コロニア湖のおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

ホルティアティス虐殺は1944年9月2日に発生し、ギリシャにおけるナチス占領軍による最も凶悪な犯罪の一つです。ELASパルチザンによるドイツ車両への攻撃を口実に、ホルティアティスは同日、国防軍と悪名高い「シューベリテ」部隊に包囲されました。ドイツ軍とそのギリシャ協力者は前例のない残虐行為を示し、村の約300軒の家屋を略奪し焼き払いました。残虐行為の頂点は、グラマニス氏のパン屋で起こり、そこでは数十人の民間人、主に女性と子供たちが閉じ込められ、生きたまま焼かれました。その日、合計149人が命を落とし、そのうち109人が女性であり、犠牲者の中には数十人の未成年者も含まれていました。戦後、司令官フリッツ・シューベルトは犯罪で有罪判決を受け処刑されましたが、今日ホルティアティスは殉教の町として認められています。

Magnificent views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf

Always carry enough water with you, as natural springs on the trail can be seasonal.

The SEO Thessaloniki Refuge is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, nestled in a beautiful forest of beech and chestnut trees. It is typically open on weekends and holidays, offering a cozy spot for hikers to rest, enjoy a coffee, or eat a hot meal. The facility can accommodate up to 22 people for overnight stays in bunk beds, provided you book in advance with the SEO Thessaloniki club. It serves as a critical junction for trails leading to the Kolosourtis peak, the Icemakers' path, and the "Paliomilos" route. The refuge provides a reliable water source and shelter, making it the most popular meeting point for the local hiking community.

Always carry enough water with you, as this natural spring on the trail can be seasonal.

The rocky path is a steep shortcut starting at the edge of Hortiatis village, offering a more direct but physically demanding climb. The terrain consists of natural rock stairs and loose stones, requiring careful footing and basic hiking fitness. After about an half-hour to an hour of ascent, the trail opens into a plateau of beech and chestnut trees. From the plateau, you can head east to the mountain refuge or continue upward to reach the Kolosourtis summit. It is best used for a fast ascent, as the steep, rocky incline can be slippery and challenging during the descent.

Kolosourtis is the second highest peak of Mount Ηortiatis, standing at an elevation of approximately 1090m. The highest summit of Hortiatis is Kissos at 1200m but is restricted due to military installations and aviation radar. Therefore Kolosourtis serves as the primary goal for most hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Crossroad towards the SEO mountain hut. Has a sign post pointing to the right.