Mytikas

The carriageway

Country: Greece
Area name: Mount Olympus
Activity: MTB
Date of the ride: 19-Aug-2012
Length (km): 58.5
Elevation gain (m): 2700
Technical difficulty: ●●●●
GPS tracklog: download

Overview of mountain biking route

MTB route Mytikas is located on the south side of Mount Olympus. Mytikas peak at 2917m is the highest elevation point of Mount Olympus and Greece and 2nd on Balkan. The first section of the route is placed on the paved road and than follows the steep carriageway section. Due to steep ascent count to hike most of the time. I left the bike at the elevation of 2840m and hiked to Mytikas and Skala peaks without the bike. The downhill ride was done starting from the elevation of 2840m. At the end of the paved section at elevation of 1750m there is a ramp controlled by military forces. I got the license to pass the ramp of the military camp. This is the official skiing center of the army and making photos in military zone wasn’t allowed. To pass the ramp ID document like passport was needed.

Getting there: Europe, Greece, Athens, Lamia, Larissa, Elassona, Kallithea, Olympiada.

Map of mountain biking route:

Description of MTB route:

The starting point of the route is in Olympiada village. From Olympiada proceed on the paved road to the east course. Turn left on the next crossroad. At the next junction keep straight and proceed on the carriageway. In few turns the carriageway leads to the paved road again. Proceed on the paved road. The ascent leads in many turns to the military base. At the right side of the paved road at 2 points there are 2 fountains. Be aware this is the last chance to take the water! At the elevation of about 1750m there is the end of the paved road and the ramp of the military base. ID documents are needed and request to proceed on the carriageway to Olympus mountain. The steep carriageway leads to Olympus mountain ridge. Due to steep ascent count to hike most of the time. At elevation of about 2340m there is the shelter. Pass near the shelter and keep left on the carriageway. The carriageway ends at the ridge of Mount Olympus. At the end of the carriageway turn right to the east course and proceed on the steep and rocky path. After few hundred meters turn left and proceed to the north course. The singletrack leads to the junction at about 2840m. I left the bike at the junction between Mytikas and Skala peaks. From the junction I hiked to Mytikas and Skala peaks. The final section to Mytikas peak is very steep and exposed. From the mentioned junction I rode back on the same trail. The downhill ride was done starting from the elevation of 2840m. For more details check above interactive Map and below Gallery & Notes of the route.

Elevation profile of MTB route:

Elevation profile of MTB route on Olympus mountain

Notes & references:

Best time for ride: summer or fall. Due to very steep and exposed hiking trail to Mytikas take some good hiking shoes. In wet conditions do not force the final climb to Mytikas. The trail isn’t labeled so GPS with uploaded route is a must. Count on foggy weather at the ridge of Mount Olympus so the navigation without the GPS could be a big problem. To pass the military zone take the passport or ID document. Check above text and count to take enough water! Water points are included in GPS tracklog.

Gallery of mountain biking route: