Olympus National Park Traverse
A traverse of Mount Olympus, the mythological home of the Greek gods, through dense forest, alpine meadows, and the highest summit in Greece, Mytikas.
Route overview
The Mount Olympus Traverse is a mountain trail of approximately 60 kilometres that crosses Mount Olympus in northern Greece, the highest mountain in the country and the mythological home of the ancient Greek gods. The route runs from the foothills near Litochoro on the east to the western slopes near Karya, or can be walked as a circuit using the mountain huts. The trail ascends through dense Mediterranean forest of pine, beech, and oak, emerging into alpine meadows at the treeline around 2,000 metres. The highest point is Mytikas at 2,918 metres, which requires a short exposed scramble. The mountain has a well-developed hut system including the Spilios Agapitos refuge and the Kakalos refuge on the Muses plateau. Mount Olympus is a national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The trail offers a unique combination of Mediterranean forest, alpine scenery, and classical mythology. The terrain is demanding but not technically difficult except for the final summit scramble.
Trail facts
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Mount Olympus
- Distance
- c. 60 km
- Typical duration
- 4–6 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 4,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- June–September
- Trail type
- Mountain trail
Safety context
The Mytikas summit scramble is exposed and requires a head for heights. High sections are exposed to alpine weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Navigation is difficult in fog.
Mountain huts must be booked in advance in summer. The summit scramble is not suitable for all walkers. The lower forest sections can be hot and humid.
Highlights
Litochoro and the Enipeas gorge Spilios Agapitos mountain refuge Muses plateau alpine meadows Mytikas summit — highest in Greece Kakalos refuge Mediterranean forest Ancient mythological associations Olympus National Park
Why find a buddy
A mountain traverse to the home of the Greek gods — a companion shares the mythological significance, the alpine meadows, and the summit scramble to the highest point in Greece.
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.