"Should we go for two days or one?" That's how our weekend started. On Saturday morning, in an attempt to get up early, we dragged ourselves out at half past 7 and during breakfast thought about how we'd actually do it. We wanted to hike into Mount Olympus National Park. And at the same time it was kind of clear to us that we wouldn't make it to the highest mountain at this time of year. Plus I didn't want to drive Iveco all the way up to 1000m above sea level, where you can normally drive to. First, because we didn't know if there was already snow there by chance and we didn't want to be sliding somewhere on the way. Second, it's quite a climb into the mountains and then poor Iveco, it would be a big strain for him. And third, I wanted to walk on the E4 trail (one of the paths running through all of Europe), which leads through a canyon along the Enipea River. It's one of Greece's famous hikes!

So in the end we chose a 2-day trip, starting in the town of Litochoro, along the Enipea River to the upper parking lot and then somewhere further. We packed all our stuff for 2 days, drove to the edge of town, and set off.

The path led through a canyon, where we climbed over rocks for a while and then right back down. We encountered several nearly rotten bridges over the river and just jumped over smaller tributaries. The whole time it was foggy so there was almost nothing from the promised views. But we still enjoyed it, there was absolutely divine peace - considering that in summer it's probably completely packed with tourists!

Several times along the way we were startled by our chronic yellow-black stalker - a salamander! We'd already met him in Czechia, then in Hungary, and now here! And several times too! :D Otherwise we met about 3 people on the journey going the opposite direction.

We passed by the famous Dionysus Cave and a half-ruined monastery. Then it was just a little bit to the upper parking lot, where we were really looking forward to the tavern famous for its excellent Greek cuisine. It was already getting dark when we left from there, fortified by bean soup and beef meatballs with rice and fries. And we also tasted the local Mythos beer there! After several hours of hiking uphill, it really hit the spot and we felt slightly tipsy for the next part of the journey and marched on completely carefree... even though only the moon was lighting our way.

After less than 2 hours we found a somewhat flatter spot, set up the tent, wrapped ourselves up well, and fell asleep. It even froze a bit at night, but we weren't cold. Although I have to admit we really didn't want to leave the sleeping bags! In the van we heat it up right away in the morning so it's not such a shock, but in that tent it wasn't possible! :D

In the morning we quickly packed everything, moved to the nearest rest area, and cooked breakfast. We were debating whether to continue further or start heading back. The second option won. After yesterday's demanding climb, our untrained legs felt it quite a bit, so we didn't want to make it harder for them and slowly headed back. At the tavern we had coffee and tasted another typical Greek dish - goat soup (Goat bones were floating in it too!... not for me. :D But Leo really liked it.) And then we decided which way down. We didn't want to walk on pavement and the other option led the same way as up. And since today we have beautiful weather, we decided to go the same way and just enjoy the views with it.

Yeah right! But then we wouldn't have met the Olympic marathoners! You see, that very day there was an uphill race being run and it went along the Enipea exactly on the trail we came up. We didn't want to get in their way, so we chose a slightly more challenging alternative higher around the canyon over Mount Golna.

First there was a proper climb that took quite a toll on us, and then along a sort of gently descending and ascending ridge to the summit. It was definitely worth it! The views that gradually revealed themselves were priceless. And so, even though pretty tired out, we returned to Iveco sometime in the evening full of impressions from this 'mountain of the gods'.

If you're driving by, whether in winter or summer, I definitely recommend stopping here. Even if you just drive to the upper parking lot and sit for a while in the tavern there and just soak up this Greek atmosphere, which is slightly different from the typical seaside areas. We really enjoyed it and we only saw a really tiny piece of the whole range!