From May 1–4, 2025, a group of women from Austria, Slovakia and Greece came together in Litochoro, Greece, for an unforgettable hiking experience on the legendary Mount Olympus. The trip was designed to encourage women to connect with nature, support each other, and stay active through hiking—building a community of strong, like-minded women in the outdoors.
The adventure began on Friday with a scenic hike to the Refuge Stavros, a spot known for both its natural beauty and religious significance. After an introduction and preparations, the group set off on an 11.5 km hike, climbing steadily through diverse landscapes. The trail led to Prionia, where the group enjoyed a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, they visited the peaceful St. Dionisios Monastery, soaking in both nature and history before returning to the hotel. The day concluded with a reflective evening workshop and some free time to explore the charming town of Litochoro.
On Saturday, the group departed early for a more challenging journey. Departing from Gortzia, they embarked on a 13.5 km hike ascending nearly 1,000 meters, reaching 2,000 m at the highest point. A rest stop at the Petrostrougka refuge offered a chance to recharge before continuing the scenic climb. After returning to the starting point, the group visited the Orlias stream and waterfalls for a refreshing recovery swim. The day ended with well-deserved rest and a group discussion to reflect on the physical and emotional journey.
The days were enriched by interactive workshops led by participants on topics such as hiking preparation, navigation, safety in mountains and hiking equipment to endure that women learn about the various important factors of hiking and teach each other in the process, strengthening their team spirit and sharing of good practices.
This hiking trip was part of the 3HUTS project, an international initiative that aims to promote hiking among women and explore how mountain infrastructure—such as trails, huts, and amenities—can be improved to better meet their needs. Through study visits, surveys, and shared experiences, the project gathers insights on what makes hiking more accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive. The goal is to break down barriers, encourage more women to participate in mountain activities, and support the development of safe, welcoming outdoor environments across Europe.
What’s next?
To carry the spirit of the adventure forward, each participant is required to organise a local outdoor event for at least five women in their community by the end of this year. This follow-up activity is not only part of the project’s mission to inspire more women to enjoy the outdoors and build supportive networks—it is also a mandatory condition for receiving travel cost reimbursement. Reimbursement (up to the approved budget of 275 €) will only be processed after the event has taken place and the necessary documentation has been submitted. These local events don’t need to be complex; even a simple group walk in a local natural area counts, as long as it creates space for others to get involved.
