Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, at 2917m tall. It is also one of the most famous mountains in the world, as it was the home of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks, the highest of which is Mytikas. The mountain is a World Biosphere Reserve and a National Park, with rich biodiversity and stunning scenery. Hiking on Mount Olympus is a rewarding and unforgettable experience, but it requires good planning, preparation and physical fitness. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best hiking trails and refuges on Mount Olympus, and give you some tips on how to enjoy your adventure.
Hiking trails on Mount Olympus
There are many hiking trails on Mount Olympus, ranging from easy to difficult, and from short to long. Depending on your time, skills and preferences, you can choose the trail that suits you best. Here are some of the most popular and recommended trails on Mount Olympus:
- Prionia – Skala – Mytikas: This is the classic route to the summit of Mount Olympus, starting from Prionia (1100m), the highest point accessible by car. The trail follows a well-marked path through dense forests of pine, fir and birch, until it reaches the Spilios Agapitos Refuge (2100m), where you can spend the night or take a break. From there, the trail continues to Skala (2866m), a rocky peak with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The final ascent to Mytikas (2917m) is a graded, exposed scramble that requires caution and experience. The total distance of this trail is about 18km, and it takes about 10 hours to complete.
- Zolotas Refuge: This is a shorter and easier trail that starts from Dion (400m), a town at the foot of Mount Olympus with archaeological and historical interest. The trail follows a dirt road for about 4km, until it reaches a signpost that leads to Zolotas Refuge (950m), a cozy and friendly hut that offers accommodation and food. The refuge is surrounded by lush greenery and has a nice view of the Lower Olympus mountain. The total distance of this trail is about 8km, and it takes about 3 hours to complete.
- Prionia – Agios Dionysios Monastery: This is a scenic and relaxing trail that follows the course of the Enipeas river, one of the longest and most beautiful rivers on Mount Olympus. The trail starts from Prionia (1100m) and descends gradually through a forested gorge, passing by waterfalls, pools and bridges. The trail ends at Agios Dionysios Monastery (800m), a historic and impressive building that dates back to the 16th century. The monastery has a museum, a chapel and a guesthouse. The total distance of this trail is about 10km, and it takes about 4 hours to complete.
- Litochoro – Prionia: This is a challenging and rewarding trail that connects Litochoro (300m), the main town near Mount Olympus, with Prionia (1100m), the starting point for many other trails. The trail follows the Enipeas river upstream, crossing it several times over wooden bridges. The trail passes by some of the most spectacular waterfalls on Mount Olympus, such as Orlias and Myloi. The trail also offers panoramic views of Litochoro and the Thermaic Gulf. The total distance of this trail is about 18km, and it takes about 6 hours to complete.
- Litochoro – Enipeas Waterfalls – Prionia: This is a variation of the previous trail that includes a detour to visit the Enipeas Waterfalls (600m), one of the most impressive sights on Mount Olympus. The waterfalls consist of two cascades that drop from a height of 70m into a deep pool. The detour adds about 2km to the total distance of the trail, but it is well worth it.
- Mount Olympus and Muses Plateau from Gortsia Trailhead: This is an alternative route to reach the summit of Mount Olympus, starting from Gortsia Trailhead (1100m), which is accessible by car from Kokkinopilos village. The trail climbs steadily through pine forests until it reaches Petrostrouga Refuge (1940m), where you can rest or stay overnight. From there, the trail continues to the Muses Plateau (2700m), a flat and grassy area that hosts two refuges: Christos Kakalos and Giosos Apostolidis. The Muses Plateau is also the base for the ascent to the highest peaks of Mount Olympus, such as Mytikas, Stefani and Skolio. The total distance of this trail is about 20km, and it takes about 10 hours to complete.
- Agapitos Refuge – Skala – Skolio: This is a shorter and easier route to reach some of the highest peaks of Mount Olympus, starting from Agapitos Refuge (2100m), which is accessible by the Prionia – Skala – Mytikas trail. From the refuge, the trail climbs to Skala (2866m), and then follows a ridge to Skolio (2911m), the second highest peak of Mount Olympus. Skolio has a stunning view of Mytikas, Stefani and the Muses Plateau. The total distance of this trail is about 8km, and it takes about 5 hours to complete.
- Litochoro – Mytikas Summit: This is the longest and hardest trail on Mount Olympus, starting from Litochoro (300m) and ending at Mytikas (2917m), the highest peak of Mount Olympus. The trail follows the Litochoro – Prionia trail for the first 18km, and then joins the Prionia – Skala – Mytikas trail for the last 9km. The trail passes by all the major sights and refuges on Mount Olympus, such as Enipeas Waterfalls, Agapitos Refuge, Skala and Skolio. The total distance of this trail is about 27km, and it takes about 15 hours to complete.
Refuges on Mount Olympus
There are several refuges on Mount Olympus that offer accommodation, food and water to hikers. The refuges are usually open from June to October, but some of them may operate all year round. The refuges are run by volunteers or mountaineering clubs, and they charge a small fee for their services. The refuges are also equipped with toilets, showers, kitchens, fireplaces and first aid kits. It is advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during peak season or weekends. Here are some of the most important refuges on Mount Olympus:
| Name | Location | Altitude | Capacity | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spilios Agapitos | On the Prionia – Skala – Mytikas trail | 2100m | 110 beds | +30 23520 81800 |
| Zolotas | On the Dion – Zolotas Refuge trail | 950m | 30 beds | +30 23510 83400 |
| Petrostrouga | On the Gortsia – Muses Plateau trail | 1940m | 80 beds | +30 23510 82840 |
| Christos Kakalos | On the Muses Plateau | 2650m | 18 beds | +30 23510 82840 |
| Giosos Apostolidis | On the Muses Plateau | 2700m | 80 beds | +30 23510 82840 |
| Koromilia | Near Kokkinopilos village | 900m | 50 beds | +30 23510 81666 |
| Dimitrios Bountolas | Near Vrontou village | 700m | 50 beds | +30 23510 31222 |
| Krevatia | Near Petra village | 1100m | 25 beds | +30 23510 41377 |
| Aghios Antonios | Near Sarantaporos |
