Sometimes on our travels, we just don’t feel like taking the stairs. That’s why elevators (and escalators) were invented. As these inventions have become an essential part of modern life, especially for those with disabilities, it’s difficult to remember a time before they existed. Elevators were invented in 1852; escalators a mere 40 years later. But as vital as these machines are, they’re usually pretty boring to look at. Very few escalators and elevators break the mold in terms of aesthetics, but those that do are worth the ride. Here are seven locations with the world’s most beautiful elevators and escalators.
Santa Justa Lift – Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s Santa Justa Lift reminds us of a time when elevators were newfangled contraptions. Often touted as the world’s most beautiful elevator, Santa Justa was constructed in the early 20th century in the neo-Gothic style that was popular at the time. Originally powered by a steam engine, the historic elevator still features wood carriages and elaborate geometric designs. And as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon, it proves that Santa Justa’s unique design has stood the test of time.
Atomium – Brussels, Belgium
Originally constructed for the 1958 world’s fair, the Atomium was the longest escalator in Europe when it opened. The stunning motorized stairway travels 328 feet and was once the fastest in Europe, too, carrying 3,000 people per hour. Although it no longer holds those distinctions, the Atomium’s escalator is still one-of-a-kind and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brussels. Renovated in the mid-2000s, it carries passengers diagonally through a space-age tube and is fitted with lights that immerse the traveler in a futuristic world that employs all the senses.
Natural History Museum – London, England
The Natural History Museum’s famous Globe Escalator transports passengers through space and time. The base of the escalator is guarded by the fossil of a 10-foot Stegosaurus, a nod to the Mesozoic Era that lasted from 252 million to 66 million years ago — a mind-boggling reminder of the age of our planet. With a single step, the escalator then whisks passengers into the future and beyond. Surrounded by constellations and drawings of the planets, the top of the escalator passes through a three-dimensional, glowing globe that is illuminated from within.
Ginza Six – Tokyo, Japan
Home to global fashion icons like Fendi and Saint Laurent, the upscale Ginza Six shopping mall is certainly pleasing to the senses but perhaps dangerous for your wallet. Designed by Gwenael Nicolas, the mall features a series of escalators that crisscross through nine floors in the mall’s light-filled central atrium. The pattern is meant to mimic the alleyways of Japan, and the futuristic, monotone machines are outfitted with lattice screens that allow light to shine throughout the entire space.
Globen Skyview – Stockholm, Sweden
Looking for the best view in Stockholm? Head to Globen Skyview at the Avicii Arena. Located in the second-largest spherical building in the world, after the Sphere in Las Vegas, the attraction features two globe-shaped gondolas that carry visitors up to 425 feet above sea level. Instead of the typical vertical trajectory of an elevator, the Skyview travels on a curved path that makes its journey completely unique. Departing every 10 minutes, the elevator ride lasts 30 minutes and provides expansive views of Stockholm and the surrounding area.
Falkirk Wheel – Falkirk, Scotland
The Falkirk Wheel is technically a boat lift, a device that raises boats out of the water, but it still counts as an elevator in our book. Inspired by the Celtic design found throughout Scotland, the Falkirk Wheel is also the only rotating boat lift in the world. Built in 2002, it replaced a defunct series of locks that connected two separate canals. Its modern technology allows for boats to travel from Forth and Clyde Canal and Union Canal in just five minutes. Try it out yourself by booking a boat tour — during the short journey, you (and the boat) will be lifted 115 feet high.
Hammetschwand Lift – Switzerland
Switzerland’s Hammetschwand Lift is the world’s highest open-air elevator. Carrying passengers from the edge of the mountain on the Felsenweg cliff path and down to the shores of Lake Lucerne, the elevator descends an astounding 3,714 feet. The adrenaline-pumping attraction has been in operation for over 100 years and remains one of the most popular tourist sites in the country. Despite its age, the elevator has had multiple renovations and overhauls to ensure the safety of its passengers, so you can rest easy while you take in the magnificent views.
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