Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the second highest
mountain in the Balkans. It is located in the north of Greece.
Mount Olympus has 52 peaks and many deep gorges.
The highest peak Mytikas, (meaning "nose“), rises to 2,919 meters.
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The morphology of Mount Olympus, its natural beauty, the almost
permanent cloud cover over its peaks and the frequent thunderstorms,
filled the people around the mountain with admiration and fear that gave
birth to numerous myths since the ancient times.
Mount Olympus is a mythical mountain.
Ancient Greeks believed that it was the the home of their twelve Gods and that
no mortal was allowed to go there.
The twelve Olympian Gods
Zeus was their leader. He was also the god of all men
and the ruler of the weather.
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The Twelve Olympian gods lived in their palaces located
in the gorges of the mountain.
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Pantheon (today the peak Mytikas) was their meeting
place, where they had their stormy discussions.
Why on Olympus?
With its high peeks and steep slopes, the mountain Olympus was a place
where no one could live or climb. For seven months of the year it is covered
in snow (from November to May) and the temperature falls to -20o C.
In the imagination of Ancient Greeks it became the home of gods and a
forbidden place for mortals.
The name Olympus comes from the greek word “bright” although in Homer
the mountain is often closely associated with Uranus (sky)
The Mount Olympus of Greek mythology is represented a bit
differently than the mountain one would see today.
It was an ideal paradise where the weather was always perfect
and the gods could enjoy their feasts of divine nectar and
ambrosia.
The poets and writers could only imagine what went on in the
land of the gods, as no one would ever see it.
The throne of Zeus
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The peak “Stefani” (2,902 m.), also called “Throne of Zeus”, presents the
most impressive and steep peak of Olympus. Its shape excites the
imagination of people even nowadays.
At the edge of the peak “Stefani” (2,902 m.) one can see in the
morning, at sunrise, a strange face on the rock. It’s the result of the
shadows of the rock and …our human imagination.
Ancient coin with the
head of Zeus
A protected natural area
In 1938, Olympus, was the first area in Greece which was
declared as a National Park.
The aim was the preservation of the
natural environment: the flora, fauna and
natural landscapes, as well as its cultural
values.
Specific laws prohibit any kind of exploitation
in the east side of the mountain.
The importance of the National Park has been recognized not only in Greece
and Europe but all over the world. In 1981 UNESCO declared “Olympus a
Biosphere Reserve”.
The European Community has
included Olympus in the list of “The
Most Important Bird areas of the
European Community”.
An ideal place for outdoor activities
Tourism is developed in the wider area.
The mountain offers many opportunities for activities in nature such as
climbing, hiking, trekking, canyoning, mountaineering, mountain bike, ski
and air sports.
Map of peaks, trails and refuges
Snow storm
There are nine refuges operating on Olympus to
cover the needs of the visitors
Thank you!
You can find more information about activities in the
on line guide of Mount Olympus