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For the trail · alpventurer.com/mount-olympus

Hiking in Mount Olympus: A Two-Day Adventure

Hiking in Mount Olympus · Greece

Time
2 days
Difficulty
Challenging
Water
Pack enough for the entire hike

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.

The route: Day 1

Distance
6.5 km
Ascent
+1,002 m
Descent
−21 m
High point
2,912 m
Lowest point
1,107 m

A Litóchoro: 40.08372, 22.40707B Finish: 40.08010, 22.37295▲ Skolio peak: 40.08010, 22.37295

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

Walking time, without breaks

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

How steep

  • Under 8% 0.9 km
  • 8 to 15% 1.8 km
  • 15 to 25% 3.3 km
  • Over 25% 0.5 km

The route: Day 2

Distance
12.4 km
Ascent
+857 m
Descent
−1,848 m
High point
2,877 m
Lowest point
1,067 m

A Litóchoro: 40.08006, 22.37280B Finish: 40.08365, 22.40691▲ High point: 40.08220, 22.35002

Elevation profile of Hiking in Mount Olympus: A Two-Day AdventureStarts at 2,058 m, climbs 857 m in total to a high point of 2,877 m after 3.0 km, and finishes at 1,067 m; 10.8 km in all.1,000 m2,000 m3,000 m0 km2 km4 km6 km8 km10 kmLitóchoroSkolio peak · 2,877 mFinish

Walking time, without breaks

  • Relaxed10 h 10 min
  • Average8 h 5 min
  • Fast6 h 30 min

How steep

  • Under 8% 1.1 km
  • 8 to 15% 1.6 km
  • 15 to 25% 3.1 km
  • Over 25% 5.0 km

In two parts

  • Up to the high point 3.0 km · +838 m
  • Down to the finish 7.8 km · −1,830 m

What to pack

Every hike

  • Water: about 2 litres (half a litre an hour)
  • Rain jacket
  • A warm layer (fleece or light down)
  • Sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
  • Boots or trail shoes with good grip
  • Phone with the map offline, and a power bank
  • Small first aid kit
  • Headlamp, in case it gets late
  • Some cash and your ID

For the summit

  • Hat and gloves: it is colder and windier at the top
  • Walking poles, for the way down

For a long day

  • Lunch, and a snack for every two hours
  • Salty snacks or electrolytes
  • Blister plasters

Nights on the way

  • Sleeping bag liner (a sleeping bag where the hut has none)
  • Dry clothes for the evening
  • Toothbrush, small towel and earplugs
  • Cash for huts and guesthouses
  • Your bookings

The guide

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.