Olympus National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Olympus National Park is located in Greece. The national park encompasses an area of 92 square miles (238 sq km) and serves as one of the country’s leading attractions.

Mount Olympus is the pinnacle attraction and heart of the national park. It represents cultural, historical, and natural significance. The summit reaches a height of 9,570 feet (2,917 m) with Mytikas being the highest of the peaks on the mountain. Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece.

There are 52 different peaks spread out across the mountain. Mytikas is the one that hits the highest point at 9,570 feet (2,917 m). It is also one of the higher peaks throughout Europe. There are also deep gorges found within the mountain prominence.

Predator wildlife includes wolves, jackals, foxes, and wild cats. Some of the other larger mammal species include chamois, wild goat, and roe deer. Birdwatchers can keep an eye for the peregrine falcon, sparrow hawk, golden eagle, short-toed snake eagle, lanner falcon, and the booted eagle.

The national park honors and protects history, culture, and nature. Mount Olympus, which is the tallest mountain in Greece, is the home of the Twelve Gods of antiquity and of course the most famous god, Zeus.

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Olympus National Park Trails

There are several trails and treks ranging from easy to more difficult and even dangerous. The majority of trails are looking to engage you with the mountain and mountainous areas.

Litochoro Saw

This trail is a moderate hike with an elevation change of 1.968 feet (740 m). It takes about 5 hours and covers a distance of 29,527 feet (9,000 m). The trail follows the stunning Enipea gorge while crossing over it seven different times.

Sewing – Shelf Cave Agapitos

This three-hour excursion covers a distance of 14,763 feet (4,500 m) with an elevation change of 3,280 feet (1,000 m) which makes it more difficult.

Cave of Dear Stair Mytikas

Another moderately difficult trail that covers a distance of 9,842 feet (3,000 m) while ascending an elevation change of 2,683 (818 m). This bare alpine trek takes you to the Skala summit.

Musical Plateau Peaks

This is a difficult and dangerous trek. It only covers a distance of 4,921 feet (1,500 m) and an elevation change of 879 feet (268 m). But it is steep with potential rockslides. You need to plan for at least an hour and caution is warranted.

Sources

Britannica, Mount Olympus, https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Olympus-mountain-Greece, retrieved June 2020.
Discover Greece, Olympus Where the Gods Still Reign, https://www.discovergreece.com/en/mainland/macedonia/olympos, retrieved October 2019.
Greek Mythology, Mount Olympus, https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Places/Mount_Olympus/mount_olympus.html, retrieved June 2020.
National Geographic, Mount Olympus National Park, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/parks/olympus-greece/, retrieved October 2019.
Olympus, Olympus National Park Information, https://olympusfd.gr/, retrieved October 2019.
Climb Europe, Walking Around Mount Olympus National Park, https://www.climb-europe.com/WalkingGreece/Mount-Olympus-Walking.html, retrieved October 2019.