Mount Olympus - The Spectacularly Sacred (Macedonia, Greece)

It is Greece's highest mountain and as per Greek mythology, the heavenly abode of the Twelve principal Greek gods (Zeus, the king of the gods, his wife Hera, brothers Poseidon and Hades, sisters Demeter and Hestia and children - Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes and Hephaestus).

The ancient sacred site today inspires thousands of hikers from all over the world to tackle the demanding trek to the highest peak in Greece. Once you reach there and take in the magnificence of the range it is easy to comprehend why the ancients chose this site to revere.

The entire area was declared Greece's first national park in 1937 and consists of eight peaks including the "Throne of Zeus" at 2909 metres and Mytikas which has the highest summit at 2919 metres. The park, located 100 kilometres to the south west of Thessaloniki is home to around 1700 plant species, shrouded with pine, beech, oak and cedar forests harbouring wildlife including wolves, bears and lynx. In winter the slopes are buried beneath two metres of snow and are only accessible to the most experienced climbers

HIKING MT OLYMPUS

Most serious climbers can complete the hike to the summit and back in a daytrip. Even for the less experienced two days is a good enough time frame as there are a large number of decent trails. Yet to experience the real magic of Olympus you may contemplate spending some quiet days in the woods.

You don't need any special climbing experience or equipment to take on Mt Olympus but you do need to be fit, properly equipped and have a good head for heights! Yet please don’t take the trek too lightly; it must be remembered that people have died climbing it. So please ensure the following for your own safety:

• Get a Map from the EOS office in Litohoro or the SEO office. They will provide you with a Greek map but having it is necessary.
• Warm clothes - even in the summer !!!
• Good climbing shoes
• Suncreen
• Hat / Helmet

The main base for hikers is the village of Lithoro, on the eastern border of the park. Regular bus services connect the village with Athens and Thessaloniki and there's a train station nine kilometres outside Lithoro.

Stay & Food: There are numerous places to stay including inexpensive hotels and campsites along the coast with good facilities. Lonely Planet recommends Olympios Zeus, Olympus Beach and Minerva. The least expensive hotel is the Markesia. The classiest hotel is the Mirto Hotel on the main square. There are plenty of restaurants and fast food places to eat.

Organized Tours: Most Greek travel agents arrange excursions to Mt Olympus with accommodation included (a hotel bed in Lithoro and a basic bunk in the mountain refuges that provide welcome overnight pit stops for hikers). Climbing Olympus is a major attraction and if you plan without a reservation in July or August you may have difficulty finding a bed for the night.

For sample routes and information you might find these links useful

Mount Olympus Hiking Six Peaks

A Hiking Route for Mt Olympus and Accommodation;

A Basic Map with the Refuges locations

For more information you can buy Lonely Planet's 'Trekking in Greece' or The Rough Guide.

Nearby Attractions
Ancient Dion - Visit the Archaeological Park and Museum at the foot of Mount Olympus. Sacred to the Macedonians, Alexander the great used to make sacrifices to the Gods here before going off to conquer the world. During the August Olympus Festival plays are performed at the restored ancient theatre.

HOW TO REACH

The main base for hikers is the village of Lithoro, on the eastern border of the park

By Car: From Athens OR Thessaloniki it's a relatively easy drive to Mt. Olympus. However, usual cautions about driving in Greece apply.

By Bus: From Athens OR Thessaloniki regular bus services connect the village.

By Train: From Athens OR Thessaloniki there are connections to Lithoro. But the train station is located nine kilometres outside of Lithoro.

Useful links: Matt Barrett's Guide