Mount Olympus, the snow-capped mountain in Greece known as the mythological home of the 12 Olympian gods, is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. Rising 2,918 meters (9,573 feet) from near sea level, it was believed by the ancient Greeks to be the throne of Zeus, king of the gods, situated on its highest mist-shrouded peak.

Modern-day Greeks hope to have the mountain recognized as a mixed cultural and natural site. The nomination will be discussed at the World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan, South Korea, from Sunday, July 19 through Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Representatives from 21 countries will vote on nominated sites during this annual meeting.

Evagelos Geroliolios, mayor of Dion-Olympus and based in Litochoro—the mountain’s main town—highlighted the mountain’s significance: “It is the place we grew up in. It is the place we see every day, but at the same time, it is also a place which carries with it myth, history, biodiversity, extraordinary beauty and a very great cultural weight.”

According to Greece’s UNESCO nomination, the sanctuary on Mount Olympus is believed to be the one mentioned by the ancient philosopher and historian Plutarch in the 2nd century, who wrote of processions to one of Olympus’s peaks for animal sacrifices to Zeus. The mountain is also famed as the site where Zeus established his court after overthrowing his father, Cronus, in a 10-year war ending the reign of the Titans.

While the mountain attracts hikers, safety remains a concern. In May 2026, rescue crews found the body of a 25-year-old Spanish man who went missing attempting to reach the summit in snowy conditions. Triantafyllos Giannospyros, a 32-year-old hiker visiting Mount Olympus for the first time, advised caution: “You need to be careful, and safety measures must always be kept in mind. But with care and with good organization, it isn’t something you should be afraid of.”