Looking through the collection of ancient Greek myths, each of us certainly felt an irresistible desire to personally visit the mythical mountain Olympus, which, according to legends, became the harbor of the great ancient Greek gods who once unceremoniously used the ground as a playground for their magical games . Bless that the famous the mountain really exists, but the representatives of the Celestial Empire continue to rest on its top in the golden chambers or not - the question is controversial and requires evidence . There is a mountain mass and in the northern part of Greece, not far from Halkidiki and the city of Thessaloniki, for the curious tourists the object is absolutely accessible, and the best way to study it is to go on a pedestrian expedition that takes no more than two days .

In addition, the infrastructure entangling the mighty rocks protected by pine forests, will not let even beginners get lost in the web of trails.

How to climb Olympus

Wishing to reach the peak of Olympus, and there are only 4 of them (Mikikas peak at 2918 meters, Skolio peak - 2912 m, Stefanie peak - 2905 m and Skala peak - 2866 m), much . Stefanie's Peak, by the way, is called Zeus's throne, apparently, it was there that the prudent god once set up his study . But to the very top of the mountain, crowned with a white snow cap, tourists do not have any sense, as it is isolated from encroachments by the British military radar . But you can count on meeting in local forests with mouflons, ruminants, animals Yes, sheep that are the national emblem of "Cyprus Airlines" and are under protection . Hunting is prohibited, but a couple of photo shoots can be done, the main thing is to have a quick animal .

Olympus encircles a narrow road, therefore it is not necessary to sacrifice one's own feet.
Sunset, Mount Olympus Mount Olympus
Road to the Mountains, Mount Olympus Mount Olympus
Tent camp at the foot, Mount Olympus Go and Olimp

Route to Olympus

At the very foot of the mountain, the town of Litohoro, where you can replenish the water and food reserves, drink a cup of strong Greek coffee before the rise . Start to the next fad of the walking marathon begins exactly here, however, it is better to make it by car . Having reached the mark of 1100 meters, you will be greeted by the picturesque village of Prionia . You can always meet visitors in the local cafe. . The tourists who have just conquered the divine mountain boastfully and deliberately share an unforgettable with impressions of new arrivals, with an appetite eating a Greek moussaka, and generously give advice to veterans who, with anticipation and excitement, are just preparing to make a dash for "heaven" . Also you can relax and gain strength if the path turned out to be too heavy . And so do not miss the incredible beauty and magic of the moment - sunrise over Olympus . You will see how the mighty nature wakes up, trembling with delicate leaves of magnolias and needles of pine trees, as the first rays of the sun make their way through the dense carved veil of foliage and, embarrassed, touch the tops of gloomy cypresses, and the transparent silence around begins to fill the feathery feathery singers .

For sheltering tourists in the picturesque gorges of the mountain shelters are built, the first of which Refuge A will meet travelers already at an altitude of 2100 meters (the highest point of Mount Olympus - 2900 m). He works every day from May to October from 6.00 to 22.00, the cost of a bed is 10 EUR. Here you can have a snack in one of the dining rooms with delicious dishes of Greek cuisine. From this modest hotel to the top there are 2-3 hours left.
Journey to Mount Olympus. Greece

All the Olympic paths are equipped with pointers, so it's impossible to make a mistake with direction. Olympus encircles the serpentine of a narrow highway, so it is not necessary to sacrifice one's own legs, especially since it is much more convenient to admire the views from the window of the car passing by majestic and stunning unlimited beauty. It is also possible to use the lifts, which will also ensure a safe climb.

The first part of the road to the fork in which to choose the further way passes in the wild forest .Encircled on all sides are colossal trees, which, by imagination, immediately turn into fairy-tale giants stretching out to you long green hands-lianas, whimsical hollows and crevices in the rocks conceal in the slimy gloom, the damp smell of unprecedented monstrosities, the murmur of waterfalls and springs with a crystal , chilling cold water gives coolness and relief to travelers, with a smile that washes away dust and sweat from burning faces . In addition to angry mighty coniferous forests, wild cypress groves, unique rare lush vegetation, Olympus carefully concealing The remains of ancient temples and tombs .

in their stone embraces. For example, it is worth to go a few hundred meters from Refuge A shelter and you can visit the monastery of St. Dionysius, a curious monument of ancient architecture, touched by the ruthless hand of war, but still preserved some features of the former appearance, thanks to the reconstruction and local monks. The ramp offers two options for continuing your trekking: you can choose an easier route that leads to the top of Scolio (2912 m), if physical training allows, you can prefer a more complex path and reach The highest peak, and from that and the desired point of Olympus - the peak of Mikikas (2918 m)

By the way, at the peak of Mikikas, every lucky person who ascends can leave his message in the magazine, which is stored in a special iron box . And on his return in the shelter you are waiting a certificate confirming your feat .. Ski resorts on Olympus

In addition to the incredibly beautiful beauty of the view, which opens from its peaks, Olympus attracts tourists with excellent mountain skiing bases, the hot season for which comes from January to March

. They are equipped with modern, safe lifts (the Gera and Zeus lifts are installed on the northern slope, and the Aphrodite and Hermes in the Solnechnaya Dolina) . The entrance to the base for one day costs 8 EUR, ski rental or snowboarding - 6 EUR per day, accommodation in one of the small ones hotels with all conveniences - 35-40 EUR per day . Moreover, the service in hotels is first-class plus an invaluable breathtaking view opening from the balcony hidden from the eyes of strangers by the emerald crown of centuries-old pines .

At the peak of Mikikas every lucky person , who climbed, can leave his message in a magazine, which is stored in a special iron box.

Many tourists come here for a long vacation, in order to sharpen pirouettes during the day on the snowy expanse of Olympus, and in the evenings to enjoy the delicious wine and the gracious silence of the surroundings.

It only remains to wish all those who decide on their Greek holidays to allocate a day visit the UNESCO monument - Mount Olympus, show heroism and look at the stunning view of Greece, opening from the Olympic peaks, through the eyes of the most real mythical god. Photo Mount Olympus (15)