1976day.year
Christos Kakkalos
(1882 - 1976)
Greek mountain guide
Greek mountain guide
Pioneering Greek mountain guide famed for leading the first recorded ascent of Mount Olympus.
Born in 1882 near Litochoro, Greece, Christos Kakkalos became a pioneering mountain guide on Olympus. In 1913, he led a German-British expedition to the summit of Mytikas, recording the first documented ascent of Mount Olympus. His local knowledge and enduring fitness made him an indispensable companion for climbers of the region. Kakkalos spent decades guiding explorers, scientists, and tourists up the mountain's peaks. He helped map routes and promoted safety practices that became standard in Greek mountaineering. His contributions inspired the creation of the Olympus National Park in 1938. Kakkalos remained linked to the mountain until his death in 1976, revered as a legend in Greek alpinism.
1976
Christos Kakkalos