Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and all over Europe. It’s a nature reserve and a magnificent place.
Mythology and history
The mountain range of Olympus is the religious center of the ancient world, the main residence of the Olympic gods, from where the Thunderer Zeus ruled the world. In this regard, the Greek gods are often called "Olympians". It has several peaks over 2000 meters high. The highest and most famous are the "Pantheon" (2918 m) and "Throne of Zeus" (2909 m). The gods of ancient Hellas spent their not boring life on the Pantheon (today this peak is called Mikikas). And the Throne of Zeus (modern Stephanie) was the exclusive place of the Father of the Gods. Muses, patrons of the arts lived on the Alpine meadows near the peaks.
According to archaeologists, there was a taboo that prohibited people to climb these two "divine" peaks. The first who dared to break the peace of the Gods were the Romans who installed one of their outposts near the peaks.
In the Christian era, Olympus became the place of a deed of many ascetics and was decorated with a number of monasteries, both male and female. The most significant of the existing to this day is the "Old Dionysius". The monastery was founded by St. Dionysius the Olympian in the 16th century AD. It is located at an altitude of 820 meters above sea level, on the banks of the gorge of the mountain river Enippeas, with many picturesque slopes and waterfalls.
Why does Olympus Mountain attract tourists?
These places are a favorite place for Easter picnics and summer walks. Not only the inhabitants of Pieria, the region in which the mountain range of Olympus is located, are usual here, but all of Northern Greece too. There are several hiking trails along the Enippeasa riverbed for lovers of mountain ascents of varying degrees of difficulty.
The richest flora and fauna of the natural reserve of Olympus, as well as the uniqueness of the landscape, attracts many climbers, amateur naturalists and scientists of various directions. More than 1700 species of plants are found here, which corresponds to 25% of all species found in Greece. The fauna is represented by 8 species of amphibians, 22 species of reptiles, 32 species of wild mammals, 136 species of birds.
Another attraction of Olympus is the unusual mountain villages scattered along the mountain slopes. Cozy "Xenon" (traditional hotels built in the style of "chalets") and taverns with a magnificent local concoction distinguish these settlements from others. The most popular among them is the town of Litochoro, located on the eastern slopes of Olympus Mount at an altitude of 300 m above sea level. Tourists begin their ascent to the mountain right there.
At the foot of Olympus, there is the archaeological complex of Dion, the cultural center of ancient Macedonia. There were major religious celebrations in honor of Olympian Zeus.
There are several shelters adapted for climbers on the mountaineering routes of the mountain of the gods. Everyone has the opportunity to get to the tops of Olympus, regardless of experience. If you are not a professional or unsure of yourself, use the service of a special guide and take maximum care of compliance with all safety rules.
From Athens:
By plane: the nearest airport is Macedonia Thessaloniki; by train: from the railway station "Stafmos Larissis" to the station Katerini, then by bus to Litochoro; By bus: from the bus station "KTEL Liosion" to Katerini, then by bus to Litochoro; By car: 412 km on the national highway Athens – Thessaloniki.
From Thessaloniki:
By train: from the railway station to the station Litochoro; By bus from the bus station KTEL "Macedonia" to Katerini, then by bus to Litochoro; By car: 93 km on the national highway Thessaloniki - Athens.
