How to reach Cainhurst

To reach Forsaken Castle Cainhurst, collect the Cainhurst Summons through the Forbidden Woods route into Iosefka's Clinic, defeat the Witch of Hemwick, then approach the obelisk at Hemwick Crossing with the summons in your inventory. Board the carriage that appears.

Illustration of a cloaked traveler facing a moonlit gothic cathedral — AI-generated site illustration; not an in-game screenshot or official artwork.

Illustration of a brass lantern, field notes and an iron sword on a stone ledge — AI-generated field-notes illustration; not an in-game item or official artwork.

There are two different invitations in this route. The Cainhurst Summons gets you to the castle; the Unopened Summons found in the queen's chamber is for Alfred. Do not hand-wave the first as merely standing near a carriage: the invitation and Hemwick boss condition matter.

Find the invitation

In the Forbidden Woods, take the side path into the subterranean cave. Cross the poisonous cave carefully and climb the long ladder at its back to the graveyard, then enter Iosefka's Clinic from the rear. The Cainhurst Summons is on the operating table where the game began.

Trigger the carriage

Defeat the Witch of Hemwick. With the summons held, approach the large obelisk at Hemwick Crossing, on the route before the Witch's Abode. The carriage arrives in a cutscene; interact with it to travel. You cannot reach the castle by walking farther through the woods.

From the castle to Annalise

Light the castle lamp, work through the interior and library toward the rooftop route, and open its lift shortcut before repeated boss attempts. The rooftop drops and final ladder lead to Martyr Logarius.

After Logarius, pick up and wear the Crown of Illusions. Approach the wall behind his seat to reveal the hidden queen's chamber. Kneel to Annalise to join the Vilebloods and obtain the Cainhurst Badge; the normal Chikage is then sold in the Hunter's Dream for 50,000 echoes.

Questions

Why does the Cainhurst carriage not appear?

Check that you hold the Cainhurst Summons, have defeated the Witch of Hemwick, and are at the large Hemwick Crossing obelisk. The Unopened Summons is a later, different item.

Where is Annalise after Logarius?

Equip the Crown of Illusions dropped after the fight and approach the wall behind his seat. The crown reveals the route to her chamber.

Sources checked 2026-10-24

Chikage Alfred Forbidden Woods Cathedral Ward Central Yharnam Old Yharnam