Aswan

Aswan is Egypt's most beautiful city — and the exact opposite of Cairo. Here, at the first Nile cataract, the river flows calmly between reddish-brown granite rocks and palm islands. The air is drier, the sky clearer, the pace slower. Aswan has always been the gateway to Nubia and Africa, and Nubian culture still shapes the city today: colorful houses, different music, different cuisine.

Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)

The Temple of Isis on the island of Philae is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt — and has a dramatic history: In the 1970s, it was threatened with submersion by Lake Nasser. In a spectacular UNESCO rescue operation, it was dismantled block by block and rebuilt on the higher island of Agilkia. The boat ride to the island (included in the ticket), the temple with its Ptolemaic reliefs, and the sound and light show in the evening (350 LE) are highlights of any Aswan trip.

Felucca Ride on the Nile

A felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailboat — and a sunset ride on the Nile in Aswan is one of Egypt's most romantic experiences. The boats glide silently between the islands, past the Aga Khan Mausoleum and the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island. Price: 200–400 LE for 1–2 hours (negotiate!).

Nubian Village

A boat trip or camel ride to one of the Nubian villages on the west side of the Nile is a must. Colorfully painted houses, friendly residents, Nubian tea with hibiscus, and crocodiles as pets (yes, really). An authentic experience away from the temples. Half-day excursion from 30–50 € per person.

High Dam (Sadd al-Ali)

The Aswan High Dam (1960–1970, built with Soviet assistance) is a masterpiece of engineering — 3,830 m long, 111 m high, it dams the Nile to form Lake Nasser. The dam ended the annual Nile floods, enabled year-round irrigation, and generates electricity for all of Egypt. The view of Lake Nasser is impressive.