The area of Olympus, both land and water, is officially designated as a National Park by a decree of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, published in the Government Gazette. The first area of the country to be designated a “national park” in 1938 has now an additional institutional protective net. The presidential decree also delimits and defines the protection zones, land use, conditions and permitted activities.
What’s in the agenda for visitors, climbers, vehicle traffic
In Zone A-Nature Protection area, only scientific research of natural ecosystems and work deemed absolutely necessary for the conservation of protected species and habitats will be allowed.
In Zone B-Nature Protection area, ecotourism activities, organised climbing, mountaineering and ski-mountaineering, marathons and “aerial sports without motor or mechanical parts” such as mountain parachuting and hang gliding will also be allowed. “Wheeled sports” and activities that could disturb or have a negative impact on the natural environment, such as helicopter skiing, are no longer allowed.
At the same time, the installation of observation posts, signs and scientific equipment is allowed, as well as the creation of rest facilities for visitors, such as wooden and stone seats, shelters and fountains, made of natural materials in harmony with the natural environment. In addition, the large mountain shelters will be maintained to improve their functionality.
Off-road traffic – when allowed
In zone B, vehicle traffic and parking is allowed only on existing access roads, including forest roads. In order to protect wildlife, i.e. native flora and fauna, to facilitate the conservation of the area (placing barriers, signs, etc.) and for reasons of fire protection or protection against natural disasters, it is possible to prohibit the circulation of both vehicles and individuals on parts of the road network. The curfew is regulated by a decision of the Coordinator of the relevant Decentralized Administration, following the recommendation of the relevant forestry services and after a relevant advisory of the Management Body, which will specify the time and place of the curfew, possible exceptions, as well as all the technical work and means required for its implementation. Vehicular traffic outside the existing road network is allowed only in cases of emergency (e.g. fire, transport of injured or sick people) and for the safety needs of the area. Beekeeping, free grazing, organic farming and arboriculture (on legally cultivable land), logging and herb foraging from public and non-public forests and woodlands will be allowed outside zones A and B of the National Park. Also outside of these same zones, local products may also be sold in certain indoor or outdoor areas and hunting may be allowed, subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
In the entire area of the park, the introduction of non-native flora and fauna species, the alteration of geological formations, the destruction of forest vegetation, the intentional trapping or killing, as well as the captivity of wildlife species, the collection, cutting, uprooting, possession, transport of plants, the use of pesticides and insecticides, etc. are prohibited.
Also, in Mount Olympus, outdoor free overnight camping will not be allowed, nor will fishing. Ultimately, tourist circulation along and within the bed of the flowing streams is forbidden, unless the Management Plan that will be made will provide otherwise for specific locations and periods of time.
Read Also:
Unique mountaineering experience: Conquering the highest mountain in Greece
Spirit of Gods: Distilled Arbutus Berries from Mt. Olympus
