Mount Olympus (2,919m)

You do not require any previous mountaineering experience for this trip. We recommend good level of fitness. Day 1 : 1000m of vertical ascent/ 6,5 km / 3 3 1/2 hrs. Day 2: 1000m of vertical ascent/ 7-8 hrs in total, 15km Day 3: 1000m of vertical drop , 6 km / 2-3 hrs Please note : Take seriously the vertical ascent of each day and not the distances.

- Hiking boots - Backpack 30L or similar - Sun protection - sunhat, suncream and sunglasses - Long trousers - Shorts - Waterproof jacket - T-shirts for trekking - Fleece - Underwear - Hiking socks - Small towel - Toiletries - Headtorch - Water bottle - Hiking sticks (optional) - Shell jacket - Gloves and beanie

We recommend you fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Litochoro from Thessaloniki Airport. The quickest way is to take a taxi, and this is usually a good option if you are travelling with a few other people (typically costs around 125 EUR). Alternatively, you can take the airport bus to Thessaloniki station (around 45 minutes) and then the train to Litochoro (1 hour and around 5 EUR). From Litochoro station, it is a short taxi ride to the main square (10 EUR).

For trips until June 20th : You can let your stuff at the Refuge Agapitos, as the second overnight is at the same refuge. For trips after June 20th: You have to carry your equipment from one refuge to the other.

Usually, the the first night is at Agapitos Refuge at the east side of mount Olympus. The Second night is at Petrostrouga Refuge at the northeast side of mount Olympus. This may however change depending on the season (see 'seasonal variations' FAQ). The refuges are basic, dormitory-style and have a shared bathroom. Due to this shared sleeping situation, it's a good idea to bring an eyemask and earplugs to help you sleep. Extra blankets are available in the refuge, but you need to bring a sleeping bag Or sleeping bag liner. A cold-water Shower is available at Refuge Agapitos. Unfortunately there is no shower available at Petrostrouga Refuge. We recommend packing wet wipes to freshen up in the evening. Note that mountain refuges offer only basic accommodation. Electricity is limited and sometimes not available. Likewise, water availability is often influenced by the season as during dry times, these refuges do not have a water supply.

You will have opportunities to buy food and water in Litochoro town and at the refuges in the mountains. We would recommend having a light lunch before meeting your guide on day 1.

Start: You'll meet your guide at Litochoro Marine Museum Central Entrance (navy Museum), at 2 pm on day 1 of your itinerary. End: Your guide will drop you back off at Litochoro square central church, at 11:00 -12:00 on day 3 of your itinerary.

During this trek, you will be making a steep scramble up Mitikas. This is not technical rock climbing, rather we will be using a short-roping technique which is standard for this route and this type of terrain. You will be provided with helmets and harnesses for this 'climb'. Short-roping is a mountaineering technique that involves a rope team moving together on steep or technical terrain, typically with shorter rope intervals between climbers. The leader anchors the rope to provide a measure of security for the entire team (i.e. the rope is not attached to the rock). The climbers maintain a shorter rope length between them, allowing for swift communication, increased control, and quicker response to potential hazards.

The Refuges are located in remote parts of the Greek mountains. As such, the menu is often limited. As there are no other options, meal prices are also fairly steep. Expect to pay around 6-8 Euros per meal. The food is cooked by the refuge staff and we cannot guarantee that there will be options for specific dietary requirements. Unfortunately, we are also not permitted to bring our own food to eat at these refuges (you may of course bring snacks to eat along the trail).

During parts of the year, certain refuges are closed. In May & June, there can still be snow blocking the passes. This affects our trip and where we overnight in the following ways; May : Agapitos refuge is the only one open on Mt Olympus, we stay at this same refuge both nights during this month. June 1st to June 20th: Due to the snow at the upper part of Mount Olympus and the high peaks, there is no access or connection to the Muses Plateau. The two overnights are at Agapitos Refuge. After June 20th: the connection between the east and the northeast side of Mt. Olympus is free of snow. The 1st overnight is at Agapitos Refuge and the second overnight is at Petrostrouga Refuge.

The minimum age for this trip is 12 years.

The best months to climb mount Olympus are July & August (summer). During this time of year, the climate is the most stable. Remember, as you will be walking high up, the temperatures are cool. You will still need gloves and a beanie at the summit.