This guest post was provided by Nick Sotos, who is a mountaineer, rock-climber and a hiker.
Let me share some information along with some tips for one of the most lovely mountains I have ever climbed, now that my memories are still fresh. A mountain that when I was hiking in its forest, I thought I was into a fairy tale. When I climbed at its summit I thought I was going to face the Gods. Its name Mount Olympus, or as it is shown on Greek maps Oros Olympos. It is the highest mountain is Greece and the second highest in the Balkans. Located about 100 kilometers from Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki and nestled between Thessaly and Macedonia. The Olympus Mountain has 52 peaks with its highest peak Mytikas, which means nose, rising 9,570 ft (2,917 m). In 1938, Mount Olympus was declared a National Park and in 1981 declared a Biosphere Reserve. The mountain is mostly known for the stories told through Greek mythology naming it the “home” of the 12 Gods.
The Flora and Fauna
Mount Olympus contains 25% of all Greek flora with over 1,700 species of plants recorded, most of these being at low altitude. There are different vegetation zones where several types of vegetation span. The first zone at about 300 to 500 m includes mainly short bushes and trees such as cedar, kermes oak, and the strawberry tree. There are also deciduous trees like the turpentine tree. At the second zone around 600 to 1400 m there is a domination of European black pine along with smaller groups of beech tree and King Boris’ fir to name a couple. From 1400 to 2500 m is the conifers zone which appears with the rare Pinus heldreichii (a type of pine tree). There are also grass plants and shrubs with flora that includes many endemic species of the Balkans. Over 2500 m is the highest forest limit in the Balkans. There is a variety of rare wild flowers that are native to Greece and the Balkans.
This vast mountain also contains 32 species of mammals with the most common being deer, wolf, fox, ferret, chamois, jackal, squirrel, and wild cat. There are also 108 species of birds that have been recorded in the dense forests and the rocky mountain slopes. The streams and lakes are the homestead of many amphibians and reptiles. Some of the species of fauna, such as golden eagle, chamois, and the rare woodpecker, are strictly protected under international agreements. Mount Olympus is most famous for the vast array of butterflies that flutter throughout the mountain ranges.
Trails, Routes, and Refuges
For the hiker and climber, there are many routes and trails that range in ability and level. Due to the special nature of the mountain only the most well established routes and trails are selected and proposed to climbers. Nine refuges are scattered throughout the mountain which accommodate dozens, in most cases, and also have kitchens or restaurants. The refuges help to assist visitors, climbers, hikers and mountaineers but many operate on seasonal bases so you must plan accordingly. There are six additional refuges but they are strictly for emergencies only and hold a limited amount of people.
When to Visit & How to Get There
Mount Olympus generally has Mediterranean climate, warm and dry in the summer and wet in the winter. It is covered in snow approximately seven months out of the year between November and May; however this should not deter visitors. A year-round calendar boasts cultural, religious, and athletic events throughout Olympus National Park. The city of Dion, which is one of the entrances to the park, once held the Olympian Games which was a nine day event created by King Archelaus. Today Dion has an archaeological museum and in the summer holds the Olympus Festival. Aside from Dion; Petra, Karya and Kokkinopilos are also entrances to the vast mountain. The primary base, however, for Olympus exploring is Litochoro which is 258 miles from Athens and 57 miles from Thessaloniki. There are trains and buses linked to the little town which is snuggled in the foothills three miles from the Aegean Sea.
With its glorious size and interesting history, Mount Olympus is a place that any hiker, climber, mountaineer or visitor should add to their list of travel destinations. The mountain provides many adventures and means for site seeing. There are many animals to watch, flowers to smell, and heights to reach when traveling to mythology’s most famous mountain.
This guest post was provided by Nick Sotos, who is a mountaineer, rock-climber and a hiker. He writes for an outdoors blog that offers Rock Creek Coupon and the latest Sierra Trading Post Coupon In his blog you will find Reviews, outdoor Tips and Tricks, along with coupon codes and promo codes for many outdoor merchants like Sierra Trading Post and Rock Creek.