The Most Amazing Lifts Across the World

Many of us use an elevator on a daily basis; whether it’s to reach our office at the top of a high rise building, or carry heavy shopping to our flat instead of taking the stairs. Many of these lifts are a standard (and rather boring) grey box, but there are some lifts across the world that are amazing design feats in their own right. From a lift that’s installed right in the middle of an aquarium, to a lift that rises hundreds of metres up the side of a mountain, see our guide below for just a few of the most amazing lifts to be found across the globe.

AquaDom - Berlin, Germany

Found inside the Radisson Blu hotel in Berlin, the AquaDom is an 82 foot tall aquarium with an elevator right in its centre. The glass lift gives passengers incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding aquarium, which contains no less than 260,000 gallons of water, and over 1500 fish of around 50 different species. A team of three to four divers maintain the lift every day by feeding the residents with almost 18 pounds of fish food.

The Eiffel Tower Lifts - Paris, France

One of France’s most recognisable landmarks made technological history when its lifts first went into action in 1889 - no other contraption had ever carried such heavy loads to such heights before. Nowadays, two of the original lifts are still in operation, as well as an electric elevator for customers of the restaurant, and a four ton freight elevator for tower staff.

The Bailong Elevator - Zhangjiajie, China

Said to be the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, the Bailong (meaning ‘Hundred Dragons’) Elevator takes passengers up a steep cliff face to the height of 1,070 feet. It’s glass design offers stunning views of the area’s quartzite sandstone pillars below, with some reaching heights of over 2,600 feet.

Santa Justa Lift - Lisbon, Portugal

This neo-Gothic style lift was originally powered by steam when it was first constructed in 1902, and it still functions today, although in this modern age it is now electrically powered. Designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, the elevator still features the decorative birdcage-style cars, and was declared a national monument at its centenary in 2002.

Hammetschwand Lift - Bürgenstock, Switzerland

Opened in 1905, the tallest elevator in Europe transports passengers from a rock path to a lookout point 153 metres up. Offering spectacular views over Lake Lucerne, the Hammetschwand is one of Switzerland’s major tourist attractions.

All lifts need repairs from time to time, whether they’re on the side of a mountain or in your standard city office block. If you’re after professional lift maintenance and repairs for buildings in Scotland, get in touch with ADL Lift Services. We offer 24/7 emergency lift repair, as well as general maintenance on a one-off or ongoing basis, to ensure that you’re never caught short. For more information or to book an appointment, give us a call today or visit our website.