Savremena’s students, together with teaching assistant Uroš Krstović, successfully climbed Mytikas, the highest peak on Mount Olympus. At 2,918 metres, Mytikas is the second highest peak in the Balkans and the home of Greek gods, with a breathtaking view.

The students slept in a campsite at an altitude of 2,000 metres, and after the mountaineering headed for the seaside and Thessaloniki for a well-earned break.
Detailed activities for the expedition.

Led by coordinator Uroš Krstović, Savremena’s students embarked on this journey on Friday afternoon. They arrived at the town of Litochoro around 8 PM, from where they continued on foot.

The climb to Mount Olympus required excellent preparation, and Savremena’s students proved equal to the task. They brought large backpacks with climbing gear – sleeping bags, tents and dry clothes – and smaller backpacks they needed in the final part of the climb.

Savremena’s students started the journey in pitch-darkness using flashlights. A drizzle accompanied the students along the way, however, through their enthusiasm and adventurous spirit, they managed to overcome the weather conditions. At midnight, after a four-hour climb, the students arrived at a mountain hut, the first base camp located at 2,100 metres.

After setting up the tents, the students changed into dry clothes and ate the food they brought, which took their minds off the cold wind and poor weather conditions.
They soon fell asleep, knowing that the long-awaited climb to the second highest peak in the Balkans was near.

Morning at the foot of Mount Olympus and the beginning of a mountaineering adventure after six hours of sleep

The following morning, the students enjoyed sunny Mytikas, where Zeus stopped the wind, bringing them nice weather as encouragement to conquer the mythical Mount Olympus.

But before embarking on this adventure, the students had to recharge their batteries.

Savremena’s students at 2,918 metres

After a three-hour climb, Savremena’s students reached the base of Mytikas, where they met a group of mountaineers with climbing gear, helmets and ropes. They successfully helped two students to overcome their fear of height.

Two of our students slowly climbed alongside and, grabbing every bump available, overcame their fear”, said Uroš and added: “They were clearly afraid of heights, however, their courage and the desire to reach the top is what prevailed”.

As proof of this, Savremena’s flag was hoisted on top of Mytikas and the achievement of Savremena’s students was recorded at the Throne of Zeus.

After a half-hour break, Savremena’s students took the same route back, however, due to the nature of the slope, they climbed down seated and looking ahead.

The students reached the seaside and the Serbian cemetery in Thessaloniki

After safely climbing down to the base camp, the students quickly headed for the seaside where they spent the night.

The following morning, the students went for a swim and recharged their batteries on the beach, after which they headed for Thessaloniki where they visited the Serbian cemetery. The oldest guard, Đole, told the students the harrowing tale of the many soldiers, officers and other members of the army buried at the site. In addition, Đole patiently answered the questions from the curious students.

After the interesting encounter and instructive tour, the students headed for Belgrade with lots of memories and incredible experiences and achievements they will talk about in the months to come. We’re proud of them!