Travel Activities Climbing Mount Olympus
Climbing Mount Olympus
Climbing Mount Olympus - Mount Olympus is home to the gods of Greek mythology and Greece`s highest mountain which is located on the Greek mainland. Mount Olympus is an impressive mountain and principal peak of a still-wild mountain area. The mountain has a wealth of tree and plant life which sustains hundreds of species, many of which are very rare. It is appreciated as a hiking and skiing destination.
It is also an outstanding archaeological site and a museum stands at the foot of Mount Olympus in Dion. During August festivals and plays are held in the restored ancient theatre.
Climbing Mount Olympus is not all that difficult. A lot of tourists to Olympus feel driven to climb it. For many highly trained walkers, the ascent and descent, in good weather will most likely be achieved in a single day.
Generally the best possible time frame is either spring or autumn. It is estimated that more than 10,000 people climb Mount Olympus every year. The European E4 trekking path passes across the Mount Olympus national park. It could just take you a couple of relaxed days; however an individual can do it in just one, leaving early morning. The actual beginning point is in the village of Litohoro in Pieria, northern Greece, which also is considered the safest route. You can easily get there by bus, train or car. Litohoro has good bus and train transport connections from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Where to stay
You will need to stay overnight in accommodation when you arrive at the starting point so as to be able to get up first thing in the morning for the actual climb. Starting at Prionia, which is the farthest place accessible by cars, a hiker can start mounting the route to Zolotas.
From the actual point, you will keep to the route up to the highest peak, called Mytikas, which will take you to the peak through Skala passing. The moment you get to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy amazing sight and also if you wish, why not sign the guest book located in the cabinet under the steel flag. On your return journey you may stay on the exact same route or perhaps opt to come back through the Musses plateau path. All tracks tend to be clearly marked so you will not have any direction problems.It will most probably be crowded up there; hence if you have any queries you can ask for support or advice if required. When you get back to Prionia, depending on the time, an individual may very well return to Litohoro, or you can continue on the E4 path on route of the Enipeas gorge. This is often considered the most captivating area of the whole trek and is now highly recommended to cover.
By trekking the Prionia-Litohoro path, you can cover wonderful forests as well as have the option in which to pay a visit to the St. Dionysius monastery seeing that the caves are used as chapels.
Due to its popularity the village has fast become a tourist resort with travellers so there are ample bars, eateries and restaurants. Booking hotels in advance is highly recommended if opting to visit in the summer season. Climbing Mount Olympus takes 2 days but it is easy to want to spend longer in the beautiful area in order to explore the many other trails where no experience is necessary.
Important facts
Please note that no specialist equipment is required. Simply hiking boots, sun cream, water and warm clothes, as it can be cool even in the summer, are all that is needed. A map even if not in English is also advisable to check out routes, overnight refuges are available too. It is not to be taken too lightly when climbing Mount Olympus, as people have lost there lives here.