Hiking a mountain (let alone Greece’s highest) was not on my bucket list.

In the summer of 2019, the opportunity to hike Olympus Mountain arose. I just had an unsuccessful frozen embryo transfer; my husband was on a project in Abu Dhabi, and I wanted to keep myself busy. So, I said, what the hell, I might hike a mountain as well. As they say, “Life lies outside of your comfort zone”, right?

The hike was organized by a former colleague of mine. We were a team of 10 people, half of them experienced and half novices. We spent a total of 4 days trekking the mountain and spent 3 nights at the refuges. Every day we hiked around 3-4 hours. The team that reached the summit spent around 6-7 hours hiking that day. Οur schedule was far more relaxed than trekking companies do. On our way down we met a group that would spend only one night on the refuge. That means 8 hours of hiking each day. Brutal…

Now let’s see how a complete novice like me got prepared for hiking Olympus Mountain in case you’d like to do the same.

Hiking Olympus Mountain: The Gear

Since I do not plan on turning hiking into a hobby, I borrowed everything. From my clothes to my backpack and walking sticks. Luckily enough my cousins provided me with the essentials. The key when choosing clothes is layering. Our trip took place in mid-July, so I had to consider the sun, but also the mountain’s microclimate. My main outfit consisted of calf length leggings, a t-shirt, a sports bra, warm hiking socks and a pair of “sleeves” that I took off when I felt warm. I also had a second outfit that I wore in the refuges. As far as outerwear goes, I got a fleece lined sweatshirt and a water repellent jacket. Last but not least a jockey hat and my sunglasses.

I wore every piece of clothing I brought with me but I regret of not taking a second bra with me. I carried all this stuff in a large backpack (the size escapes me). As a skincare freak, I had to bring a pared down version of my routine as well. I carried with me sample sizes or decanted the products into sample size pots. I brought with me sunscreen (separate for face and body), cleanser (the Youth to the People one was perfect), toner and moisturizer. My sensitive and psoriasis prone skin tolerated the mountain weather and minimal skincare routine very well.

Hiking Olympus Mountain: The Route

We started off from Prionia and on the first afternoon we hiked up to Spilios Agapitos refuge. The route had parts where we hiked inside a forest and parts that we were in the open. It was rather warm that afternoon, so the forest parts were more than welcome. The path is about 4,5km and the altitudinal difference 1000m. According to the Olympus National Park Management Agency the hike duration is around 3 hours. I believe we reached Spilios Agapitos refuge in 3,5 to 4 hours, but my memory might fail me.

 

The next day we left the refuge and headed towards the top and Mouses plateau through Zonaria. At this point we split into 2 teams. One that did reach the top and one that continued hiking towards Giosοs Apostolidis refuge on the plateau (I was in the latter one). “Walking” through Zonaria was the hardest part of the hike for me. It’s not a steep path, but it was foggy and twice I had to walk across a thalweg, where there was no clear path, just some rocks. But I made it and I was very happy when I saw Giosos Apostolidis refuge!

We stayed there for the night and the next day headed to Petrostrouga refuge. This part of the mountain was much easier to navigate, and we quickly reached our destination. We could easily continue and get back home that day. But we decided on taking a break there and leave early next morning as there was rain on the forecast. The last leg of our trip, from Petrostrouga to Gortsia, was hiking down the mountain through a beautiful forest. It was a beautiful experience, but we almost lost our way at some point and had to backtrack to find the right path.

Hiking Olympus Mountain: The Experience

Hiking Olympus Mountain was definitely outside my comfort zone. Both from physical and mental aspect. I hadn’t been in the gym for months and just started exercising again a week before the hiking trip. Then there was the part that I carried everything I needed in a backpack, which meant I had to carry the bare necessities. Oh and did I mention the water in the refuges is super cold, so I opted not to shower, for 4 days…The last thing I had to overcome was sleeping in a room with at least 10 other people. But here I am to tell the story.

If I have the opportunity yes I’d like to hike again. Whether that is Olympus or another shorter mountain. Will I ever try to reach the top though? Hell no. I know my boundaries very well and I value my dear life a lot. I’ve seen photos of the trails that lead to the top and they are definitely not for me.

Do I encourage you to hike Olympus Mountain? Yes, I do. But do not do it in 2 days like most trekking companies do. You’d be better off hiring an experienced guide.

 

 

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