Details and dates are subject to change, contact me for the most up to date information.
This is for very fit people only: 25+km and 2200+m altitude difference in 2 days.
You must do minimum 3 hard tracks of 1500+m altitude difference with me to be considered for this hike.
The climb to Mythikas, Stefani and Skolio peaks are not for the people afraid of heights. You can opt out and still have an amazing view from Skala via a longer but non-technical route.
Contact me on WhatsApp +40755044666 for any questions and to add you to the event chat group once you signed up.
Intro
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. In Greek mythology, Olympus is the home of the Greek gods, on Mytikas peak. The mountain has exceptional biodiversity and rich flora.
Olympus remains the most popular hiking summit in Greece as well as one of the most popular in Europe. Organized mountain refuges and various mountaineering and climbing routes are available. The starting point is the town of Litochoro which lies in the eastern foothills of the mountain, some 100 km from Thessaloniki.
Peaks
Mythikas (2918m), the summit of Olympus, called the Home of Gods in Greek mythology, is accessible via the technical Louki or Kakkoskala routes, both YTS class 3 rock scrambling.
Stefani (2909m), also named the Throne of Zeus, is accessible via a technical route (YTS class 3).
Skala (2882m) is located between Mytikas and Skolio. The hike to the summit is strenuous, but is not technically challenging.
Skolio (2911m) is accessible via a scrambling rocks route but slightly easier than the one to Mythikas.
Profitis Ilias (2803m) offers an amazing view over the high peaks and it is very easy to ascend. Here also lies the chapel of the Prophet Elias, the highest place of worship in Greece, built in the 16th century by Agios Dionisos.
Track (subject to change)
Prionia (1100m) - Refuge A Spilios Agapitos (2100m) - Refuge Giosos Apostolidis (2700m) - Profitis Ilias Peak (2803m) - Stefani Peak (2909m) - Mythikas Peak (2918m) - Skala Peak (2882m) - Skolio Peak (2911m) - Refuge Spilios Agapitos (2100m) - Prionia (1100m)
Difficulty: Hard, Technical
Length: 25km
Elevation gain: 2200+m
Route type: Out and back
Planning (estimated, subject to change)
Wednesday
6:00am leaving from Bucharest (pickup details on whatsapp dedicated group)
10pm arrive at accomodation in Litochoro
Thursday
Drive to Prionia (1100m)
Hike to the Plateau of Muses at around 2700m
Sleep at the refuge Giosos Apostolidis (2700m)
Friday
Climb the peaks
Hike down to Prionia (1100m)
Drive to the accomodation in Litochoro
Saturday
Rest day
Enjoy the local food
Go to the seaside nearby
Sunday
Drive back to Bucharest
10-11pm back in Bucharest and drop off
This is just a rough estimate, do not plan other events in the evening.
Costs
The hike guiding is free. Since we go with our personal cars there are transportation costs that will be split equally between the participants, the amount will be communicated before. Accomodation will have to be prepaid, price to be communicated.
Warm food (pasta or rice with sauce for around 10 euro), drinks (water, coffee, tea, beer, etc for 2.5-3.5 euro) are available at the refuge.
Packing
- Hiking backpack 30-40L
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Climbing helmet (mandatory for the Louki route to Mythikas)
- Headlamp (lanternă frontală) with spare batteries
- sleeping bag or sheet
- Rain jacket
- Warm layers: quick dry t-shirt/thermal, polar/down jacket/hoodie, avoid cotton
- Water - 2-3L (can buy more at refuges)
- Fruit juice (optional) as energy drink
- Snacks - fruit, energy bars/gels, dry fruit
- Lunch (not needed, warm food can be bought at the refuges)
- Sun protection - hat / baseball cap, sun glasses, sunscreen, lips balm
Feel free to contact me by WhatsApp +40755044666 for any questions.
