Hiking in Mount Olympus: A Two-Day Adventure

· updated · 2 min read
A hiker crosses a snowy slope on Mount Olympus as clouds roll over the surrounding peaks
Hiking in Mount Olympus, Greece
Distance
6.5 km
Time
2 days
Ascent
+1,002 m
Descent
−21 m
High point
2,912 m
Difficulty
Challenging

The route

Hiking in Mount Olympus, on the map

Two ways to walk it, both from my own GPX tracks. Pick one: the map, the profile and the numbers follow.

Distance6.5km
Time2 days
Ascent+1,002m
Descent−21m
High point2,912m
DifficultyChallenging

Walking time at your paceAn estimate without breaks, worked out from the distance and the climb.

  • Relaxed5 h 15 min
  • Average4 h 10 min
  • Fast3 h 20 min

Elevation

Elevation profile of Hiking in Mount Olympus: A Two-Day AdventureStarts at 1,107 m, climbs 1,002 m in total to a high point of 2,089 m after 6.5 km, and finishes at 2,089 m; 6.5 km in all.1,000 m2,000 m3,000 m0 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 kmLitóchoroFinish

How steep

  • 0.9 kmUnder 8%
  • 1.8 km8 to 15%
  • 3.3 km15 to 25%
  • 0.5 kmOver 25%

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What to pack19 things, for a summit, a long day, nights on the way

Every hike

For the summit

For a long day

Nights on the way

The light for photographs

Today at Skolio peak: sunrise 06:58, sunset 17:29.

Today at Skolio peak: sunrise 06:58, sunset 17:29.

At Skolio peak, 2,089 m, in local time (Europe/Athens), with an open horizon: the mountains around can hide the sun sooner.

In short

This challenging two-day hike starts in Litóchoro and reaches Skolio peak on Mount Olympus, at 2,912 m. The route is 6.5 km with 1,002 m of ascent. Pack enough water for the entire hike.

Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, is a challenging but rewarding destination for hikers. Known for its incredible views and rugged terrain, it’s a must-see for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure. I recently had the opportunity to hike Mount Olympus, an experience I’ll never forget. Here’s a rundown of my two-day hike, along with some tips and recommendations for anyone planning a similar trip.

A hiker in a bright green jacket rests in deep snow below a rugged peak on Mount Olympus

Day 1: Litóchoro – Vrysopoyles (Mountain Hut)

The first day of my hike was a steep and challenging 7.14km trek from Litóchoro to the Vrysopoyles mountain hut. The elevation gain for the day was 1070m, and the trail was steep and strenuous. Despite the challenging conditions, the morning views were breathtaking. I had planned to climb Mount Mytikas, the highest peak in Greece, but it was impossible to continue due to much snow. So, I decided to climb Skala peak and Skolio peak.

Unfortunately, it rained all day, which made the hike even more challenging. But I was determined to reach the mountain hut, and I finally arrived there in the early evening, exhausted but relieved. The hut offered a warm place to rest and delicious food. The view from the mountain hut in the morning was amazing; I have a picture to prove it:

A hiker in an orange jacket looks over clouds from a railing on Mount Olympus at dusk

Day 2: Mountain hut – Skala peak (2.882m/alt) – Skolio peak (2912 m/alt) – Litóchoro

The second day of my hike was even more challenging than the first. I climbed Skala and Skolio peaks, with a total elevation gain of 910m. The trail was steep and rocky, but the views from the top were worth it. The whole landscape was visible from the top, and it was a fantastic feeling to be standing on top of a mountain.

After reaching the summit, I returned to the mountain hut and Litóchoro. It was a long and challenging hike, but I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when I finally reached the bottom.

Overall, hiking on Mount Olympus was an incredible experience. Despite the bad weather, I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend this hike to anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding outdoor adventure.

A hiker crosses a snow-covered ridge on Mount Olympus beneath a blue sky and a bank of clouds

Here are a few tips for anyone planning a similar hike:

  1. Check the weather forecast before you go, and come prepared for any conditions.
  2. Bring a good pair of hiking boots and a waterproof jacket.
  3. Be sure to pack enough food and water for the entire hike.
  4. Take a sleeping bag for the mountain hut
  5. Take a good camera to capture the beautiful views.
  6. Be aware that the trail can be steep and rocky, so be prepared for a challenging hike.

Overall, hiking on Mount Olympus was an incredible experience. With its breathtaking views, rugged terrain, and challenging hikes, it’s a must-see destination for outdoor adventure.

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Granit Temaj

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