Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Teenager Climbed Great Pyramid Despite Egyptian Law
In 2016, an 18-year-old German tourist named Andrej Ciesielski climbed the Great Pyramid in Egypt.
Climbing the pyramid was against Egyptian law.
He used a camera to record his climb.
Police saw him while he was partway up and told him to stop.
He continued and reached the top in about eight minutes.
After taking pictures, he climbed back down in about 20 minutes.
Police took him to a station and questioned him.
He was later released without being prosecuted, although reports said climbers could face prison penalties.
German tourist Andrej Ciesielski climbed the Great Pyramid of Giza in broad daylight in 2016, when he was 18.
Ciesielski used a GoPro to record the ascent and later shared photographs and videos online.
Police spotted him about halfway up and ordered him to descend, but he continued to the summit.
He reportedly reached the top in about eight minutes, stayed for several minutes, and took roughly 20 minutes to climb down.
After questioning, Ciesielski was released without prosecution; reports said climbing the pyramids could result in prison penalties under Egyptian law.
- Who
- Eighteen-year-old German tourist Andrej Ciesielski and Egyptian police.
- What
- Ciesielski climbed the Great Pyramid of Giza, recorded the stunt, and was questioned by police.
- When
- In 2016.
- Where
- The Great Pyramid of Giza near Cairo, Egypt.
- Why
- He chose to attempt the climb despite knowing it was prohibited and despite warnings from locals.
- Monument
- The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops.
- Climber
- Andrej Ciesielski, a German tourist who was 18 at the time.
- Ascent time
- Approximately eight minutes.
- Descent time
- Approximately 20 minutes.
- Police response
- Police spotted him halfway up, ordered him down, and questioned him after he returned.
- Legal status
- He was reportedly released without prosecution.
- Possible penalty
- Reports said pyramid climbing was an offence that could carry prison time under Egyptian law.