Mount Olympus is more than just Greece’s tallest mountain at 2,918 meters; it’s the legendary home of the Greek gods, a presence that demands respect and readiness. Your hike begins from the small town of Litochoro, where forest trails immediately pull you into the mountain’s living pulse. Trees crowd the path, their branches daring you onward while the cool air hums with the promise of altitude.

From the village, the classic route to Mytikas covers roughly 18 kilometers round-trip with an elevation gain of about 1,700 meters. The trail shifts from shaded woods to rocky slopes, where every step presses against the mountain’s fierce independence. The E4 European long-distance path guides you past Prionia refuge—an ideal break point before tackling the steep ascent toward the summit.

Expect varied terrain: solid forest paths, gravel stretches, and rugged rock scrambling near the top. The final climb demands careful footing and a good head for heights, as the mountain narrows and exposes you to open skies and sweeping views. Mytikas does not yield with ease; it insists on your full attention and respect.

Plan your hike for early morning starts to avoid afternoon storms common in summer. Staying hydrated is crucial—carry at least 2 liters of water, and use sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots to handle loose rocks and uneven ground. A windproof jacket is wise; the summit air moves with authority.

The mountain’s personality shifts with the seasons: spring flushes the lower forests with blooming wildflowers, summer brings long, sunlit days but sudden weather shifts, autumn offers crisp air and colorful vistas, and winter wraps the peak in snow, requiring technical gear and experience.

Summiting Mytikas is both a physical challenge and a journey into Greece’s mythic heart. This is a mountain fiercely itself, calling for preparation, respect, and reward in equal measure—a landscape where each step is a conversation with something ancient and alive.