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Switzerland Doorless elevators

Several decades ago I was surprised to find an elevator in Bern, that had no doors. People step on or off the slow moving elevator at their desired floor. Does anybody know if, and where these types of elevators can still be found? Thanks, Cory

Posted by
2636 posts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro3Fc_yG3p0 Paternoster lifts
certainly a few around especially in central and eastern Europe, this one in the video is in Prague, not sure if it is still on the go but there are a few others about.
Used to be one in my old university many years ago but not seen any in the uk in 40 years.

Posted by
8889 posts

Yes, a "paternoster" lift. Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paternoster
I haven't seen one for a long time. I doubt they are legal for new builds. Definately not "wheelchair friendly". A few old ones might exist.
There were some in the UK. I remember one at University. A trick was to convince "freshers" they turned up-side down at the top, and then dare them to ride it over the top. Of course they don't, they stay the same way up. Examine the floor and roof would show they are not invertable.

Posted by
3938 posts

I’ve never seen one of these elevators but I’d go out of my way to experience one. Chris, thanks for the Wikipedia link to the article that has a partial list of where some of the remaining lifts are located around Europe.

UncleGus, you seem to have the biggest chance of seeing a few in Prague!