Mount Olympus 3-day hiking ascent
4.8
(9)
Join Akis, HMGA-certified mountain guide, on this stunning 3-day ascent to the mythical Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece.
Olympus
3 Days
May - Oct
High
Intermediate
Description
Mount Olympus (2,355 m.) is the highest peak in Greece. On this 3-day ascent you will reach its summit under expert guidance!
Located in northern Greece, this beautiful mountain is located in the breathtaking Olympus Riviera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. It is also a place full of mystique and history. According to Greek mythology, this area was home to the 12 ancient gods.
This 3-day hike will take us up the east side of the mountain, hut-to hut via well marked trails through a gorgeous forest. We will cross the “Paths of the 12 gods” and will talk about mythology and history while hiking up. First we will meet at Litochoro town and begin hiking from Gortsia station (1.100m). We will reach the Petrostrouga Hut, Muses Plateau and finally the Plateau Huts, on the first day. The following day we will climb to the top of Mount Olympus.
We will not only enjoy the history and mythology, but also the breathtaking alpine scenery, with panoramic views of the whole Greece. Furthermore, Mount Olympus also has a unique fauna. More than 100 bird species and 30 amphibian and reptile species live here.
So, if you are up for this 3-day tour to the summit of Mount Olympus, please contact me! I’ll be glad to guide you on this unforgettable hiking experience!
I also offer another kind of adventure in this same mountain. Check out my Mount Olympus 4-day rock climbing trip.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
Price details
- Harness and helmet provided.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Hike up
First, we will meet at Litochoro at 08:00. Then, we will have a short briefing about the ascent. We will drive towards the trailhead (Gortsia station – 1.100m.)
Hiking the north side forest trail we will get to the Petrostrouga Hut. After a short break we will go to the Muses Plateau and finally the Plateau Huts. We will stay at Kakalos Hut or Apostolidi Hut, depending availability).
Settle down at the hut – Overnight stay.
Duration: 6 hours
Vertical ascent: 1.500m
Day 2: Summit day
We will have breakfast at the hut and a short briefing about the day schedule. Depending on the snow conditions we will climb to Mitikas summit via the East Couloirs or via Skala Summit Crest. Finally we will hike down to Spilios Agapitos Hut for dinner and overnight.
Duration: 6 – 8 hours
Day 3: Hike down
After breakfast at the hut we will hike down to Prionia station.
Duration: 3 hours.
Drive back to Litochoro town
Details
More info
The Guide is in charge of the ascent and can change the schedule or a part of it in case of bad weather conditions. Keeping safe all the members of the team is the priority. There is also the possibility to arrange a 2-day program.
Equipment you will need to bring
Backpack
Poles
FAQs
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You need to have a good fitness level for this hike. While previous mountain climbing experience is not mandatory, being in good physical condition is essential due to the length and difficulty of the trek.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
We will stay in mountain huts. The accommodation in these huts is basic but comfortable. Meals are included and will be provided at the huts. You may want to bring some snacks and personal food items.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
The best time to climb Mount Olympus is from June to September when the weather conditions are most favorable. During these months, the paths are generally clear of snow, and the temperatures are suitable for hiking.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Safety is our top priority. If the weather conditions are unfavorable, we may need to adjust our plans or routes. In some cases, we might have to wait for the weather to improve or descend to a safer location.
Is this trip suitable for beginners?
Yes, the trip is suitable for beginners with a good fitness level. No specific technical skills are required, but you should be prepared for long hiking days and varied terrain.
How many hours a day will we walk?
We will walk for about 6-8 hours each day.
How much weight will we have to carry in our backpack?
You should be prepared to carry your personal belongings, which will typically be around 8-10 kg. It is advisable to pack light to make the hike more comfortable.
Is this program suitable for children or older people?
This program is suitable for children aged 10 and older, they must have a good fitness level and must be used to hiking. It is also suitable for older people who are fit and used to long walks.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own?
No technical climbing equipment is needed for this trip. However, you should bring suitable hiking boots, comfortable clothing, and a backpack. A detailed equipment list will be provided upon booking.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Akis
4.8
(73)
Mountain Guide
I come from Greece and always remember myself as a kid in the mountains…
Now, I am a Certified Mountain Guide HMGA, member of the Hellenic Mountain Guides Association (License number A.N 867/37, Nr 19 FEK (A)621-999/28-11-07) also a Mountaineering – Ski Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, member of the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing (H.F.M.C).
My passion for the mountains led me on numerous hikes, ski tours, and rock and ice climbs in Greece, the Alps, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Bulgaria, with many new routes under my signature.
The beautiful valleys at the foot of Mount Olympus – Greece are my home, and the flanks above are the playground to follow my mountain love, may it be ice-climbing, ski touring, hiking, or alpine climbing. For me, it is the perfect terrain to train, play and guide.
I teach mountaineering, rock climbing, and ski mountaineering in various Climbing Schools & Mountaineering Associations, and I spend a lot of wintertime as a ski instructor. I love to share my passion with guests and guide hikers, mountaineers, climbers, and ski tourers all year round.
I am married to Mariza and we have a daughter and two sons together.
I speak Greek, English, and French.
Languages
Greek | French | English
Certificates
HMGA
Reviews with photos
5What people are saying about this trip
Julian
While not a technical climb , Mt Olympus is still a tough mountain. It pushed me to the limit of my physical capacity. Akis was very skilled and experienced mountaineer and guide. My climb finished at Skolopis, as Akis judged I was not capable of going all the way to the top. This is OK with me, Akis is a man of trustworthy judgment. It is important to note that pack weight must not exceed 7kg. I learnt this from experience. Mt Olympus is a tough mountain, Zues will welcome you to his mountain as long as understand this.
Lina
Karin
This trip is amazing! Challenging but worth it. Akis is the best! Experienced and reliable.
Grace
Akis is a great guide and runs a wonderful trip. The mountain is beautiful. The recommended headlamp is only for the refuge and not for hiking, so not 100% necessary.
Cynthia
Akis and Bill are very professional, technically skilled, have vast knowledge of Mt. Olympus, gentlemen and have high emotional intelligence. They guided me all the way and understood my strength and weaknesses. Akis pushed me to my potential which I didn’t know I have. Bill was patient and accommodating. We finally made it to Mytikas; the highest peak of Mt. Olympus! I really enjoyed the scrambling going up and down. May childhood experience of climbing trees helped a lot 😊☺️. I found a new passion because of this trip - rock climbing. I would highly recommend this tour and the guides (Akis and Bill), you will be “in good hands” with them.😊 Caution: This tour is for fit people, been working out regularly, and have tenacity to walk at least 2-3hrs with 30L bag. Follow the instructions of Akis on what to bring. He knows the forest very well and can anticipate the weather. Good luck to all who are interested to join this climb. All the best. Cynthia C.
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