
A 5-star road to Mount Tymfristos in the Pindus mountains
Greece, europe
10.2 km
981 m
hard
Year-round
# Mount Tymfristos (Velouchi): A Thrilling Alpine Adventure
Ready for some seriously stunning mountain driving? Mount Tymfristos, aka Mount Velouchi, is calling your name. Perched at 1,862 meters (6,108 feet) above sea level right in the heart of Central Greece, straddling the border between Eurytania and Phthiotis, this peak is pure magic.
The main paved road starting from Karpenisi is where the real fun begins. You're looking at a 10.2km climb packed with 9 hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Climbing from 981m to nearly 1,862m means you're conquering 881 meters of elevation gain, with an average gradient of 8.63%—steep enough to get your adrenaline pumping, but totally doable on well-maintained asphalt.
Once you reach the summit area, you'll find a lively ski resort that's been welcoming winter sports enthusiasts since 1974. Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle slopes or an advanced skier craving a challenge, there's something here for everyone.
Want to push even higher? A rugged gravel road exclusively for 4x4 vehicles climbs another 330 meters to the true summit at 2,192 meters (7,191 feet)—one of the highest roads in Greece. Fair warning though: this rough route is only passable from July through October.
The views from up here? Absolutely breathtaking. Gaze out across the central Greek mountains, with Vardousia and Kaliakouda stretching to the south and Panetoliko and Chelidona rising to the southwest. Pure alpine bliss.
Where is it?
A 5-star road to Mount Tymfristos in the Pindus mountains is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 39.2372, 22.1822
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 981 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.2372, 22.1822
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