Mount Olympus
Geography
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, with its highest peak, Mytikas, reaching a height of 2,918 meters (9,573 feet). The mountain is located in the Olympus Range on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, between the regional units of Pieria and Larissa, about 80 km (50 miles) southwest from Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Mount Olympus is notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods, on Mytikas peak.
Geology
The Olympus massif is a product of the geological processes that shaped the Hellenic arc, a curved line of geological deformation in the eastern Mediterranean. The formation of Mount Olympus began during the Tertiary period, around 65 million years ago, with the uplifting caused by tectonic forces during the Alpine orogeny. The mountain is composed primarily of sedimentary rock laid down 200 million years ago in a shallow sea. The specific geological processes and timeline that formed Mount Olympus are complex and span millions of years.
Climate
The climate of Mount Olympus is divided into three main zones: the Mediterranean, the Alpine and the Nival. The Mediterranean zone, up to 800 m (2,600 ft), is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Alpine zone, from 800 to 2,800 m (2,600 to 9,200 ft), is characterized by cold, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The Nival zone, above 2,800 m (9,200 ft), is covered with snow for more than eight months per year.
Flora and Fauna
Mount Olympus is known for its rich flora with several species. It hosts over 1,700 species of plants, including a number of endemic species, with the lower slopes covered in forests of beech, fir, and mountain pine, and the higher regions home to firs and junipers. The fauna of Mount Olympus is also diverse, with species like the roe deer, the wild goat, the wild boar, the badger, the weasel, the hare, and the fox. The golden eagle, the short-toed snake eagle, the lanner falcon, the alpine chough, and the rock partridge are some of the bird species that can be found on and around the mountain.
Mythology
In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was regarded as the "home of the gods", specifically of the Dodekatheon, the twelve principal gods of the ancient Hellenic world. It was here that the gods held their council and feasted. The gods who resided here represented a practical religion that was to influence every aspect of Greek life. Mytikas, the highest peak, was thought to be the throne of Zeus, the king of the gods.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering on Mount Olympus began in the 19th century and the first recorded ascent was made in 1913. The mountain's easy accessibility from Athens and Thessaloniki and the variety of climbing routes have made it a popular destination for mountaineers from around the world. The Greek Mountaineering Club of Thessaloniki operates three refuges on the mountain and there are a number of other private refuges, offering accommodation for climbers and hikers.
Olympus National Park
In 1938, the first national park in Greece was established, the Olympus National Park, in order to protect the environment and ensure the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The park spans an area of 238.411 hectares and it includes not only the Olympus range but also the surrounding areas. The park is home to a variety of ecosystems and hosts some of the richest flora in Greece.