Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and the second highest in the Balkans, after Rila in Bulgaria. A compact yet enormous mass that imposingly dominates the borders of Macedonia and Thessaly. An important area that has special biodiversity, in 1938 it was declared as the first national park in Greece. It is a mountain known all over the world due to the fact that in mythology and according to the ancient Greek religion, the Twelve Gods chose to inhabit it. Every year thousands of nature lovers visit Mount Olympus to admire the beauty of its nature and to enjoy hiking its slopes and conquering its peak.

The highest peak is Mitikas at 2,918m. The first time it was officially conquered was on August 2nd, 1913, when the Swiss photographers Frederic Boisso’nnas and Daniel Baud-Bovy climbed to the top with the help of Christos Kakalos, a local hunter from Litochoro. Nowadays, Mount Olympus is preferred by hikers and climbers, as there are organized paths and cozy refuges operating from May to October.

Refuges

• Spilios Agapitos It is the most organised refuge in the area, owned by the Greek Federation of Mountaineering clubs. It has 110 beds, running water, electricity, telephone (+30 23520 81800), heating, blankets and a restaurant. It is open from May to October 6am-10pm.
• Vrysopoules This refuge is located in the west area, at Mavratzas gorge in an altitude of 1.800m. You can also go there from Sparmos. Owner of the refuge is greek army Κ.Ε.Ο.Α.Χ (Ski Army – tel: +30 24930 62163). It has 30 beds, kitchen, water, electricity, central heating and fireplace. It is open all year round, but to stay there you need military authorization.
• Christos Kakalos It is located at the southwestern edge of the plateau of the Muses, at an altitude of 2.648m. The refuge is owned by the Greek Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing and has 18 beds, electricity, blankets, a kitchen, and a water tank.
• Stavros (“Dimitrios Bountolas”). It is located on the eastern side of Mount Olympus, 9,5km from Litochoro. It is in an altitude of 930m, in the wood of the Dionysos Monastery. Owner is the Mountaineering club of Thessaloniki, and it operates all year round, mainly as a bar and restaurant, and can accommodate up to 30 people. Tel: +30 23520 81687
• Giosos Apostolides It is located on the plateau of the Muses Diaselo in an altitude of 2.760m and owner is the Climbers Association of Thessaloniki (tel: +30 2310 224 710). It can accommodate 80 people, it has electricity, water, fireplace, kitchen and it is open from June up to October.
• Petrostrouga It is located at the path of the second classical route of Olympus (D10), that takes you to the Plateau of Muses. The refuge is in an altitude of 1900m and is surrounded by perennial bushes. It can accommodate 60 people, it has a kitchen, electricity, water, a fireplace and is open all year round. Owner of the shelter is the Greek Rescue Team, tel: +30 2310 310 649.