Mount Olympus - the Sacred Mountain of Greece:
Mount Olympus is said to be the home of Zeus and the rest of the 12 Olympian gods and goddesses, who have the right to live with Zeus at his home in the clouds. It is possible that the original deity was a "mountain mother" rather than a god such as Zeus.
How high is Mount Olympus?:
Mount Olympus is not that dramatic a mountain in terms of its height. At its highest point, called Mytikas or Mitikas, it is 2919 metres high or approximately 9577 feet. It is the tallest mountain in Greece.
Where is Mount Olympus Located?:
Mount Olympus is located in the northeast of Greece in the region of Thessaly. Its coordinates are 40‹5Œ00N 22‹21Œ00
Can You Climb Mount Olympus?:
Yes. While it is said to not be too technically difficult, closer to a hike than a climb, it is still challenging and every year a few unlucky or over-confident people get into serious trouble on the mountain. Fatalities occur.
How Do You Get to Mount Olympus?:
There are both standard and tourist buses from both Athens and Thessaloniki taking the traveler to Litochoro, the village which provides the best access. There is also train service to the area.
Recent Excavations on Mount Olympus:
A recent archaeological expedition found ancient pieces dating back to Minoan times, indicating that the worship of a deity on the mountain may be even older than was first thought.
More on Mount Olympus:
At the foot of Mount Olympus, the archaeological site and museum of Dion offer exhibits on the mountain and the remains of major temples of Isis and other divinities.
Sacred Mountain Expedition: Mt. Olympus
Here's a brief account and some pictures of a fast Mount Olympus ascent by a pair of extremely experienced climbers.
Alternate spellings of Mount Olympus include: Olimbos, Olympos. Common misspellings include Olimpis, Olympis, Olmypus.
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