Climbing Mt. Olympus, Greece - What You Need To Know (2024)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video, I’ll take you with me to the summit of Mount Olympus and share everything you need to know before taking it on yourself.
#mtolympus #greece #mountaineering
Mytikas is the highest peak in Greece, part of the Olympus massif near the Thermaic Gulf of Aegean Sea. The mountain range has over 52 peaks and deep gorges.
In ancient mythology, ‘Olympus’ was home to the twelve Olympian gods: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and more. Geographically, this range acted as a feature that would unify Greece and the Hellenic Regions; it was a shared place that was recognized as divine by all. It is estimated that 10,000 people climb Mount Olympus each year, most of them reaching only the Skolio summit.
Climbing Mount Olympus is a non-technical hike, except for the final section from the Skala summit to the Mytikas peak, which is a YDS class 3 rock scramble. “Scrambling with increased exposure. Handholds are necessary. A rope should be available for learning climbers, or if you just choose to use one that day, but is usually not required. Falls could easily be fatal.”
The Hiking Route:
Prionia: is the starting point and trailhead of Mt. Olympus national park. Driving from Thessaloniki, it will take around 1.5 hours to reach the parking lot. It’s also possible to take a bus from Thessaloniki to Litochoro, then hire a taxi to drive you 30 minutes to Prionia (30 euros).
From the trailhead, it will take around 2-3 hours to reach Refuge A, also known as Spilios Agapitos. Here you can sort out accommodations for the night and buy a whole range of food, snacks, drinks, and more. The path is clearly marked with ‘E4’ tagged along the route up. If planning on visiting during the busy season, it would be wise to pre-arrange a bunk on the Mt. Olympus website, as the refuge can fill up quickly. It costs 18 Euros for the night and they accept cash and a card - sometimes the machine doesn’t work so it’s recommended to bring some extra cash.
Refuge A to Skala takes around 2 hours. Skala is the most summited peak in Mt. Olympus. This portion of the climb is relatively simple and safe, but exhausting nonetheless. The to Skala is a great deal of cardio, traversing ridges of the mountain, with long portions of moderate uphill hiking. It is recommended that novice climbers bring hiking poles. These will drastically help remove tension off of the calves and thighs for such extensive uphill hikes.
The final push to Mytikas. From Skala, this should take around 30-45 minutes. Until this point the hike is non-technical. For this leg of the summit, climbers should exercise increased caution due to exposure to slipping. This is a scramble, so the use of both hands and feet will be necessary to safely make it to the top. Sections of this climb are quite steep, so it’s also important to bring shoes with some grip. Runners and sneakers should be avoided, especially. Going slow and steady, most reasonably fit hikers should have no problem making it to the top of Mytikas.
Mt. Olympus is a great entry level climb. From the beautiful national park, to the refuge experience, and the intimidating final push to Mytikas, Olympus offers an awesome jumping off point for anyone looking to get into mountaineering.
If you have any questions, please leave them down below in the comments and I’ll make sure to help out as best I can.
Zeus! Your son has returned!
I bring the destruction of olympus
Single with me sing for the year, sing for the laugh and sing for the tear
You can no longer hide behind the skirts of Athena.
I come seeking the Weed of Olympus!!
No wonder it just looks like a normal mountain. It all makes sense now…
"The Hands Of Death Could Not Defeat Me, The Sisters Of Fate Could Not Hold Me. And You Will Not Live To See The End Of This Day!"
Zeeeeuuuuuuuus!
Your son has returned!
Haha!
When I visited Greece , I was in a village , about a 15 min drive from Athens . The mountains were low and the landscapes were dry , due to the hot summer . I wish I could have seen the bigger mountains and also go further north where there is lush mountains . Well never mind and at least I saw a little bit of Greece .
when the gods respond to your call: well done
Mt. Olympus after Kratos’s revenge
Thank you for this video!
Great job man, congratulations for the excellent video and for your effort to the top
One of the tallest low elevation mountains with a warm peak it’s truly a unique experience
I’m doing it this summer, thanks for the info brother
ZEUS!!!!!, your son has returned I BRING THE DESTRUCTION OF OLYMPUS!!!!!!!
What a wonderful world! TFS! 🙏
lovely simple video. Beautiful
I'm just here because I'm writing a novel where the characters go there, so I really needed a guide on the route and reference to what it looks like. Thank you, traveler, you're a savior.
Good description for beginners, thanks
HI guys, I'm from Brazil. I want to hike it as soon as possible. Well done!
I already have the GOW 3 BGM in my head going😂❤
YESSSSS
Your video has convinced me and the boys to climb this in 2024 weeks done the 3 peaks (UK) this year and it was spectacular this looks even better 👍🏻
Awesome to hear! Enjoy it
The quality of the images and the editing on this video are so good. The fact that there are so few views is beyond me.
Strike me down Zeus!!! You don’t have the ball⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Jump-off point is a very interesting choice of wording 😅
Is there any trace tbat the 12 Demigods lived there. I'm not crazy, but just curious to learn about them.
I thought I heard them, but I may be crazy, so who really knows
The absolute measurement of strength and power
amazing! im watching your video first time very usefull inforamtion ! btw can i know how much time do i need hike up and hike down from lintochoro?i mean whole average time up and down
4:01 The ancient Greeks saw this in the mist and clouds: "look at that, those are gods standing and looking at us!"
Great video! Informative and inspiring!
It is aninspirstion for me todo it as soon as possible. Congrets!
Glad this video could be of inspiration! You can do it 💪
This was so helpful, thank you! We're planning to do this in May 👌🏻 our first climbing experience so 🤞🏻
Hey Roos, glad we could help! Enjoy :)
How did it go?
How did it go? We climb in June.
We're going by end of July. Is this refuge A the only place where to sleep?
Nicely done.👍
Thanks amigo!
@@samandisanya Always happy to see your vids guys.
I live in Utah, and we have a Mount Olympus. It has an elevation of 9,030 feet (2752 meters).
Hi! Great video !! How many hours would it take me to climb the mountain ?
Great video! Do you know a place to stay after Refuge A in order to make the trip longer? It seems from your video that staying in Skala may be an option. Do you know a spot?
There are a few other refuges higher up within the park, but sometimes they have less availability. Here’s an article with the full list: visit-olympus.travel/olympus-refuges/
Is Zeus over there?
I want to climb this mountain
I know all the mountaineers are gonna hate me (I’m an aspiring one just kinda need more money for travel :/) but I’m quite disappointed this comments section doesn’t have more Kratos references
My vengeance, ends now....
Did this one on AllTrails last year, was only person on the mountain was amazing, you might of seen my comments 🤣 great video
That must have been pretty incredible! Thanks for the support, friend 🙌
Incredible. I will be there in august and am trying to decide what peaks to attend. Mytikas seems very dangerous. Perhaps I will stick to Skala, perhaps Skolio. Any advice?
Haha nice video. We actually go from Litochoro to Prionia by foot there is a trail no need for taxi, but a lot of tourists are weak and the take a car. You did a nice video showcasing our mountain 🏔️. Love from Greece 🇬🇷
Thank you! I was feeling a little weak at this time. Not really accustomed to the heat as a Canadian 🔥😂
@@samandisanya hahaha I have no idea how you can take the cold up in Canada especially in winter.
Calling Canadian tourists "weak" is wild. Temperatures in Canada can range from 30-35ºc in the summer to -40ºc in the winter. If you ever visit Canada, skip the cities and go straight for the Rockies. You will fall in love. It is a different kind of beauty than Olympus, and it is so much colder, but it is equally as beautiful. I think you will change your mind about Canadians being weak for taking a car instead of walking hahaha.
I was more talking about the hiking not the cold. I''m not crazy I know I wouldn't last 1 day in the Canada cold 😂@@123qwe2323
@@123qwe2323he didn't specifically say anything about Canadians being weak. He just said some tourists are weak and take a taxi.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I will do a 1 day hike with a guide and 9 friends on 30-9-2022. Myself an 2 others have some fear of heights, how is this for the more technical part of the highest peak. Just to mentally prepare haha.
For the most part, there aren't any points on the the climb with extreme drop-offs. If you're going with a guide, I'm sure there will also be the option to hold onto a rope, making it much more secure. Not sure if I'm qualified to give advice on overcoming a fear of heights haha 😅
@@samandisanya thanks! Good to know, yes indeed I saw pictures of using a rope als between ourselves 😄🖐 looking forward to it!
Do you go? How did you find the climb?
Great video! I just wanted to ask on which month did you go and how was the temperature especially at night?
Hi Demy, I went in September! The temperatures were definitely a little colder up on the mountain but still around 15 degrees at night
@@samandisanya Awesome! Thank you! I really appreciate it!🙏🏼
احب زيوس❤️❤️❤️❤️
Did you use any equipment and also was there any point in the final push where you felt in danger of falling? We're going in april and are active, go gym early 30s and just wanted to know if we need anything extra
Hey Seyi, I didn't use either, but It's highly recommended to at least wear a helmet for Mytikas with the danger of falling rocks. Many climbers opt for ropes also. On the way down there were a couple steep & slippery areas that require caution - for these you could bring a rope to be sure. Hope this helps :)
I wanted to ask if you think starting the trail from Litochoro is good Idea.
Basically it's combining the route you had in the video with Litochoro -> Prionia one which is around 11KM
I'm in a good shape So i'd need to start at Litochoro - > Prionia - > Refuge A on the day 1.
day 2 would be ascending and get back to Prionia at take a Taxi.
Do you think it's gonna enrich my trail and experience ?
or should I stick to Prionia - > Refuge A on day 1?
Thanks!
How much was the cab? And the bus?
Hey man, nice climb! Do you know mabye if there is a possibilty to park a car on the start of the route?
Hi Julio, you can park a car in Prionia at the base of the mountain
Hey men really appreciate the video.
Is there any water sources on the hike? (A waterfall for example)
Not that I can remember. When I was there it was quite dry, so I had to carry my own from the refuge
@@samandisanya thank you so much for the response
Where are the gods i want to see them.
zeus your son has returned i bring the destruction of olympus
Ah ahh ahhh ahh sing with me sing for the year
wrong mountain
@@Pluhpluh0 Technically the game said Kratos jumped from the highest peak in Greece, which actually is Mt. Olympus, and the Mountain had a portal to Olympus, so maybe it is?
Bros trying to steal the thunder bolt
Hi ! where did you go after the peak? I am trying to understand how to finish the 2 day trip with my 2 friends
Hey Yaniv! After Mytikas I went back down to the refuge through Skala. I was in a bit of a rush that day. If you have more time, i've heard really good things about the Skolio hike which can also be accessed from Skala 😊
Agapitos Refuge - Skala - Skolio on AllTrails
www.alltrails.com/trail/greece/central-macedonia--3/agapitos-refuge-skala-skolio
Cant wait to fall with straight face
About doing the hiking in one day, how long will it take (obviously it's individual, I just want a range)?
Id say around of hiking 8-10 hours. If you’re fast it could be a bit shorter
ZOOOUSS your son has returned, I bring the destruction of olympus
You say beginner friendly, I have yet only climbed a few smaller mountains in Ischgl, the paths are quite well marked and the steepest we had to climb were a few wooden ladders and rocks with steel cable hand holds. Will we be able to do the last part and reach peak of mount olymp? We have no ropes nor experience in their usage :o
Hi! It's hard to say. I would suggest going with a guide and they can help you with all the ropes and show to the best routes up. There were many novice climbers hiking to the top, but they were usually in good physical shape and with a group.
Great video, Sam. What month did you hike?
Thanks so much, Emon! I hiked it in August
@@samandisanya Is it possible to hike in March? Or is there snow?
@@marissafoster6837 Hi Marissa, the park is open to visitors from April to October. It's likely that the snow would stick around in March. Hope this helps!
Interesting, informative and entertaining. I want to go!
Yes!! Do it
As a god of war fan i need to climb this mountain
How does the jump off point work? is it for parachutes?
great question, more metaphorical, I guess
Where can I find the road?
Can you reconmend Andy website, so that I can Plan the Start and the way up?
You can search prionia on google. Check this site info to get up the mountain - www.tripsavvy.com/mount-olympus-1526250
What type of shoes do you recommend wearing? Will sneakers be fine?
Sneakers aren't ideal, but you should be totally fine ☺ It will just require a bit more care from Skala to Mytikas.
Look at Approach shoes....trainer / mountain shoe hybrid type. Scarpa or La Sportiva are the best. ( For summer only )
ive been the highest person in the country a few times man, drugs are a hell of a drug
Hi Sam, did register your drone under non- EU?
Hey Wong! I have the DJI mini 2, so from my understanding, I wasn't required to register such a 'toy'
@@samandisanya My spark 300g. But my understanding to fly drone in EU even 250g with camera also need to register.
Very nice 👍
My question what is the best time to climbing mount Olympus?
Hi Bader! We're glad that you enjoyed the video :)
The best time to climb Mt. Olympus would probably be between June and the end of September. Any later in the season and the weather might not be as nice for you up there.
@@samandisanya nah probably meeting Kratos
Certainly NOT June as it's too hot. September is the best month.
Winter.. mountains should be conquered in winter!
Best time to climb Olympus, statistically speaking, according to discussions i've made with climbers and my personal experience, is middle of August. If you start at 07:00 in the morning from Prionia, you can be at the top after 7-8 hours.
It's damgerouses roads to climb to Olympuss mountain .
Nxt please visit the mayon volcano here in the Philippines
Hi guys, I am looking at doing this climb as well. What time of the year is best to attempt the climb to Mytikas? Is a high fitness level required to attempt this?
Hey Nick, for the best conditions I'd recommend going in the summer season from June to August. Medium-high fitness level is best, but you can always stay a night and take your time on day 2.
Thanks for the reply@@samandisanya. Would you recommend going with a guide as it would be my first time up this mountain?
Hiya would you say this is too tough for overweight people to do? Or would climbing the rock part be too difficult
Hi! It's difficult to judge for someone else if the hike is too tough, but I believe if you've hiked smaller mountains before, and you take your time (+ have enough water with you) that anyone can at least reach the lodges or Skala peak. Hiking to Mytikas peak (the very top) definitely requires some level of fitness as there is a part where you'll have to climb over rocks with potentially lots of wind. Hope that answers your question :)
@@samandisanya yes indeed it does thank you very much i just got my gallbladder removed so i think ill just be going half way this time around.
I will be there next month but I am still thinking whether should I do a one day climb.
It really depends on your conditioning and how much gear you're taking. Just make sure to get there early! For me it took around 8 hours in total.
@@samandisanya I am a trail runner, I do hiking and occasionally do mountain climbing too. Other than extra clothing, most probably I will bring along energy gels, 2L of water too.
@@wongwilson6821 1 day should be totally doable for you :)
@@samandisanya Haha. Thanks Sam👍🏾.
How did you get back from the base to the nearby town??
I hitchhiked with car headed down the mountain 😆The taxis will come up there, but the cell reception is not very good and it will cost extra
I noticed some people wild camping- would this be an option if someone didn’t want to stay in the refuge and carried a tent? Would the refuge let you use the facilities if so do you think (toilets, food etc) and leave your bag with them and collect it on the way down? I appreciate you may not be able to answer all the questions!
Hey Ben, I don’t know about wild camping, but there were a number of people who legally camped outside refuge A in tents. I believe they were allowed access to facilities as they are outside around the back anyways. Since I stayed the night within the refuge, they held onto my bag for the day. I can’t say for sure, but if you ask nicely it should be okay for you - just buy some food :) enjoy the climb!
@@samandisanya thank you for the response.
You can stay on your own tent instead of sleeping inside and use the facilities of the refuge but they charge you 8 euros if i remember correctly
Is it possible to climb to the top in one day then sleep in the refuge to leave the next day?
Hey Andrew, this would be a great approach if you’re up for taking on a majority the first day. It could be better as you’ll get to enjoy the refuge and sleep in a bit the next day. Go for it!
Did anyone else notice the clouds ☁️ in the background when he was at the highest point on Olympus? I guess the agent Greeks 🇬🇷 got that Olympus being amongst the clouds right according to their mythology.
Arihrih ahrahrah-Arihrih ahrarih
Hi I have a question.
Is it OK if I climb the mountain during April?
Hi! The mountain is open between May and October, but it's recommended to visit from June to September :)
Definetely not, lot of rain and snow and low temperatures
How long did it take you in Total
Hey Lucas, I spent about 8 hours actually hiking and stayed 1 night at refuge A. It was about 20 hours in total from Litochoro to Mytikas and back.
Hi Sam, did you engage any guide?
Hi Wong! I did not. The trail is pretty well marked, so I didnt find it necessary. Up to Skala, there's pretty much one main path, and same with Skala to Mytikas. I did use the App Alltrails. With this, you can down the route and track your position on it with gps. It works really well 😌www.alltrails.com/trail/greece/central-macedonia--3/prionia-skala-mytikas
@@samandisanya Great information! Thank you Sam!
Hey why headphones, thats cheating. Enjoy the nature!
Nice video btw
Can you get up there with a car as well or not?
Did you see the church up the top?
And Where did you start?
Hi Nils, I started the trail at Prionia - the trailhead parking lot
How did the feeling feel of being on top of mount Olympus.?
@@spiritualfamilyx5464 there was a great view!
@@samandisanya that's awesome I will journey there one day, take in the energy of being there
Imagine if someone built something at the top
Zeus won't be happy
Didn't you miss the first 6 hours of the mountain by starting at the car park
Hey David, I took this route because I was limited for time: www.alltrails.com/trail/greece/central-macedonia--3/prionia-skala-mytikas
You can also start in Litochoro
@@samandisanya ahh brilliant. I'm so excited to do this one day. Thanks for uploading your adventures.
where is the god?
You should have walked from Litochoro!
🌺 քʀօʍօֆʍ
Did you need sticks?
for the most part
@@samandisanya how would you recommend to get to the top? on myself or with the group? thanks
Where the hell is Zeus?
Zoos your son has returned to bring destruction of olympus
so handsome!
You can visit Nepal for real feel of mountain 😅
We would love to go some day 😮
Jumping off point !?
God of thunder lives here.
Not rock Formation Zeus Haus
ok. Have you found Zeus ?
He never returned my call, maybe next time :)
I didnt see any gigantic ruins of the Palace of the Gods.
Where are the gods?
nowhere to be seen. The real gods are god and his son, Jesus christ.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 LOL@@johnheadbricks689
@@johnheadbricks689There is no such thing as a real or fake God. It's subjective.
Vocal fry
yea it sounds like he's nodding out on roxys