Christos Kakalos Refuge
The Plateau of the Muses is dominated by the refuge “Christos Kakalos” at an altitude of 2,650 meters. Its name honours the first guide of Olympus and conqueror of the mythical mountain, Christos Kakalos. Kakalos accompanied the first conquerors of Olympus, the Swiss Frederic Boissonas, a famous photographer and publisher, and Daniel Baud-Bovy, author and art critic, who reached the highest peak of Olympus on August 2, 1913.
Christakis Refuge
The Christakis Refuge located at the “Megali Gourna” basin, at an altitude of 2.550 meters. They’re an excellent starting point towards Mytikas, the highest peak of Mt. Olympus, as well as other peaks, such as Agios Antonios and Skolio. There are 16 beds (1o in the refuge, 6 in the bivouac). The refuge features wireless radio, a fireplace, a dining table and chairs, while the bivouac also has a fireplace. Both are accessible by road from Kalyvia.
Petrostruga Refuge
Petrostrouga refuge is nestled in the midst of a magnificent forest of beech and centuries-old pine trees at an altitude of 1.925 meters. The path leading to the refuge sets off from Gortsia, which is accessible from Litochoro by road. With a beautiful view of Litochoro, this refuge can accommodate up to 74 persons and is equipped with a fully-organized kitchen, restaurant, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves in every room, while there’s also an emergency heliport nearby. Within a 20-minute distance, one can visit the cave inhabited for a great number of years by the renowned Greek painter Vassilis Ithakisios, who derived his inspiration from the majestic scenery of Mt. Olympus. Moreover, climbing enthusiasts are sure to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the nearby ascending excursions.
Spilios Agapitos Refuge
The refuge Α΄ of Spilios Agapitos named after its designer, an engineer worshiper of mount Olympus, belongs to the Greek Federation of Mountaineer Associations. Located at 2,100 metres altitude in Balkoni, at a distance of approximately 2.5 hours by foot from Prionia. Founded in 1930, it hosts today 100 beds after various expansions. It is the most organised refuge with the highest number of visitors. Open from May to October.
Agios Antonios Refuge
The emergency refuge “Agios Antonios” is located on the Agios Antonios summit, at an altitude of 2.817 m with a housing capacity of up to nine persons. Emergency refuges provide shelter during severe weather conditions and are equipped with first aid supplies. The refuge was built in 1961 by the Aristotle University’s School of Physics and Mathematical Sciences in order to conduct meteorological observations related to the climate of Mt. Olympus.
Bivouac Kostas Migotsidis | Vrysopoules
This is an emergency refuge, located at an altitude of 2.360 meters. It’s situated after the “Vrysopoules” refuge, at the end of the Military Alpine Combat and Ski Training Center (KEOAX) lift. Its central location offers access to the trails on the mountain’s western side towards the center and the highest peaks of Olympus. It has a nine-bed capacity, including a space heater and wireless radio.
