Rising to approximately 2,918 metres, Mytikas is the highest summit of Mount Olympus and the highest point in Greece. It stands above an extraordinary alpine landscape where geology, biodiversity, mountaineering and ancient Greek mythology come together.

For the ancient Greeks, Olympus was not simply a mountain. Its cloud-covered peaks were imagined as the realm of Zeus and the Twelve Olympian Gods, making the mountain one of the most powerful cultural landscapes in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Mytikas at a glance

Mytikas and Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is a massif rather than a single isolated summit. Its dramatic skyline contains several high peaks, with Mytikas forming the highest point.

Nearby Stefani rises to around 2,909 metres and is one of the mountain's most recognisable formations. Its imposing shape helped create its traditional association with the throne of Zeus.

The mountain rises remarkably quickly from the surrounding landscape, creating major differences in climate, vegetation and terrain over a relatively short distance.

The mountain of the gods

Home of Zeus

In ancient Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the home of the Olympian gods. Zeus ruled from the mountain together with deities including Hera, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Poseidon and Aphrodite.

Clouds, storms and the apparently inaccessible upper mountain helped give Olympus a supernatural character. To people observing the summit from below, its highest ridges could disappear entirely into cloud.

Mythology and landscape

Olympus became far more than a geographical location. Through writers such as Homer and Hesiod, the mountain developed into one of the great symbols of Greek civilisation.

Myths placed the palaces of the gods among its inaccessible heights, while Zeus was associated with thunder, storms and the sky.

From forest to alpine summit

One of the extraordinary features of Olympus is how quickly the landscape changes with altitude.

Lower slopes contain Mediterranean vegetation, while higher elevations support forests including black pine, beech and Bosnian pine.

Above the tree line the environment changes dramatically. Vegetation becomes sparse and exposed limestone dominates the summit landscape.

Wildlife

The Olympus ecosystem provides habitat for numerous birds and mammals, including the Balkan chamois.

The mountain is also internationally important for plant biodiversity and contains species adapted to its distinctive alpine environment.

The classic approach towards Mytikas

One of the traditional approaches begins at Prionia, around 1,100 metres above sea level.

From there, the mountain trail climbs through forest towards Spilios Agapitos Refuge, situated at approximately 2,100 metres.

Higher on the mountain the landscape becomes increasingly alpine as routes approach the high summits.

One well-known summit approach reaches Skala before continuing towards Mytikas. Beyond this point the character of the route becomes substantially more serious and exposed.

Important moments in Olympus history

Fascinating facts & curiosities

• Mytikas is the highest point in Greece. Its summit reaches approximately 2,918 metres.
• Mytikas is not the only summit of Olympus. The massif contains several major peaks, including Stefani and Skala.
• Stefani is traditionally called the Throne of Zeus. Its dramatic shape is closely connected with the mythology of the mountain.
• The sea is surprisingly close. Olympus rises sharply not far from the Aegean coast, contributing to its dramatic relief and unusual microclimate.
• The weather can change extremely quickly. Fog, thunderstorms and strong wind can develop around the upper mountain with little warning.
• The mountain contains very different ecosystems. Travelling upwards can take a visitor from Mediterranean vegetation through forest to a stark alpine environment.
• Olympus is now World Heritage. UNESCO inscribed the wider Mount Olympus area on its World Heritage List in 2026.

Mysteries, mythology & hidden stories

UNESCO World Heritage

In 2026, the wider Mount Olympus area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The designation recognises an unusual combination of natural and cultural significance. Olympus is internationally important both for its biodiversity and for its extraordinary influence on mythology, literature and Western cultural history.

UNESCO also highlights the mountain's limestone cliffs, karst landscapes, deep gorges and dramatic Mytikas–Stefani summit complex.

When is Mount Olympus normally climbed?

The Greek National Tourism Organisation describes June to October as the most accessible period for mountaineering on Olympus.

Winter changes the mountain completely. Snow, ice and severe weather mean that winter ascents require specialist mountaineering skills and equipment.

Respecting the mountain

Reaching a famous summit should never take priority over safe decision-making.

• Check mountain weather rather than only forecasts for nearby towns.
• Allow sufficient daylight and turnaround time.
• Carry appropriate mountain clothing and equipment.
• Do not underestimate exposed summit terrain.
• Use an experienced mountain guide when appropriate.
• Turn back if conditions or the group's ability make continuation unsafe.
• Protect the fragile alpine environment and remain on established routes.