Olympus — The Mountain of the Gods
Olympus, Greece’s highest mountain and the legendary home to the twelve gods of antiquity, is a natural and cultural monument of global significance. Rising to 2,918 meters at its highest peak, Mytikas, it is a point of reference for every Greek and one of Europe’s most important mountain destinations.
Nature and Protection
Mount Olympus has been designated a National Park since 1938—the first in Greece—and is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Its rich flora includes more than 1,700 plant species, many of which are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else in the world.
A botanical emblem of the mountain is the rare purple flower Jankaea heldreichii, which grows in rock crevices and is found exclusively on Olympus. Many endemic plant species have been named by botanical researchers after local place names and mythical figures associated with Olympus, highlighting their unique origin.
The fauna of Olympus is equally diverse. A total of 32 mammal species have been recorded, including the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wildcat (Felis sylvestris), stone marten (Martes foina), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).
In addition, the mountain is home to 108 bird species, including the kestrel, black vulture, rock partridge, white stork, wild pigeon, red-throated warbler, golden eagle, rock thrush, booted eagle, and short-toed snake eagle. Many of these species—particularly birds of prey—are rare and strictly protected under international conservation conventions.
Mythology and Landscape
Here, mythology meets nature. Deep gorges, dense forests, and towering peaks create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape that captivates every visitor. The sense of sacredness and grandeur that Olympus radiates has endured through the centuries, inspiring mountaineers, poets, and travelers from around the world.
Mountaineering and Life on the Mountain
For us, Olympus is not merely a mountain—it is a way of life. From the first rays of sunlight illuminating Stefani to the sunsets over the slopes of Western Olympus, every route offers a lesson in humility and inner strength. Its iconic peaks—Mytikas, Skolio, and Stefani—stand as enduring symbols and aspirations for every mountaineer.
On Olympus, we learn to move with respect, to cooperate, to listen to nature, and to become part of it. Every step, ascent, and trail is an experience that remains engraved in memory forever.