Mount Olympus has 52 distinct peaks, with Mytikas being the highest point.
The mountain was declared a National Park in 1938, the first in Greece.
The park contains the E4 European long-distance hiking path.
Approximately 25% of all plant species in Greece can be found within the park boundaries.
The Enipeas Gorge is one of the most prominent geological features, carved by the Enipeas River over millennia.
The park is home to the rare Pinus heldreichii, or Bosnian pine.
It is a protected area under the Natura 2000 network for its biodiversity.
The mountain experiences a unique microclimate due to its proximity to the Aegean Sea.
Mount Olympus National Park is Greece’s first national park, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981. It spans 238 square kilometers and encompasses the highest mountain in Greece, Mytikas, reaching 2,917 meters. The geography features steep limestone gorges, dense coniferous forests, and a diverse alpine ecosystem. The Enipeas River flows through the park, forming the notable Enipeas Waterfall and numerous natural pools. Hiking trails range from accessible forest paths to technical routes requiring mountaineering experience. The park serves as a protected habitat for over 1,700 plant species and diverse wildlife, including Balkan chamois and golden eagles. Visitors access the park primarily from the town of Litochoro. High-altitude zones remain subject to rapidly changing weather conditions, requiring specialized gear during all seasons. The landscape is characterized by its high relief, including deep vertical fissures and jagged peaks.
The wooden bridge crossing the Enipeas River near the Prionia trailhead.
Carry professional-grade navigation tools and physical maps, as GPS signal can be unreliable in deep gorges.
Check local weather reports specifically for the alpine zones before starting any ascent.
Ensure your footwear provides high ankle support and aggressive tread for steep, rocky terrain.
Attempting to reach the summit of Mytikas without proper mountaineering experience or safety equipment.
Higher alpine refuges typically operate from May through October; weather-dependent trail closures occur frequently in winter.
Strictly pack-in, pack-out policy applies; camping is only permitted in designated areas near mountain refuges.
