The best walks and hikes in Egypt

Here is a brief overview of what makes this structure so unique: Built by: Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), who ruled during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Age: It was completed approximately 4,500 years ago (around 2560 BC). Dimensions: Originally, it was about 146.6 meters high (today, due to the loss of its top section, it is about 138 meters). The base measures an impressive 230 meters on each side. Precision: The sides of the pyramid are aligned almost exactly with the four cardinal directions – the deviation is minimal.

The Obelisk of Hatshepsut This is the most impressive of all. It stands between the 4th and 5th pylons. Size & Weight: It is approximately 30 meters high and weighs about 340 tons. This makes it the tallest standing obelisk in Egypt. Material: It is made from a single piece of pink granite quarried in Aswan. Special Feature: Originally, the top was coated with electrum (an alloy of gold and silver) so that it would reflect sunlight and shine far and wide. Ritual Ablution: Priests had to absolve themselves several times a day and at night in the lake before every service in the temple. Without this ritual purity, they were not allowed to enter the inner sanctum or touch statues of the gods. Cultural Boats: During major festivals, the sacred barges (ceremonial boats) were ritually sailed across the lake. Facts about size and construction Dimensions: It measures approximately 120 meters in length and 77 meters in width. Water supply: The lake is fed exclusively by groundwater.

The Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple in Luxor is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Egypt. You wander through the illuminated temple complex at night while the story of the pharaohs and ancient Thebes is narrated over loudspeakers. Opening Hours: Winter (October – April): Usually at 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Summer (May – September): Usually at 7:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.

It may sound surprising, but these connections were often not intended to be permanent fixtures in the finished building: Securing during construction: The clamps prevented the heavy blocks from shifting while the mortar was still wet or while the layers above were being built. Earthquake protection: To a certain extent, they provided additional horizontal stability, preventing the walls from splitting apart during tremors. Symbolism and durability: For particularly important monuments, such as the Temple of Karnak or the pyramid funerary temples, absolute precision was paramount.

This statue stands directly in front of the second pylon and is a real eye-catcher: Depiction: Ramses II is shown in a classic pose – standing, his left foot slightly forward (the typical "striding pose"), his arms crossed over his chest. The special feature: Between his legs stands a much smaller figure. This is his favorite daughter (and later wife), Meritamen. The fact that she was placed there...

The Karnak Temple in Luxor is not just a single temple, but the largest temple complex in Egypt and one of the most important religious sites of the ancient world. Over a period of more than 1,500 years, numerous pharaohs built this complex to honor the god Amun-Re. Highlights and Architecture The Great Hypostyle Hall: The absolute showpiece with 134 monumental columns. The central 12 columns are an impressive 21 meters high. The reliefs on the walls and columns depict divine rituals and military victories. The Obelisk of Hatshepsut: At almost 30 meters high, this is one of the tallest standing obelisks in the world, carved from a single piece of granite. The Sacred Lake: Here, priests performed their ritual ablutions. Today, you can also find the famous giant granite scarab there – it is said that whoever circles it seven times will have a wish granted. Opening hours: Daily from 06:00 to 17:00.

Absolutely impressive, but incredibly crowded.

The view is unique and impressive. It's impossible to imagine how difficult it must have been to build such a structure back then 😱