5: Gortsia → Petrostrougka → Muses' Plateau

5. Gortsia → Petrostrougka → Plateau of the Muses

One of the most important alternative routes to the Plateau of the Muses.

The route via Gortsia – Petrostrougka – Barbas – Plateau of the Muses provides a key access point to the high-altitude areas of Mount Olympus.

It is particularly appealing to hikers wishing to reach the Plateau’s mountain refuges and the peaks without relying solely on the Prionia–Refuge A route.

Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Always stay inormed about weather conditions and the weather forecast.

Consult local guides.

The classic mountaineering route Gortsia → Petrostrougka → Plateau of the Muses on Mount Olympus is one of the mountain's most beautiful and popular trails.

Route Details

Starting Point: Gortsia location (altitude ~1,137 m; accessible by road via the Litochoro–Prionia road)

Length: Approximately 11.3 to 13.4 kilometers (depending on the exact path taken)

Total Duration: Approximately 6 to 6.5 hours (ascent)

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,600 meters

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult (requires good physical fitness, especially beyond Petrostrougka and towards the Skourta pass).

Key Points & Stages

1. Gortsia → Petrostrougka

Duration: 2 to 3 hours (leisurely to steady pace)

Characteristics: The trail winds through a beautiful forest of beech and black pine. The ascent to the Petrostrougka Refuge is relatively gentle.

2. Petrostrougka → Skourta → Plateau of the Muses

Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Characteristics: From Petrostrougka, the landscape shifts to an alpine setting. You ascend towards the Skourta peak (2,479 m) and then traverse the "Koutra"—a passage offering views of Mytikas and Stefani—before arriving at the Plateau of the Muses (home to refuges such as Giosos Apostolidis and Christos Kakalos).

Useful Information & Instructions

*Maps & Tools: You can study the detailed route via TopoGuide Olympus or view user-recorded routes on Wikiloc—Gortsia to the Plateau of the Muses.

*Overnight Stay: Due to the route's length and significant elevation gain, many hikers choose to spend the night either at the Petrostrougka Refuge or at one of the refuges on the Plateau of the Muses.

*Equipment: Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, a windproof/waterproof jacket (weather on Olympus changes rapidly), a sufficient supply of water, and hiking poles.