At the top of Olympus: “We flew” at 2,918 meters

You feel chills, thrill and awe. You want to shout with all the strength that is now left in your lungs: “I did it! I am at the top of Olympus! I am at the top of Greece! ” After going through a route with several difficulties, but also many unique landscapes, you reach 2,918 meters. You are now ready for a morning visit to Zeus and his divine company! Always under the guidance of a certified guide. But how do you get there?

Our journey began early morning from the center of Athens towards the picturesque Litochoro. The journey lasted about 5 hours. We procured our necessary equipment (helmets and baudriers) and forty minutes later, we were at the starting point of our ascent: Gortsia, the most popular starting point for the route, along with “Prionia”.

Goal 1: Petrostrougas Shelter at 1,940 meters.

Our backpacks are loaded with clothing, supplies and necessities for the three exciting (and very demanding) days ahead. “Click”! The sound of the first group photo and the adventure begins!

A dense layer of yellow leaves seems to have covered the uphill path. Fortunately, we are under the protection of the natural shade, due to the dense vegetation. The temperature gives an autumn impression, and yet it’s the middle summer!

After 3 hours of going up and down the hills and having encountered several weather phenomena, like sunshine, fog and clouds, we reach 1,940 meters altitude. The shelter of Petrostrouga is just ahead so… First goal: Done!

Our bodies had already begun to protest. Fortunately, the shelter has a fully equipped kitchen, a warm living room and rooms with bunk beds. At the same time, the second hall, which is the play room, also functions as a meeting place for people with the common goal: to look at the world from 2,918 meters!

Fortunately, the guys at the shelter, with all their jokes and hospitality, manage to create a relaxing and playful atmosphere for the aspiring conquerors of Olympus. It goes without saying that the view from the balcony is quite majestic. You can see as far as Thessaloniki! The time is now 22:00, the lights in the shelter are off and the choice is one: sleep and rest. Tomorrow is the big day…

Goal 2: The top! (With a stop first…)

We wake up at 7 a.m. and we move fast and decisively. We eat a light breakfast, grab our backpacks and go out to witness the magic of nature. The route is pre-planned: Three hours of hiking to reach the Muses’ plateau (spend the night) and then the final stretch to the top.

As we move forward we begin to realise how high we are on the mountain. The vegetation is getting thinner, the ground is becoming more and more rough and there have been several times when we were in or even above the clouds! The only sounds at this point were our sticks moving, our breathing and the donkeys, which are the exclusive means of transporting essentials and supplies to the shelters. After 1.5 hour (half way there) we reach the alpine field and we see huge, wild and steep rocks that lead to the top. This unique spectacle is so magnificent and original that gives you chills and prepares you to achieve your goal.

At this point we saw the sign which points to the two shelters. The shelter “Kakkalos” ( which includes 20 beds) and the shelter “Gioso Apostolidis”, the largest shelter with 85 bed capacity, where we will spend the night.

The next morning we were divided into small groups fully equipped with helmets and baudriers (tip: no one should underestimate the mountain). After 25 minutes, we found ourselves in “Louki” and the last 200 meters of our journey. Those 200m are indeed the most demanding part of the route, no matter how experienced you are.

Hands and feet get to work. The rocky, rugged staircase that rises in front of us looks like the “stairway to heaven” and we have to climb it. Fortunately, we have a certified mountain and rock climbing guide who is helping us slowly and steadily towards our goal. We are secured using ropes which are attached on specific points on the rocks.

After about 50 minutes of adrenaline rush, redemption occurs. You are on top, we are on top, we are the top! Second goal: Done!

How to describe this view? How can one describe what it is like to have the whole country under your feet? How to describe what the sea looks like when it is lost in the sky and what the sky looks like when it “dives” into the water?

The Greek flag has been waiting for us for 3 days. She’s ready for a souvenir photo. There is a calendar on the “altar” where we write two words, our name and the date of arrival. There is a surprisingly sweet shiver that runs through our body. Some people are smiling and some almost crying. Now we can all proudly say “I was there too!”.

And then, you realise that it’s time to head back. The return is not as easy as one would think. We have to use arms, legs and every other part of the body to stay steady and get back to the shelter.

After reaching the shelter, there was only rest, discussion and food until the next morning, when we were going to descend to Litochoro.

Last but not least, we had to say goodbye to mount Olympus by enjoying the unique sunset it provides. The alarm clock was set for 5.30 am. Wearing thick clothes and with hot coffee in hand, we went out of the shelter to enjoy this amazing Olympian sunrise.

Goal 3: Descent from Olympus in 6 hours

It was time to leave. We said goodbye to the wild beauty of the mountain top and our friends from the shelter, and we did our best to endure the 6-hour descent. We arrived to the shelter “Spilios Agapitos” first (after 3 hours) and then to the location “Prionia”.

And that’s exactly where our new “marathon” started. Trying to stay upright while going downhill was a painful process, especially for our legs. But even in those moments, no one cared, and nothing could take away the joy and pride of our achievement.

Now it was all part of history. We had reached the top of mount Olympus!

Third goal: Done!

Need to know

What:

Olympus, Mytikas peak = 2,918 meters

Where:

Litochoro, Katerini

How:

By road (journey time: About 5 hours)

Why:

This is the home of the 12 Gods and the highest peak in Greece!

Tips

Special equipment and certified guide (mountain and rock climbing)

For the safe ascent to the top of Mytikas, the use of special equipment (such as helmets and baudriers) is required. Having a certified guide come along is extremely helpful and contributes to the safe climbing conditions / rules.

Physical condition

Do not underestimate the mountain and do not overestimate yourselves. Slow down when your body is getting tired and do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Follow the rules

The goal is to fulfil our dreams, not to risk our lives. We must follow the rules faithfully for both our sake and that of the other hikers. The top is yours!

The photo-badge

At 2,918 meters, the Greek flag is waiting for you, for the trademark photo which proves the conquest of the top. Also, your name will be written there forever, along with the date of your arrival.

The delicacies in the shelter

Do not hesitate to try the meals in the shelters. After so many kilometres of hiking, they taste like ambrosia!

Enjoy the grandeur of Olympus

It’s no coincidence that the ancient Greeks chose Olympus as the house of the 12 gods. It is the most majestic mountain in Greece and causes admiration and thrill to those who choose to climb it.