The many wonders of technology just keep on evolving with newer sleeker designs. From simple pulley lifts we now have lifts that cover skyscrapers in less than a minute. Read further for 10 of the most insane lifts ever built by man!
Hammetschwand Elevator (Switzerland)
Europe's highest exterior elevator, The Hammetschwand Lift is located in Switzerland and overlooks the serene Lake Lucerne. Built and opened by the Schindler Group the life carries passengers 153 meters upto the summit of the Hammetschwand in less than a minute.
Europe's highest exterior elevator, The Hammetschwand Lift is located in Switzerland and overlooks the serene Lake Lucerne. Built and opened by the Schindler Group the life carries passengers 153 meters upto the summit of the Hammetschwand in less than a minute.
Taipei 101 (Taiwan)
The world's fastest elevator travelling at a speed of 16.3 m/s belongs to the Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center. Taipei 101's elevators sweep visitors from the fifth floor to the 89th-floor observatory in only 37 seconds.[24] Each elevator features an aerodynamic body, fullpressurization, state-of-the art emergency braking systems, and the world's first triple-stage anti-overshooting system.
The world's fastest elevator travelling at a speed of 16.3 m/s belongs to the Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center. Taipei 101's elevators sweep visitors from the fifth floor to the 89th-floor observatory in only 37 seconds.[24] Each elevator features an aerodynamic body, fullpressurization, state-of-the art emergency braking systems, and the world's first triple-stage anti-overshooting system.
Louvre Elevator (France)
If you thought glass elevators were cool, then check out this one, which boasts a slide-out walkway. This hydraulic elevator at the louvre in paris is one of only a few in the world. Looking like something from a sci-fi film, the open lift quietly and smoothly rises from the floor at the press of a button
If you thought glass elevators were cool, then check out this one, which boasts a slide-out walkway. This hydraulic elevator at the louvre in paris is one of only a few in the world. Looking like something from a sci-fi film, the open lift quietly and smoothly rises from the floor at the press of a button
Bailong Elevator (China)
One of the craziest glass elevators in the world, the Bailong Elevator is built off a cliff dropping 1,070 feet. The construction built onto the side of a huge cliff in the Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie, began in 1999 and was opened to the public in 2002. The environmental effects of the elevator have been a subject of debate and controversy, as the Wulingyan area was designated a World Heritage Site in 2002.
One of the craziest glass elevators in the world, the Bailong Elevator is built off a cliff dropping 1,070 feet. The construction built onto the side of a huge cliff in the Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie, began in 1999 and was opened to the public in 2002. The environmental effects of the elevator have been a subject of debate and controversy, as the Wulingyan area was designated a World Heritage Site in 2002.
Santa Justa Lift (Portugal)
Built in the historical city of Lisbon, Portugal, the Santa Justa Lift connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. A tourist attraction, the lift is the only remaining vertical one. Others, including Elevador da Glória and Elevador da Lavra, are funiculars, and the other Lift constructed around the period, the Elevator of São Julião has since been demolished.
Built in the historical city of Lisbon, Portugal, the Santa Justa Lift connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. A tourist attraction, the lift is the only remaining vertical one. Others, including Elevador da Glória and Elevador da Lavra, are funiculars, and the other Lift constructed around the period, the Elevator of São Julião has since been demolished.
Space Needle (Seattle, Washington):
Built for the 1962 World's Fair during which time the elevators to the towers rotating upper level serviced nearly 20,000 people a day. The upper level currently features an observation deck, a gift shop, and the famous rotating SkyCity restaurant. The elevators travel at 4.5 m/s and te whole trip takes 41 seconds, with tourists often waiting in hour long lines to ascend to the top of the tower.
The Gateway Arch (Missouri):
Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and German-American structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel in 1947, the Gateway arch stands a whoping 630 feet high. Near the top of the arch, passengers exit the tram compartment and climb a slight grade to enter the arched observation area. There are 32 windows (16 per side), each measuring 7 by 27 inches (180 mm × 690 mm) and allowing views across the Mississippi River and southern Illinois. The arch has become the iconic image of St. Louis, appearing in many parts of city culture.
Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and German-American structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel in 1947, the Gateway arch stands a whoping 630 feet high. Near the top of the arch, passengers exit the tram compartment and climb a slight grade to enter the arched observation area. There are 32 windows (16 per side), each measuring 7 by 27 inches (180 mm × 690 mm) and allowing views across the Mississippi River and southern Illinois. The arch has become the iconic image of St. Louis, appearing in many parts of city culture.
Lacerda Elevator (Brazil):
The elevator itself is one of the popular landmarks in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The people of the city and tourists alike take the elevator to get up to the mountain. You can enjoy one of the best ice creams in the city at a small shop within the station, once you are on top. This is where the common historical landmarks begin in the city as well after you get on the mountain. During Carnival there are concerts that are held in the square and there is also a carnival route through the area as well. I would highly recommend that you go to Carnival in Salvador as its the Brazil’s Carnival and you get to be with mostly Brazilians rather than tourists.
The elevator itself is one of the popular landmarks in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The people of the city and tourists alike take the elevator to get up to the mountain. You can enjoy one of the best ice creams in the city at a small shop within the station, once you are on top. This is where the common historical landmarks begin in the city as well after you get on the mountain. During Carnival there are concerts that are held in the square and there is also a carnival route through the area as well. I would highly recommend that you go to Carnival in Salvador as its the Brazil’s Carnival and you get to be with mostly Brazilians rather than tourists.
Eiffel Tower (France)
One of most beautiful structure to grace the face of the planet, The Eiffel Tower is part of this list but not for its symbol, instead for its elevator. The original elevators to the first and second floors were provided by two companies. Both companies had to overcome many technical obstacles as neither company (or indeed any company) had experience with installing lifts climbing to such heights with large loads.
One of most beautiful structure to grace the face of the planet, The Eiffel Tower is part of this list but not for its symbol, instead for its elevator. The original elevators to the first and second floors were provided by two companies. Both companies had to overcome many technical obstacles as neither company (or indeed any company) had experience with installing lifts climbing to such heights with large loads.
Luxor Inclinator Elevator (Nevada):
In Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Luxor Hotel, is the Inclinator. The shape of this casino is a pyramid. Therefore, the elevator travels up the side of the pyramid at a 39 degree angle. Although people refer to this "inclined elevator" as an inclinator, this is incorrect.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Luxor Hotel, is the Inclinator. The shape of this casino is a pyramid. Therefore, the elevator travels up the side of the pyramid at a 39 degree angle. Although people refer to this "inclined elevator" as an inclinator, this is incorrect.
