Most people know Mount Olympus from its hallowed place in the mythology of Ancient Greece. However, unlike many places of lost lore and religion, this mountain actually exists. While you may not find gods there, you will encounter some breathtaking views and understand why this place was so captivating to civilizations of old.
Why Olympus?
There are millions of mountains in the world, so why visit Olympus? Few come with the history this one has. In ancient Greek religion, it was believed to be the throne of Zeus, who was the ruler of the gods, and he twelve Olympians, who were revered deities, also lived here. This is where the term Olympic comes from, as Olympus was the name of the surrounding areas and villages.
The impact of these stories on our modern culture is profound. Even writers like Shakespeare plundered the tales of these gods and immortals for inspiration. Thus, they have influenced tropes and narratives across the world.
Popular culture has not escaped either. Numerous Hollywood action movies, both older ones like Jason and the Argonauts and more recent ones like Clash of the Titans, have taken advantage of the awesome Mount Olympus setting. Video games such as God of War have also adapted the setting and associated designs and characters to create expansive fictional worlds.
The iGaming industry is an area where you’ll find online casino games centred around multiple themes and where Greek mythology is well represented. Slot games are a versatile media: they’re based around the traditional slot machine and its simple mechanics. That featured three reels of icons that players would spin, hoping to match symbols along the middle row when they came to a stop.
The simplicity is fertile ground for creativity and it’s now common to see dozens of iterations of the simple game under one theme – that’s certainly the case with Ancient Greece. Titles like ‘Way to Olympus’ build the iconography and mythos of Greece into real casino slot games.
Further games in the genre such as Fury of Zeus and Way to Olympus have advanced mechanics that build on this. Symbols like wilds and scatters, themed with columns and Zeus’s lightning bolt, create new ways to win. The gods often represent the higher paying symbols in these casino games, providing the biggest payouts.
All this goes to show how Greek mythology and specifically Mount Olympus provides natural symbolism for a medium to draw upon to create something aesthetically impressive. So you can see exactly why the famous landmark is one to see first hand.
The Geography of Olympus
When you visit Olympus, it quickly becomes apparent why this hunk of earth was so worshipped. It stands 2917 metres above sea level but has been shaped by a unique combination of sea winds and rain. This gives it quite a severe step on one side, which looks entirely like it was placed there by a celestial entity.
Originally, it was formed around 180 million years ago from sedimentary rock. It was then covered by glaciers, which melted and formed streams of water. These cut channels into its surface, which pooled in the foothills of the mountains.
Traversing Olympus
All of this means that today, it’s quite the hike and even at its lowest parts you will need to stay fit. Make sure you have the correct boots, and consider walking poles, even on the most casual of trips. It is possible to drive partway up the mountain and park. From there, you can access easier hikes to the more scenic parts.
If you want to do a full hike you will need to set aside two or three days. By no means is it a taxing hike for those with experience, but it can be dangerous. The heat should not be underestimated, even in the cooler autumn months.
Don’t overlook the idea of getting a guide, which you should be able to find in the local towns. If you can group up with a few others or get on an arranged tour, it can be much cheaper. All of this means that today, it is quite the hike and even at its lowest parts you will need to stay fit.
Staying Around Mount Olympus
There are guesthouses and places to stay around the mountain itself. Litochoro is the town that positions itself as the gateway to Mount Olympus, and many people stay here. It houses plenty of amenities and is the information centre for Mount Olympus National Park.
If you are a history buff, there are also plenty of museums to keep you interested. These include buildings dedicated to Alexander the Great and a Nautical Museum. The town has a long military history on and off the water which remains relatively unknown.
It is also a great place to hit the beach and extends down to two areas known as Plaka and Gritsa. Most people choose to rest in one of these local seaside towns. Being in the north of the country, you will find they have less hustle and bustle than the European destinations of the South and the islands of Greece. Here you will find plenty of beaches, restaurants, bars, and camping areas.
Gritsa is the northernmost area, and less frequented, with fewer amenities. In both areas, many of these may only be open during summer. Thessaloniki is the closest major airport and is around a two-hour drive away. This may explain why Mount Olympus is relatively overlooked by tourists.
If you want to sample Greece outside of Athens and the tourist resorts, then this is it. It is hot, and at times can look like an alien planet. Yet Olympus is a sight to behold, and a natural wonder often overlooked by many travellers to this wonderful country.
