Grammos

September 12-13

Grammos, with its highest peak at 2,520 meters, is the fourth tallest mountain in Greece. It is located a few kilometers from the city of Kastoria and “connects” the Prefecture of Kastoria with the Prefecture of Ioannina, as well as Western Macedonia with Epirus and Greece with neighboring Albania.

From its slopes originate the Aliakmonas and Sarantaporos rivers. Steep gorges, mixed forests, subalpine lakes, dense vegetation, and rare animal species (brown bear, roe deer, wild boar, wolf, otter, chamois, woodpecker, golden eagle, Egyptian vulture, birds of prey, and other wildlife species) compose the grandeur of the mountain, which is among the most beautiful areas in Europe.

At its foothills, surrounded by lush greenery, running waters, and rare natural wealth, a landscape of unique beauty is formed—an ideal destination for those seeking unforgettable experiences in majestic nature. Following recent recordings of its rich flora and fauna and the rare types of ecosystems it hosts, Grammos has been included among the most important bird and bear sanctuaries and is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 Network.

It is worth mentioning that the environmental organization Arcturos has included the wider mountain range as one of the most important areas in the world for the brown bear (a protected species in Greece and Europe).

Its highest peak is named Tsouka Petsik and reaches a height of 2,520m. Without snow, it is quite easy to approach as the ascent does not require special mountaineering knowledge, but with snow, things change drastically.

Due to the short duration of the days during winter, to reach the summit and return with daylight, one must start the ascent at night. Two of the most well-known villages in the area are Aetomilitsa, located below the peaks of Gkesos and Kiafa, and the village of Grammousta (Grammos), which is located further north. From the latter village, which is more difficult to access, it is easier to reach one of the largest alpine lakes in Greece, Lake Gistova.

However, Grammos, apart from its natural beauty, is also known for the battles fought on its slopes between the national army and the rebels (DSE). The national army, with a firepower of 90,000 men, had to face the 4,500 rebels of Grammos and another 7,500 on Mount Vitsi. In collaboration with the Americans, who even dropped test napalm bombs on Grammos, they managed to capture the entire mountain mass, with the last height being Kamenik, marking the end of the war phase of the civil war.

Thanks to the vast expanse of the Grammos complex, the possibilities for exploration are limitless. However, the mountainous geography places many limits on the asphalt road network, and most connections between the valleys are made with dirt roads, often impassable or covered with snow in winter. Thus, Grammos, apart from being a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers worldwide, also becomes the favorite place for the off-road community.

Day 1

Our meeting will take place in the village of Grammos or Grammousta, built at an altitude of 1,380 meters on the slopes of Mount Grammos, and is one of the most mountainous settlements in Greece. We settle in the guesthouse and prepare for our ascent to the fourth tallest mountain in Greece and the peak Tsouka Petsik or “2520.”

Our route, a combination of dirt roads and trails, follows a series of gentle meadows to the ridge and from there climbs to the summit. From the summit, we can see Smolikas and Tymfi and, of course, the Greek-Albanian borders and lose ourselves in the magic of the area.

Return to the guesthouse and rest because the exploration of the much-troubled Grammos continues the next day.

8 – 9 hours of hiking.

Day 2

Breakfast at the foothills of Grammos, and with our cars, we head towards the village of Aetomilitsa. Our route today will follow an eastern direction through dense vegetation with black pines and beeches, up to the subalpine plateaus, where there are two small lakes.

These lakes are connected by a 60-meter stream and are known to everyone as Lake Moutsalia, located at an altitude of 1,730 m. Then our route ascends with the goal of reaching the summit of Upper Arena at an altitude of 2,196 m.

The route, combined with the dense forests and the relative isolation of the area, offers us a unique landscape not found in any other part of our country.

Return to the village for recovery, filled with unique images.

5 hours of hiking

Essential equipment: