Climbing Mount Olympus: From Hut to Hut to the Gods

Mount Olympus is a mountain massif rather than a single mountain. It has no less than 52 peaks with Mytikas as the absolute highest in Greece at 2918 metres. The mountain rises up from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and boasts a variety of landscapes and climate zones. In 1938 Mount Olympus was declared the first national park in Greece. It is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve for its unique flora and fauna. This protected status ensures that vulnerable mammals like the Balkan Chamois, wildcat and beech marten can thrive. Raptors include vultures, golden eagles and peregrine falcons and 1500 plant species are recorded on the slopes of Mount Olympus.

One of the most spectacular geological features on the lower parts of the mountain is the Enipeas Gorge, which essentially splits the Olympus Range. The stretch from the village Litochoro, the jump off point for climbing the mountain, and the southern slopes of Mytikas peak is part of the European long-distance trail E4, that starts in Tarifa, Spain and terminates 10,000 km further on the Crete Trail.

Mount Olympus is steeped in history. In ancient Greece the summits of the mountain were thought to be the home of the 12 Olympian Gods. Zeus, Poseidon, Aphrodite and the rest of the gang were up there, deciding about the fate of the mortals down below. The name Olympus (or Oulumpos) was described in Homer’s Odyssey, in which he referred to Olympus as the Seat of the Gods. He didn't specify a mountain, but it’s obvious that the highest mountain in Greece took the title.

The first known ascent of the highest point on Mount Olympus, Mytikas, was in 1913, despite 25 attempts from previous expeditions. This was relatively late, knowing that Mont Blanc saw its first successful summit bid in 1786 and Matterhorn was scaled in 1865. Two Swiss nationals by the names of Frédéric Boissonnas and Daniel Baud-Bovy were accompanied by local hunter Christos Kakalos on their quest to find the highest point in the Olympus massif. On the 2nd of August 1913 they stood on the top of Greece’s highest point. Years later Kakalos became the first official mountain guide on the mountain and continued to climb Mount Olympus until the ripe age of 90.

Mount Olympus boasts a number of routes to the various peaks from the village of Litochoro. The well-worn pathways are easy to follow and doable for most fit hikers. The most popular trek is circular, with mountain huts in strategic spots. The route passes the highlights of this mountain massif, including the Plateau of Muses, Skolio Peak with views of the mighty Mytikas and the Epineas Gorge.

You may wonder whether you should climb Mount Olympus guided or self-guided. This depends on what you want to get out of this trek. The route itself is perfectly suitable for those who would like to do it independently. The trails are clear and the well-run refuges provide you with excellent meals and sleeping arrangements. However, you need to keep in mind that it is a multi-day trek. You need to organise your clothing and equipment yourself and make sure you bring enough trail food for when you’re hiking.

Some people may want to climb Mount Olympus’ highest peak, Mytikas. The route up this peak is a YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) Class III rock scramble, which means you have to use both hands and feet to do the ascent. The terrain is exposed and a fall could end badly. Experienced and confident trekkers may tackle this climb by themselves. If you feel more comfortable doing this climb with a trusted mountain guide, we can accommodate you as we are working with the best local outfitters in the country.

Regardless whether you go for a guided or a self-guided trek, you will have to be prepared to carry clothes and equipment to spend 4 days on the mountain, with walking days up to 8 hours.

There are three options when you’re looking for a trekking adventure on Mount Olympus with us:

1. Self-guided, 4-day hut-to-hut trek: We have designed this 4-day hut-to-hut trek so that you can follow the trail of the Greek Gods.

2. 6-day hut-to-hut Mount Olympus: If you want us to find that cosy guesthouse for you, this package including accommodation before and after might be something for you.

3. Guided Olympus Ascent: If you’re keen to do a short, punchy, guided trek up Mount Olympus, our 3-day trek to the summit with one of our trusted local partners is the one you’re looking for.

Mount Olympus is located in the province of Macedonia in the northern part of Greece. As it’s only 100 km from the city of Thessaloniki, it’s fairly easy to get to the base of the mountain, Litochoro. Most people would fly into Thessaloniki, from where you can rent a car and drive to Litochoro in 1.5 hours. There is a direct train connection between Thessaloniki and the seaside part of Litochoro and only takes one hour. From the train station it’s a short taxi ride to the mountain side of the village. Finally you can take the bus, which takes a little longer (2.5 hours) and involves a couple of changes.

From Athens to Litochoro is quite a long journey. The drive takes about 6 hours while a train journey takes around 5.

When you’re at the foot of the mountain it’s easy to forget how different the weather can be on the higher grounds of the mountain. While holiday makers on the beach are basking in the sun, you may be battling cold strong winds on the summit. Temperatures in summer can be as low as 0 degrees Celsius. With the added windchill it can feel like it’s literally freezing. Having said that, there are plenty of great, sunny days on the mountain. You just have to be prepared. Check our packing list for what you should bring on this trek. Also, make sure you check the weather forecast with the hut wardens before you set out. You can check the weather forecast for Mount Olympus on Mountain Forecast.

The trekking season is fairly short and runs from the beginning of June until the end of September, very much like most hut-to-hut treks in the Alps. Outside these months Mount Olympus is covered in a blanket of snow, and the huts are closed.

There are several mountain huts, or refuges, on Mount Olympus. We have selected the huts that are in great locations and serve as a strategic overnight point to make the trek manageable for everybody. They vary in size and style, but what they have in common is a cosy and warm atmosphere. You will be sharing common spaces, bathrooms and dormitories with bunk beds. Expect not to have the privacy and amenities of a hotel room. Most of the refuges will have blankets but no bed linen. You must bring a sleeping bag liner and a pillow cover.

Planning a walking holiday in Greece? It’s a unique way to discover a country known to some only for all-inclusive beach holidays. Greece is much more than Chersonissos. The best way to discover authentic Greece is on foot and it doesn't have to cost a lot either. Your flight to Thessaloniki can be booked relatively low-cost with Easyjet or Aegean Airlines and from there it is only an hour and a half to Litochoro. Getting to Litochoro by public transport is easy and we can help you plan this journey.

Breakfast is ready for you every morning. You only have to put money aside for your lunch, dinner and drinks. A beer in Greece costs 3 to 4 euros and a meal you have for say 10 to 15 euros. And a trip at Bookatrekking.com? For less than 300 Euro per person, you can already be on the trail with a comprehensive offer from Bookatrekking.com.