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Historic Paternoster elevators still in operation in Hesse
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

Historic Paternoster elevators still in operation in Hesse

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Paternoster elevators, a unique type of vertical conveyor, are still operational in several locations in Hesse, Germany.
  • Notable examples include the IG Farben House at Goethe University in Frankfurt and the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden.
  • While some are modernized and accessible, others face operational challenges due to age and the difficulty of sourcing spare parts.

Despite their age and the complexities of maintenance, Paternoster elevators continue to operate in several locations across Hesse, Germany, offering a unique vertical transport experience. These distinctive elevators, characterized by their continuously moving cabins and lack of doors, require a certain knack to use but remain functional in historic buildings.

They have been running for decades, but you need to know how to use them.

— Article contextDescribes the operational status and user requirement for Paternoster elevators.

In Frankfurt, the IG Farben House at Goethe University's Westend Campus boasts four operational Paternoster elevators out of eight. A spokesperson confirmed that these elevators were modernized in 2000 and are freely accessible to visitors, serving the library area. This accessibility stands in contrast to some other locations where usage is restricted.

Four of eight Paternoster elevators are still in operation.

— University spokespersonDetails the number of functional Paternoster elevators at Goethe University's IG Farben House.

At the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, two Paternoster elevators are present but currently out of service. A spokesperson indicated that necessary maintenance and repairs are being carried out by specialized companies. Access to these elevators is exclusively for employees of the statistical office. Similarly, the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt houses a Paternoster in its stairwell, accessible only to court personnel. This elevator was recently brought back into operation after a repair pause.

These are unfortunately currently out of order; necessary maintenance and repairs are being carried out by specialist companies.

— Spokesperson for the Federal Statistical OfficeExplains the current status of Paternoster elevators at the Federal Statistical Office.

Kassel's Rathaus 2 also features a Paternoster, installed in 1957. This particular elevator has 22 cabins and a lifting height of 38.30 meters. Although fully functional, the city has deemed it unsuitable for daily use due to fire and occupational safety regulations. It is now only operated on special occasions by trained personnel. The rarity and age of these elevators present significant challenges for repairs and maintenance, as spare parts are no longer readily available and specialized technicians are scarce. Building technicians have adapted to repair aging-related damage on the old technology.

Access to the Paternoster elevators is exclusively for employees of the Federal Statistical Office.

— Spokesperson for the Federal Statistical OfficeClarifies the restricted usage policy for Paternoster elevators at the Federal Statistical Office.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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