Oiti is located at the northeast end of Vardousia and spans at Fthiotida and Fokida prefectures. It is a limestone mountain and at its alpine part there is flysch. Its altitude is over 2000m and most of its part is cover by firs. (Abies cephalonica). There are also oak and black pines. Near the rivers there are planes and willows. From the area Gorgopotamos and Asopos rivers emanate. Both of them create gorges in te mountain; to canyon the first one special equipment is needed while the second is easily accessible. Asopos separates Oiti from Kallidromo (Lokrida). The mountains is a national park since 1966 and it is the third largest one.κόσμο, η Veronica oetaea.
Near the peak Greveno there are some small alpine lakes and fields that in springtime they become colorful from the endemic plants of the mountain. The plant Veronica Oetaea can only be found here. Oiti is a very popular place for the mushroom collectors.
The fauna is reach with wolves, hares, boars, wild goats etc. Lately bears have been reported. Also many wild birds exist. At the alpine lakes there are Alpine Triton (Triturus alpestris). Even though Oiti is a protected area there are many forest roads that enable visitors to access the remotest part too easily. Many visit the mountain with mountain bikes.
Highest elevation
Pyrgos 2.152m
Distances
233km from Athens
337km from Thessaloniki
Shelters
Mountain club of Lamia tel: +30 22310 26786
Recommended route
Trail of the employees of the railroad
Outside of the village Irakleia we follow the road towards the bridge of Asopos and the end of the gorge which can be seen from the village. A little before the bridge there is a church on the left hand side. There is a white sign that shows the trail. From this point on the path is obvious and there are sings along the way. We follow the trail on the slopes of the gorge and over the railway. After an hour and a half we reach an area with bushes where the trail ends on the railroad and the abandoned rail station. We can return the same way or move on the village Oiti. It takes about 4 hours with return and the path has no technical difficulties.
Nearby sights
There are many nice mountain villages around the mountain. To the south there are many forest road and to the north start most of the trails. The village of Pavliani is famous and has taverns and hotels. Another interesting place are the baths of Ypati with the famous thermal springs, the view to the mountain and the park with the huge pine trees. Kastania and Pyrgos are on the slpoes of Oiti. From the first starts the road for the shelter.
Local history
The most famous place on the mountain is the bridge of Gogopotamos. During the German occupation in WWII the bridge was destroyed by explosion by partisan forces. Because of this the supply line to the German forces fighting to North Africa was cut for several weeks.
This incident was also important because it was the only time that the left-wing guerrillas (EAM) cooperated with the right-wing ones (EDES) and the British. EAM, under Aris Velouchiotis contributed 120 soldiers and EDES under Napoleon Zervas 65. The British were 12 and they brought 150 kg of explosives.
Skiing
There are no ski centers.
author – photographer: Panos Bampaloukas
