Lifts have evolved from fulfilling only their basic function of transporting people vertically between floors to becoming true works of engineering and design, even attracting a large number of tourists and architecture lovers to places they would never have imagined.
From the fastest lifts in the world to lifts that offer incredible panoramic views, in this article we are going to take a tour of the most incredible lifts in the world, from the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the historic Eiffel Tower in Paris.
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai – The tallest and fastest lift in the world
What is the Burj Khalifa lift like?
The Burj Khalifa, at 828 metres high, is the tallest building in the world. So its lifts couldn't be any less impressive. It has no less than 57 lifts.
The Burj Khalifa’s fastest lift has two floors and reaches speeds of 10 metres per second, taking visitors to the “At the Top” observation deck in less than a minute, travelling more than 500 metres, from where they can see panoramic views of Dubai, from the desert to the Arabian Gulf.
The future of lifts is represented by the Burj Khalifa, with cutting-edge technology and a revolutionary design.
2. Eiffel Tower, Paris – A lift with history
When it opened in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was a true feat of engineering. The original lifts were a marvel for their time and, although they have since been modernized, they still retain some of their original mechanism and design.
The Eiffel Tower has 4 lifts in total, 3 of which are available to visitors and 1 of which is reserved exclusively for going up to the restaurant.
The lifts rise 300 meters to the top and, to this day, remain a unique experience for the millions of tourists who visit Paris every year.
3. AquaDom, Berlin – The lift inside an aquarium
What is it like to travel in a lift surrounded by fish?
This is undoubtedly the most iconic and special lift in the world. At the Radisson Blu hotel in Berlin, the AquaDom is a cylindrical lift surrounded by a 25-meter-high aquarium and more than 1,500 fish swimming around the lift.
Taking this lift is an impressive experience. Its panoramic glass panels immerse visitors in a unique underwater experience.
4. Bailong Lift, China – The world’s highest open-air lift
What is it like to ride the Hundred Dragon Lift?
This lift is located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Bailong Lift is the highest open-air lift in the world, with a height of 326 meters.
The Bailong Lift is not suitable for people with vertigo, as it is built on a rock cliff and is made of glass, allowing its passengers to enjoy huge panoramic views of the spectacular mountain landscapes of the place that served as inspiration for the film Avatar.
This lift is proof of how engineering can be perfectly integrated into nature.
5. SkyView in Stockholm. A lift in a spherical building
We are talking about the Ericsson Globe, the largest spherical building in the world. The lift that runs through its surface is the SkyView. Instead of moving vertically inside the building, it slides along the curved surface of the building, on the outside. It reaches a height of 130 meters and also offers its passengers panoramic views of the city. As if that weren't enough, the lift is also spherical.
6. The Lacerda Lift in Brazil, a lift with history
The Lacerda Lift is located in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. This is one of the oldest public lifts in the world. It was opened in 1873 and has been a key element in the city's mobility ever since, connecting the Upper City with the Lower City.
The lift is 72 metres high and was a real feat of engineering in its day. This lift transports more than 900,000 people every month.
With an Art Deco style and a privileged location facing the sea, this lift is a cultural and historical landmark in Brazil.
7. The Hammetschwand in Switzerland, a lift with views of the Alps
Finally, we could not fail to mention the Hammetschwand in Switzerland, which rises 152 metres above a cliff on Lake Lucerne.
Built in 1905, this lift rises 152 metres above a cliff on Lake Lucerne, allowing visitors to reach the top in less than a minute and enjoy a privileged view of the Alps and the lake.
The sensation of soaring over the edge of a mountain while taking in the spectacular alpine scenery is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences you can have in a lift.
Lifts as unique and unforgettable experiences
Beyond their everyday function, lifts have evolved into iconic works of art that combine technology, beauty and innovation. From the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa to the underwater lift of the AquaDom, each of these systems represents a unique way to experience vertical mobility.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lifts
At Eleva Balear , we haven't had the pleasure of installing any of the above mentioned lifts, but we are very proud to be experts in the installation, maintenance and modernization of lifts in Mallorca, offering innovative solutions adapted to each type of building. If you are looking for a lift company in Palma de Mallorca, we are your ally.
If you want to know more about lifts, we recommend reading: What is the History of the Lift?
