MOUNT OLYMPUS (Mytikas 2917 m)

Mount Olympus, capital of Greeks Gods, is a mountain that you must climb. Breathtaking view, from the top, and beautiful nature, are good reason to visit this incredible mountain.

Olympus can be reached in about 8 hours of drive, by Belgrade-Nis highway, via Macedonia and Thessaloniki, to the town of Litochoro, which is located beneath the Mount Olympus. From Litochoro, you can see some exposed parts of Olympus.

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From Litochoro, you must drive to Prionia. On the way to Prionia, visit the new monastery of St. Dionysius.

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The last stop, for the vehicles, is Prionia (1100 m). From this place, an ascent to the highest peak, Mytikas (2917 m), begins. Distance between Prionia and Litochoro is 18 km.

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To climb Mytikas and go down from it, in one day, is very difficult, but not impossible. The best way is to climb it in two days. On the first day, you will walk from Prionia, to the camp Refuge A, which is located at 2100 m a.s.l. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, to reach the camp. The trail is not difficult and has a lot of beautiful places for rest. Price for sleeping, in the camp, is from 10 to 12 euros. Lights go out at 22:00, so you must arrive at the camp before that time. The camp provides blankets, pillows and slippers. You can by some food in the camp. I recommend to reserve a bed at www.mountolympus.gr, because it may happen that there is no bed, when you arrive. Then you will be forced to sleep in a tent, if you have one. You can not miss the path to the top; it is marked very well.

With the first rays of sun, at 6:00, the lights are switched on, at the camp. Morning view from the camp is amazing; you can see the clouds over the sea. Fascinating!

It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to the top, depending on your shape.

The first peak you will climb is Skala (2866 m). On the left side of Skala is another top, Skolio (2911 m), while on the right is a marked path, which leads to Mytikas.

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On the way to Mytikas, you must pass a corridor. Passing through the corridor is not so scary and dangerous, as it seems from a distance. I am afraid of heights and I was worried, when I saw a path to Mytikas, but soon I realize that there is no reason to be concern. Although it looks dangerous, at the pictures, path is not demanding.

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Finally, the magnificent Mytikas! Mytikas means ‘‘nose‘‘.

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I also recommend a visit to Skolio peak (2911 m), which also provides a nice view.

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You will return to Prionia by the same path. It is much easier this time, because the track goes downhill, all the way.

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On the way back, you can visit the old monastery of St. Dionysius, which was destroyed by the Germans, during World War II.

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September 2010.