Mount Olympus

Fast Facts

Location: 100 kilimeters south west of Thessaloniki in north Greece
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year, preferably in August
Preferred timings: Daytime
How to reach: Reach Lithochoro at the foothills of Mount Olympus by road from Thessaloniki and thereafter trek
Nearest Railway Station: Thessaloniki
Nearest International Airport: Thessaloniki Airport
Time required for sightseeing: 2 days

Mount Olympus is believed to be the abode of Greek gods and goddesses. Travel about 100 km southwest of Thessaloniki in north Greece and spend a few nights in the woods of this mystic abode of Greek gods. Like many travelers you will feel the existence of the spirits of the powerful gods and goddesses of ancient Greece. Zeus was the king of the gods who dwelled with his wife Hera in Mount Olympus in Greece. Here he stayed with his brothers Hades and Poseidon, sisters Hestia and Demeter, and children Apollo, Athena, Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis, Hephaestus, and Hermes. Monks and saints in the pre-Christian era used to spend days and nights in Mount Olympus in search of there revered goddesses and gods.

Not just an abode of gods, Greece Mount Olympus is the venue for lighting the Olympic flame every four years. Olympic torch relay, which began with 1936 Berlin Olympics, is initiated at the Temple of Hera in Olympia. Priestesses clad in white gowns light the Olympic torch by reflecting the sun rays with the help of a parabolic mirror. The torch thereafter is relayed through the participating countries before finally reaching the host city. This flame stays burning till the end of the Olympic Games.

Mount Olympus located between Thessaly and Salonika near Gulf of Salonika has an elevation of over 2000 meters with the highest peak Mytikas rising to 2917 meters or 9570 feet. The Mediterranean climate with cool summers and cooler winters allows you to visit Mount Olympus in Greece throughout the year. Before scaling the Olympus massif visit the Dion Museum and the Archeological Park at the foot of this mountain. It is believed that Alexander the Great used to make sacrifices at this spot before going on conquests.

It would take you around two days to scale Mytikas peak for which no special training or equipments are required. You can hike along a number of alternative trails all of which are attractive. An estimated variety of 32 mammal species, 102 bird species, and 23 plant species can be viewed in Mount Olympus. Along your trek have traditional Greek food and wine in the forested villages. It is an everlasting experience. From the summit the sight of azure blue Aegean Sea will leave you hypnotized. Be in this place in August when the Olympus Festival is held. You will be awed by theatrical performances in the restored ancient theater.

Related Links :

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=FHUyysOoomg: Check out the mystic of the Mount Olympus, which continues to charm and enchant visitors thousands of years after it existed as the sacred abode of gods for the ancient Greeks in this slideshow! Truly, it appears to be the abode of gods.

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