Mount Olympus, a name synonymous with mythology and majesty, beckons travelers with its towering peaks and rich history. Located in northeastern Greece, straddling the regions of Thessaly and Macedonia, this legendary mountain has captivated imaginations for millennia. Even before the era of Homer, the semi-legendary author of the Odyssey and the Iliad, Mount Olympus was revered as the home of Zeus, the king of the gods, and the pantheon of Greek deities. His tales, woven between 800 and 1200 BCE, cemented the mountain’s place in the collective consciousness as the source of Zeus’s mighty thunderbolts.
The allure of Mount Olympus is undeniable. Rising dramatically from the Aegean Sea, it culminates in a formidable height of 2,917 meters (9,570 feet), making it not only the tallest mountain in Greece but also the second tallest in the Balkans. This imposing presence, with its jagged peaks often shrouded in mist and snow, lends itself perfectly to the magical stories that have sprung up around it.
The Landscape of the Gods
The lower slopes of Mount Olympus are a tapestry of dense forests, punctuated by narrow, dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, and mysterious caves. These hidden recesses, steeped in folklore, were believed to be the dwelling places of lesser gods and various spirits. The mountain’s summit is not a single point but a collection of 52 distinct peaks, each with its own character. For a significant portion of the year, approximately eight months, these peaks are capped with snow, creating a breathtaking vista that shifts with the seasons. Even during the warmer months, the higher reaches are often veiled in clouds, adding to the mountain’s mystique and unpredictable nature.
Hiking and Climbing: A Challenge for Mortals
For seasoned mountaineers, the ascent to the peaks of Mount Olympus may not present an insurmountable challenge. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the mountain demands respect. Many visitors, lulled into a false sense of security, underestimate the inherent risks and attempt to conquer the trails without proper preparation or navigational tools. Sadly, this often leads to mountain rescues and, in some cases, fatalities each year.
Fortunately, there are options for those who prefer a less strenuous experience. Numerous easy walks lead to the trailheads and venture into some of the more picturesque gorges. For those with vehicles, it’s possible to drive partway up to the National Park parking areas, which serve as starting points for various trails.
A complete trek to the Mount Olympus massif typically spans two to three days, requiring overnight stays in one of the mountain refuges. This undertaking demands considerable stamina, a good sense of balance, and a tolerance for heights. The trails themselves vary in difficulty, ranging from III to VIII on the international mountaineering scale.
For the most reliable and up-to-date information regarding trekking routes and safety advice, the Hellenic Alpine Club of Lithochoros is an invaluable resource. While their website is primarily in Greek, their office, conveniently located below the main parking lot in the village, offers maps and leaflets detailing the various trails and treks on Mount Olympus.
Another excellent option for those new to mountaineering is to engage the services of a guide or, at the very least, consult with one before embarking on your adventure. Olympus Paths, based in the nearby town of Pieria, offers a range of guided treks catering to individuals and groups of varying skill levels, including families. They also provide essential guidance on appropriate preparation, equipment, and clothing.
Echoes of the Past: Ancient and Modern History
While the mythology of Mount Olympus is deeply ingrained in popular culture, the archaeological evidence of early occupation or worship on the mountain itself is relatively sparse. This isn’t to say that such evidence is entirely absent; rather, the vastness of Greece’s historical wealth may have diverted attention from extensive excavations in this rugged terrain. Occasional discoveries of Iron Age artifacts hint at the potential for further discoveries in the future.
A more fruitful area for exploration lies near the ancient Macedonian city of Dion, situated at the foot of the mountain. Excavations within the Archaeological Park of Dion suggest that Alexander the Great and his followers made offerings to the gods before embarking on their campaigns.
Turning to more recent history, the highest and most challenging peak of Mount Olympus, known as Mytikas, was first conquered in August 1913 by a team of Swiss climbers: Frederic Boissonnas and Daniel Baud-Bovy, guided by a local Greek wild goat hunter named Christos Kakkalos. Since that historic ascent, approximately 10,000 people visit the mountain each year to hike or climb, although only a small fraction attempt the summit peaks of Mytikas and Stefani (believed to be the home of Zeus himself).
Intriguingly, there is a possibility that a religious ascetic predated the 1913 climb. The Chapel of the Prophet Elias, perched on Prophitis Elias, one of the mountain’s many peaks, was constructed at an altitude of 2,800 meters in the 16th century. This chapel, believed to have been built on the ruins of an earlier ancient site by Saint Dionysios, is considered the highest chapel in the Orthodox world.
A Sanctuary of Nature: National Park and Biosphere Reserve
In 1938, recognizing the exceptional biodiversity of the region, 92 square miles encompassing Mount Olympus and its surrounding area were designated as the first Greek National Park. This area is home to an estimated 1,700 plant species (representing 25% of all plant species found in Greece), as well as 32 species of mammals and 108 species of birds.
The significance of Mount Olympus was further acknowledged in 1981 when UNESCO classified the region as the Olympus Biosphere Reserve. It is also included in a European Union list of the most important bird areas of the European Community and is currently on a tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Planning Your Visit: Logistics and Accommodation
The most convenient gateway to Mount Olympus and its trails is the tourist village of Litochoro, nestled at the base of the mountain. Litochoro is approximately 260 miles north of Athens and 57 miles southwest of Thessaloniki.
Navigating long-distance bus and train travel in Greece can be challenging for tourists, particularly those who don’t speak Greek. Online information regarding schedules and station locations is limited, and online booking is often unavailable. For travel from Athens, the best options are to book an organized excursion or consult with a local travel agent at the airport or around Syntagma Square. Travel from Thessaloniki is generally easier.
Litochoro is well-equipped to accommodate hikers, trekkers, and climbers. The Hellenic Chamber of Hotels lists a variety of hotels in Litochoro and nearby towns. Seaside resorts such as Neoi Poroi and Leptokaria are also nearby.
For those who prefer to camp, Camping Hellas offers a site near the base of the mountain. Wild camping is illegal in Greece and is strictly prohibited within the National Park and on the higher slopes.
Visiting Mount Olympus is more than just a trip; it’s an experience that blends natural beauty, historical significance, and mythological intrigue. With careful planning and preparation, you can embark on an unforgettable journey to the home of the gods.
