap |
| XX35797D | Volskygge Exterior | To the right of the entrance. | Worldmap |
| XX35798B | Yngol Barrow Exterior | Just to the left of the entrance. | Worldmap |
| XX35786A | Arcwind Point | Across from the word wall in the corner by the sarcophagus podium. | Worldmap |
| XX094B21 | Windcaller's Retreat | To the left of the eastern Word Wall. | Worldmap |
Indoors (34 in total)
| RefID | Location | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX357912 | Rannveig's Fast | In the main chamber with the word wall, next to the stairs leading down on the right. | 019 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX35796F | Ustengrav Depths | In the last room before entering the big cavern, on the left adjacent to the oil slick. | 020 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579A0 | Gyldenhul Barrow (Solstheim) |
In the last area, to the left of the stairs leading to the sceletal remains of Haknir Death-Brand. | 021 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578DA | Ironbind Barrow | Next to a campfire in the room before the last chamber. | 022 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579B5 | White Ridge Sanctum (Solstheim) |
In the first big cavern, across the chasm behind the floor grating. | 023 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578A2 | Forelhost Crypt | In the large room to the east, after going down the spiral ramp. | 024 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357968 | Twilight Sepulcher | On the right side of the main staircase immediately after entering. | 025 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357871 | Bleak Falls Sanctum | In the last cavern with the Word Wall, immediately to the left of the entrance. | 026 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357860 | Angarvunde Ruins | Next to a wooden staircase in the western room. | 028 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357935 | Shroud Hearth Barrow | Just after leaving Shroud Hearth Depths, before the secret passage leading back to Wyndelius' chamber. | 029 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357984 | Volunruud Elder's Cairn | In the last area, to the left of Kvenel the Tongue's throne. | 030 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX35789B | Folgunthur | Near the beginning of the ruin in the first room full of Draugr, to the right of the dining table. | 031 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX35795A | Snow Veil Catacombs | In the first big room with the many Draugr, below where the Model Ship is found. | 032 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357919 | Saarthal | To the right in the chamber with the Eye of Magnus. | 034 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX35793C | Silent Moons Camp | In the last room of the camp's interior, next to the ladder leading back outside. | 035 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578D3 | Hillgrund's Tomb | In the disgraced ancestor part of the tomb, right before the main burial chamber. | 036 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357999 | Raven Rock Mine (Solstheim) |
To the right of the stairs in front of the sealed door which can be opened with the Bloodskal Blade. | 038 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357888 | Deepwood Redoubt | In the passage after the frozen area near the entrance. | 039 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357943 | Silverdrift Lair | In the central chamber before the spiked door leading to the word wall on the ground floor. | 040 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578B0 | Frostmere Crypt | In the hallway right before Frostmere Depths next to a vein of iron ore. | 042 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578BE | Geirmund's Hall | In the small room with the tomb, right next to Sigdis Gauldurson. | 046 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357927 | Shriekwind Bastion | Bottom of the main large room, next to the trapdoor. | 047 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578E8 | Labyrinthian Thoroughfare | In the first room where the stream ends, straight ahead after going down the stairs. | 050 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357863 | Ansilvund Burial Chambers | In the passage after the room with the master-locked gates. | 051 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578CC | High Gate Ruins Catacombs | In the room to the north with the two sarcophagi and the soul gem on a booby-trapped pedestal. | 052 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357992 | Ysgramor's Tomb | In the room to the west near the handle to open the locked gate. | 053 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579AE | Vahlok's Tomb (Solstheim) |
In the north-western corner of the central cavern, after going up the stairs to the right of the sacrifice pit. | 056 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357878 | Blind Cliff Bastion | In the last room where you encounter Petra. | 057 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX35788F | Dustman's Crypt | In the north-western room with the Word Wall, next to the stairs on the left. | 058 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579A7 | Kolbjorn Barrow (Solstheim) |
In the first cavern after entering during the first excavation stage, to the right of the table with the Kolbjorn Skull. | 060 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX35790B | Ragnvald Temple | At the end of the dungeon, to the north in the same room as the word wall. | 062 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3578E1 | Kilkreath Catacombs | In the last room where you pick up Dawnbreaker, at the southern wall. | 065 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX094B13 | North Windcaller Pass | In the second big cavern (where the path branches), next to the Etched Tablet. | 066 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX094B1A | South Windcaller Pass | In the first big cavern with the three Ice Trolls, to the left of the first blockade. | 067 - Local Map |
Dwemer
(The numbering of the images and maps corresponds to the numbering of the sites in the game data)
Outdoors (6 in total)
| RefID | Location | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX3578E0 | Blackreach | To the right of the Great Lift at Mzinchaleft. | |
| XX3579D8 | Blackreach | South of Sinderion's Field Laboratory, at the large Dwemer building. | |
| XX357A30 | Reachwind Eyrie Exterior | To the right of the entrance. | Worldmap |
| XX357A49 | Ruins of Rkund Exterior | Right next to the base camp and the entrance to the ruins. | Worldmap |
| XX357A28 | Raldbthar Exterior | To the left of the staircase leading to the entrance. | Worldmap |
| XX357A41 | Tower of Mzark Exterior | To the left of the entrance. | Worldmap |
Indoors (16 in total)
| RefID | Location | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX3579F8 | Bthardamz Lower District | In the second room, next to the central circular platform with 4 rotating blades. | 018 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A08 | Kagrenzel | To the left immediately after entering. | 027 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A00 | Irkngthand Slave Pens | Immediately after entering from the Irkngthand Grand Cavern, straight down the corridor. | 033 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579E8 | Debate Hall (Blackreach) |
In front of the podium. | 037 - Local Map |
| XX3579F0 | Aetherium Forge | To the left of the big staircase on the first landing. | 041 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A61 | Nchardak Great Chamber (Solstheim) |
Going down the ramp to the south all the way down once the water is lowered enough to walk on the ground floor, directly east of the ramp. | 043 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579CC | Avanchnzel Boilery | In the last room before returning to Avanchnzel, at the southern wall. | 044 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579BC | Alftand Glacial Ruins | In the first big room after leaving the frozen area, at the northern wall. | 045 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A18 | Mzulft Boilery | In the passage that leads out of the Falmer cave. | 048 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A51 | Fahlbtharz (Solstheim) |
Immediately underneath and to the left of the entrance door to the Room of Gears. | 049 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A38 | Temple of Xrib (Sightless Pit) | In the massive central chamber, on the left side on a cliff. | 054 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A59 | Kagrumez (Solstheim) |
In the north-eastern room, accessible after passing the second trial. | 055 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX0F329 | Ruins of Rkund | On the ground in the Falmer village located in the massive chamber, due south of the entrance to Karagas' Maze. | 059 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A10 | Mzinchaleft Depths | In the last room before the entrance to Mzinchaleft Gatehouse, to the right of the staircase near the well. | 061 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX357A20 | Nchuand-Zel Control | After entering the location, at the end of the corridor before it takes a short turn west. | 063 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX3579C4 | Arkngthamz | At the bottom on the north end of the chasm where Karliah's body is found. | 064 - Local Map - Worldmap |
Falmer
(The numbering of the images and maps corresponds to the numbering of the sites in the game data)
Outdoors (10 in total)
| RefID | Location | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX1FE5A6 | Forgotten Vale | Behind the left staircase to the Inner Sanctum. | Worldmap |
| XX2036C4 | Forgotten Vale | Across the river south-east from the Wayshrine of Learning. | |
| XX1FE5B0 | Forgotten Vale | Between the Frozen Lake and the Wayshrine of Resolution, at a pillar to the right. | |
| XX2036CD | Forgotten Vale | In the lair of the Frost Giant holding the Emerald Paragon. | Worldmap |
| XX2036D6 | Forgotten Vale | At the start of the Pilgrim's Path, slightly north-east of the stone arch. | |
| XX20379D | Forgotten Vale Forest | In the northern part of the area, near the Ice Troll lair. | Worldmap |
| XX2037A6 | Forgotten Vale | South-southeast of the lair of the Frost Giant holding the Diamond Paragon, past the ore veins and the frozen mammoth skull. | Worldmap |
| XX2037AF | Forgotten Vale | Almost directly north below the exit from Darkfall Passage. | |
| XX2037B8 | Forgotten Vale | At the frozen lake, on the western shore near the waterfall. | |
| XX2037C1 | Forgotten Vale | South-east of the Unknown Book, Vol. I, at the shore of the river after entering the main valley. | Worldmap |
Indoors (26 in total)
| RefID | Location | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX1F949C | Inner Sanctum (Forgotten Vale) |
In the eastern room accessed via the Paragon Platform by using the Sapphire Paragon. | 069 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX2036DF | Irkngthand Sanctuary | To the left of the big Snow Elf Statue (difficult to reach since the cave is flooded after the fight with Mercer Frey and can only be accessed from Bronze Water Cave). | 075 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX2036E8 | Gloomreach Hive | At the bottom of the big pit in the living area at the Hive right before the exit back to the Cavern. Next to a Falmer hut. | 076 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX2036F9 | Darkwater Pass | Near the upper entrance in the first cavern at the base of the waterfall. | 077 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX203704 | Darkwater Pass | In a side room on the lower level, next to an arcane enchanter. | 078 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX20370D | Duskglow Crevice | Close to the entrance, on the ground below the ledge where two Falmer are fighting a Bandit. | 079 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX203716 | Lost Echo Cave | In the northern room, next to the ceremonial brazier. | 080 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX20371F | Liar's Retreat | In the last room with The Longhammer, at the northern wall. | 081 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX203728 | Darkfall Cave | At the end of the first hanging bridge shortly after entering the cave (difficult to reach after the bridge has collapsed, you can use Whirlwind Sprint). | 082 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX203731 | Darkfall Grotto (Forgotten Vale) |
After dropping into the lake from the Forgotten Vale, on a ledge to the right. | 083 - Local Map |
| XX203742 | Sharpslope Cave (Forgotten Vale) |
After entering through the lower entrance, behind the Falmer hut on the wooden structure. | 084 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX20374B | Shimmermist Grotto | Under the bridge in the north-western cavern after the Chaurus nest. | 085 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX203754 | Tolvald's Gap | At the bottom of the cliff right after entering, next to a waterfall. | 086 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX20375D | Stillborn Cave | At the end of the side tunnel leading west from the second room. | 087 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX203770 | Glacial Crevice (Forgotten Vale) |
Following the underground stream to the south and west, then a tunnel at the end leading north and east, up three hanging bridges in the next part of the cave. | 088 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX203779 | Darkfall Passage | In the cavern after the first waterfall, near the booby-trapped chest surrounded by Gleamblossoms. | 089 - Local Map |
| XX203794 | Darkfall Passage | In the cavern with the big waterfall, at the right bridge leading through the fall. | 090 - Local Map |
| XX6B77DC | Trinimac's Temple Ruins | To the left as you enter the cave. | 096 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX247195 | Lost Ruins (Greenwall Cave) |
On a cliff in the main cavern, accessible after the first part of the scaffolding is built. | 097 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX6B77E6 | Trinimac's Temple Ruins | At the bottom of the cave, behind a broken stone arch in the eastern part. | 098 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX6B77F0 | Trinimac's Temple | To the right after unlocking the door straight ahead from the entrance. | 099 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX6B7804 | Temple of the Venerable Ones (Forgotten Vale) |
To the left of the central chamber, after unlocking the door, following the ice cavern and the bridges leading down, at the eastern wall beneath the last bridge. | 101 - Local Map |
| XX6B780E | Temple of the Venerable Ones (Forgotten Vale) |
To the left of the central chamber, after unlocking the door, following the ice cavern until just before the bridges leading down, in the tunnel leading north. | 102 - Local Map |
| XX5C8627 | Irkngthand Refugee Annex | To the left of the staircase at the top of the ramps leading out of the big cavern. | Test1 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX5C7F67 | Alftand Refugee Annex | In the large dining room in the central part of the area, at the eastern wall next to a skeever pen. | Test2 - Local Map - Worldmap |
| XX5C822D | Temple of Xrib Refugee Annex (Sightless Pit) |
In the last room with the two Centurions, to the right of the stairs. | Test3 - Local Map - Worldmap |
Mod-added Sites
If any of the Mods listed in the following tables are installed, Legacy of the Dragonborn Patches (Official) SE or Creation Club Patch Hub (for CC content) will add additional Excavation Sites. The site from Relic Hunter- Guildmaster Start SE is the only exception, it will be placed by the mod itself.
Nordic
| Mod | RefID | Location | Description | Image or Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relic Hunter- Guildmaster Start SE | XX06B0B7 | Akaviri Outpost Exterior | At the small stream near the stairs to the entrance. | Worldmap |
| Falskaar | FEXXX82B | Mountain Mist Temple | Straight ahead from the entrance, to the left of the locked stone door. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Falskaar | FEXXX82C | Mammoth Keep Exterior | Up the stairs to the right of the entrance, at the base of the tower with the cage. | Worldmap |
| Falskaar | FEXXX82D | Ruins of Holmr Exterior | To the right of the entrance. | Worldmap |
| Helgen Reborn | FEXXX880 | North Skybound Watch Exterior | To the right of the back door leading to the pillar for the Destruction Ritual Spell quest. | Worldmap |
| Helgen Reborn | FEXXX878 | Staadomar Ruins | In the room after the cavern, straight ahead from the big staircase. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Helgen Reborn | FEXXX849 | Staadomar Temple | In the central area, to the right of the gate, before the room where Dragon's Fang is found. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Helgen Reborn | FEXXX86B | Staadomar Temple | In the eastern area, at the wall east of the Dragon Priest platform. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Helgen Reborn | FEXXX875 | Staadomar Temple | In the eastern area, to the right just before the exit to Skyrim. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Immersive College of Winterhold | FEXXX808 | Skytemple Ruins | To the left of the exit, at a pillar before the dragon mound. | Worldmap |
| Immersive College of Winterhold | FEXXX810 | Hall of the Dead (ICoW) | Misplaced in the void and unreachable without console commands. | |
| Immersive College of Winterhold | FEXXX816 | Hall of the Dead (ICoW) | Misplaced in the void and unreachable without console commands. | |
| Konahrik's Accoutrements SE | FEXXX9B3 | Revakheim | At the left wall in the room after the puzzle door. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Konahrik's Accoutrements SE | FEXXX9BA | Revakheim | At the left wall between Fjalar the Forgemaster's sarcophagus and the puzzle door. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Konahrik's Accoutrements SE | FEXXX9C0 | Revakheim Snare | In a dead end to the left just after entering. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Konahrik's Accoutrements SE | FEXXX9C6 | Revakheim Snare | Submerged in the north-eastern corner of the room where Konahrik's Greaves are found. Note: Getting to the Site is easy, just dive into the water. Leaving is much more complicated, you'll have to swim through the tunnel to the west, jump up the planks and make your way through the maze again until you'll find yourself back in the room. |
- Local Map - Worldmap |
| The Gray Cowl of Nocturnal SE | FEXXX899 | Tomb of the Forgotten Draugr (Forgotten City) |
In the north-western corner of the final room where you encounter Sadraaka. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Umbra (CC) | FEXXX816 | Champion's Rest Amphitheater | In the south-western corner of the final room where you encounter Umbra. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Umbra (CC) | FEXXX818 | Champion's Rest | To the right before the locked gate in the central room. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
Dwemer
| Mod | RefID | Location | Description | Image or Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Forgotten City | FEXXX841 | Underground Tunnels | Around the corner to the south from the entrance of "The Honest Trader". | - Local Map - City map |
| The Forgotten City | FEXXX84A | Underground Tunnels | Almost on the ground level of the irradiated area, at the eastern wall. | - Local Map - City map |
| The Forgotten City | FEXXX874 | Forgotten Ruins | To the right as you enter the central room. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| The Forgotten City | FEXXX86D | Abandoned Palace | On the upper floor, at the northern wall next to the garden. | - Local Map - City map |
| The Forgotten City | FEXXX866 | Abandoned Palace | On the middle floor, up the big staircase, to the left in the central room. | - Local Map - City map |
| The Forgotten City | FEXXX862 | Cave | Accessible from the "Sunken house". To the right just before the entrance to the "Lonely Tower". | - Local Map - City map |
| Falskaar | FEXXX82A | Echo Deep Mine | At the end of the mine, just before the entrance to "Mzubthand". | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Falskaar | FEXXX83B | Mzubthand (Echo Deep Mine) |
At the wall straight ahead after going through the portal. | - No local map - Worldmap |
| Falskaar | FEXXX84A | Ruins of Vizemundsted | To the left of the corridor that leads to the last room. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Falskaar | FEXXX842 | Ruins of Vizemundsted | To the left of the second big staircase in the first cavern. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Moon and Star | FEXXX82E | Kagrenar | In a side room to the left after entering from Skyrim. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Moon and Star | FEXXX880 | Kagrenar Dephts | In the north-eastern corner of the first room where you meet the Nerevarine. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Moon and Star | FEXXX879 | Kagrenar Dephts | At the western wall of the room where you encounter the Dwarven Centurion Titan. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| The Gray Cowl of Nocturnal SE | FEXXX8A8 | Khenzedum | To the right in the room behind the closed gate, next to the staircase. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| The Gray Cowl of Nocturnal SE | FEXXX8A0 | Alik'r Desert | Outside Khenzedum, next to the stairs leading to the entrance. | Worldmap |
| Clockwork SE | FEXXX80B | Nurndural - Hall of Elements | On the ground level to the left of the stairs, east of the Dwemer Forge. | - Local Map |
| Clockwork SE | FEXXX811 | Nurndural - Sickness Ward | At the southern wall in the cavern to the east with the giant mushrooms. | - Local Map |
| Forgotten Seasons (CC) | FEXXX9E8 | Runoff Caverns | In the easternmost room, next to the stairs. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
| Forgotten Seasons (CC) | FEXXX9E9 | Vardnknd Gallery | At a pile of rubble near the entrance to Spring's Symphony. | - Local Map - Worldmap |
Falmer
There are no mod-added Falmer Excavation Sites.